Also subjected myself to the new Adam Sandler produced (and David Spade starring) Netflix original The Wrong Missy. This is another in the much-mocked Sandler films set in exotic locations that were clearly made so everyone could take a vacation. This one to Hawaii.
The film stars Spade as a guy who goes on a disaster of a blind date… she turns out to be certifiably crazy and he makes his escape through the bathroom window. He then meets a drop-dead gorgeous woman with whom he has everything in common… who he invites to a Hawaiian work retreat via text. Unfortunately, both women are Melissa’s and he accidentally texts the wrong Missy (hey, the title). So he has to deal with this raunchy, crazy lunatic in paradise while trying to keep her away from his boss.
Aaaaand… credit to comedian Lauren Lapkus who plays the crazy Wrong Missy. She’s giving it her all playing a character who only exists in Sandler-like comedies. Whether that makes her a good character for a romantic comedy, I’m not sure. But men have played crazier and still gotten the girl so I guess it’s only fair and equal she should be able to play a great big obnoxious bore too.
Otherwise, not much to say in the movie’s favor. It’s not very funny, by my estimation (your taste in Sandler comedies might disagree). It’s set in a beautiful place but isn’t filmed particularly lushly. The acting is on the caliber of over-cooked comedy acting.
But there is at least a moment in the final act where the tables are turned a bit and the movie does generate a little charm and charisma between the two leads. Whether that’s believable given how obnoxious Lapkus is is debatable. I’m a big stupid idiot sometimes and I thought it worked despite the first hour of the movie telling me otherwise.
So… yeah, it’s a free Netflix movie that will suck up 90 minutes of your life. I’m not recommending it unless you are a die-hard fan of Sandler’s movies (keeping in mind he’s not in the movie). I guess this is the kind of thing we get when his excellent movie Uncut Gems doesn’t do well for awards season. I blame the Academy.
Score: 68