by Amy-Grace Bessick
You may know Adam Sandler from the rise of “Sandler-core” on TikTok or be a long-time enthusiast of his many beloved films. You may have even watched his stand-up comedy shows. No matter the reason, Adam Sandler has a mesmerising hold on audiences today, managing to gain attention to support to sustain it over the years.
As a self-proclaimed Sandler enthusiast, I remember being made fun of for my childhood crush. Children, understandably, perceive him as ‘old’. However, there are films of his that appeal to all audiences, despite the age gap in humour.
How did he do it? How did he crack the code on making silver screen moments stick with audiences, and ensuring they press play when they see his name on a line-up? The charm of the Sandman is an equation I have unknowingly been studying my entire life.
The most prominent aspect of Adam Sandler’s films is that he always works with the same castmates. Actors such as Kevin James, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, and Chris Rock form the main cast of the Grown-Ups film franchise. Sandler, being a comedian himself, always ensures there is a space to showcase his talented friends. Their offscreen chemistry shines through onscreen and it is one of the reasons people are devoted fans. Chemistry is something that cannot be forced and that carries through his many films. He even works with the same leading ladies such as Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer, Fifty First Dates, and Blended. Working with those who understand your expectations and work ethic, and with whom you are comfortable with allows for that genuine and mutual respect and friendship to be received by the audience.
In most of his films, Sandler plays characters who, despite the surrounding circumstances, are aware that they are not the ‘Hollywood’ definition of a leading man. For the most part, they do not let this insecurity stop them from achieving their dreams. Sandler's natural charm and personality make up for the ‘pretty boy’ image he seemingly lacks, yet it is not missed. When watching an Adam Sandler film, you know you get character, charm, and humour versus a handsome face with no depth.
Working in the stand-up comedy world has given Sandler a stand-out approach to comedic timing and style in films that the audience can genuinely feel entertained. He reminds me of those children in the back of the class that constantly derail the lesson with jokes and getting laughs which may be annoying to some, but on those bad days, you look forward to what they might do.
He is goofily self-aware and romanticises his love interests with respect, attentiveness, and small acts of service. Instead of setting unrealistic standards and expectations, he swoons specifically according to what he feels will matter the most to the female lead. In Grown-Ups, him being a good father to his children and spending time helping out his community is what wins his wife’s affections. In Fifty First Dates, spending time getting to know Lucy, actually taking her on fifty dates, and committing to giving her an everyday life is what allows her to fall for him every time.
Beyond all this, his characters are brilliantly relatable - or at least an aspect of them will be. Take Robbie Hart, an aspiring musician who turns out to spend his career as a Wedding Singer. He performs a song for Julia, played by Drew Barrymore. The catch, the first half, is written when he is in love, and the rest is after the break-up. What follows is a side-splittingly funny and painfully relatable ballad that he claims is since he was listening to a lot of The Creed.
As cheesy as it is, being yourself, hanging out with your closest friends, and throwing in a little musical number and goofy mannerism now and again gives Sandler’s movies their charm and what makes them memorable. Whether you are feeling down or lonely, I assure you that the Sandman’s Charm is sure to cheer you up.
