Blended (2014)

"What the fudge is he doing here?!"
"Is this a sick dream?"
"Do I have a new mommy?"

Lauren Reynolds (Barrymore) and Jim Friedman (Sandler) are setup on a disastrous blind date.  Lauren is a perfectionist and co-owns a closet organization business.  She is divorced with 2 sons, geeky teen Brendan (Beckham) and adventurous tween Tyler (Silverstein).  Jim is a manager at Dick's Sporting Goods, re-entering the dating pool after the death of his wife.  He is trying to raise 3 daughters, athletic Hillary (Thorne), Espn (Fuhrmann) who can't let go of her mother, and adorable Lou (Lind).

When Lauren's best friend / business partner Jen (McLendon-Covey) ends her relationship with Jim's boss, their family vacation to Africa is up for grabs.  Both Jim and Lauren's families end up on the trip, which is a retreat for blended families.  Can they put aside their differences long enough to enjoy the trip?


This is the third film collaboration of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.  In 1998 they starred in The Wedding Singer, also directed by Frank Coraci, then in 2004 they starred in 50 First Dates.  I enjoyed both of those films and looked forward to seeing them together again.  I was not disappointed.

Sandler and Barrymore have great chemistry and seem to enjoy working together. The film features small roles by the usual Sandler regulars, including cameos for characters from The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates.  Wendi McLendon-Covey is entertaining as Lauren's best friend.  Terry Crews is over the top and Abdoulaye N'Gom is an understated funny.  Kevin Nealon and Jessica Lowe steal the show as the overly affectionate newlyweds.  The kids are good as well, although Braxton Beckham's Brendan can be grating.  Joel McHale is the right amount of smarmy.

This film won't appeal to everyone, but it is still funny.

Blended (2014) 117 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual content, and language
Director: Frank Coraci
Starring: Adam Sandler as Jim Friedman
Drew Barrymore as Lauren Reynolds
Bella Thorne as Hillary Friedman
Emma Fuhrmann as Espn Friedman
Braxton Beckham as Brendan Reynolds
Alyvia Alyn Lind as Lou Friedman
Kyle Red Silverstein as Tyler Reynolds
Terry Crews as Nickens
Abdoulaye N'Gom as Mfana
Joel McHale as Mark
Wendi McLendon-Covey as Jen
Kevin Nealon as Eddy
Jessica Lowe as Ginger
Zak Henri as Jake
Shaquille O'Neal as Doug