We movie critics are supposed to begin our reviews of Adam Sandler films by reassuring the audience that we have no particular
ill will toward Mr. Sandler, and that we take each of his films on a case-by-case basis. We liked "Wedding Singer" OK, but we hated "Little Nicky," for example. I hope I have convinced you of my unbiased nature so you will believe me when I tell you "Mr. Deeds" is an unfunny, careless piece of trash riddled with directorial, editing and acting mistakes. It was directed by Steven Brill, who has directed three Sandler films; and written by Tim Herlihy, who was written seven. I believe it is one of the lesser efforts from both of them. It is full of elements found in each of the others, with nothing new. It's like watching another episode of a predictable TV show. Loosely based on the Frank Capra film "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," this is one of the Sandler films where he doesn't speak in a goofy voice, but where he does beat a lot of people up. He is Longfellow Deeds, an unassuming and charming man in Mandrake Falls, N.H., who discovers he is the sole heir to the $40 billion fortune of a recently deceased media magnate who happened to be his great-uncle.
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