Maybe it’s the nature of the non-theatrical platform, maybe its streaming churn, and maybe it’s just #TooMuchContent, but as we and many pundits have noticed in recent years, Netflix film tend to come and go, never leaving any lasting cultural footprint. But given that the zeitgeist has already moved on, perhaps this is a small plea to not lose sight of the sweet and charming new awkward teen comedy, “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitsvah,” a new Happy Madison comedy starring Adam Sandler, his family and many of the familiar faces that make up his acting friend social sphere.
And speaking of reputes, Sandler’s Happy Madison productions on Netflix, don’t have the greatest reputation, often categorized to be thrown in the disposable bit of forgettability. But much to our surprise, “You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah,” is really funny and winning, steering away (mostly) from crass fart jokes, and locking into something authentic that feels very endearing, heartwarming and entertaining.
Sandler’s personal affectation, not the public-facing comedic one, is generally one of a very affable, easy-going and uncomplicated person; a dad who is wisely hands-off (and or simply not holding on too tight), who goes with the flow. And coincidentally or not, that’s the vibe from the film and his relationship to it. Sandler plays the father of the Friedman family in the end, but like any knowing and wise father with teen girls, he knows a) he doesn’t matter and b) they don’t care, thus he takes a huge backseat in the movie, giving them plenty of time to work out their issues while he watches from the sidelines.
“You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” centers on two teen BFFs Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine) who are both planning epic bat mitzvahs to celebrate their entering womanhood. But it all unravels when the popular boy Andy Goldfarb (Dylan Hoffman), and Hebrew school drama, come between them and threaten to ruin everything.
And yes, you can talk about nepotism, Sunny Sandler stars, her supporting character older sister is played by Sadie Sandler, and Sandler’s wife Jackie Sandler also features in the film (married to Luis Guzmán’s character in a very amusing tangential tale). But more interesting than that controversial element is just how great, effortless and charismatic the entire Sandler family is, especially Sunny and Sadie who both express immense chutzpah. Casting around the board is exemplary and the film’s two leads Sunny Sandler and Samantha Lorraine both seem destined for stardom, and or at least, real and lasting careers.
Another genius stroke is re-casting Sandler’s wife from “Uncut Gems,” Idina Menzel, as his wife in this comedy. It’s a different relationship, she clearly has more to offer and Sandler clearly understands she’s now part of his greater acting family. She’s a perfect complement to this world.
Everyone is so well cast in fact, and actors like Sarah Sherman, Dan Bulla, Ido Mosseri (“You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”) Jackie Hoffman, Zaara Kuttemperoor and Luis Guzmán, steal every scene their in without tipping the scales of the movie as just a showcase for cameos.
The weeds of the ‘Bat Mitzvah’ plot aren’t something to delve deep into, but essentially a boy, various high school dramas and the problems of modern teen life— family angst, first crushes, the difficulties of navigating friendship, social media, painfully embarrassing moments, cringy moments—all factor into when things go comically awry.
And things go sideways, often, but ‘Bat Mitzvah’ has the good sense to keep its humor grounded in the emotional story of two bffs who deeply care for one another, but feel betrayed and deceived, and upset by all the confusing teenhood issues circling around them.
Directed by Sammi Cohen (“Crush,” “YouTopia”) and written by Alison Peck based on the book by Fiona Rosenbloom, Sandler is so hands-off in this movie—like any good parent should be during the teen years— that ‘Bat Mitzvah’ barely even feels like a Happy Madison production.
That’s definitely a good thing in this film. Free of controlling parents, on or off screen, the comedy has a light, easy-going touch, an effortless further conveyed by the natural and convincingly confident performances of its leads.
The Sandler’s comfort on screen really shines through; they all move in these spaces like they’ve been there for years and dare I say it that Sandler’s seems to be doing something right as a parent. There’s a joyfulness communicated throughout; everyone’s having a good time with this make-believe scenario and thus so is the audience that’s generally smiling from ear to ear (honestly, Sadie Sandler, the elder sister is terrific too and the family wouldn’t do wrong by doing another comedy and centering on her this time).
Featuring a cool, vibrant soundtrack and more that additionally helps the comedy feel like its light on its toes— Olivia Rodriguez, Taylor Swift, Doja Cat, Tony K, Reem, Tara George, Billie Eilish, the Weeknd—“You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” certainly doesn’t reinvent the teen comedy, but it certainly does enliven the genre with much needed warmth and silliness.
These genres are always dictated by their tone, and this one, once again, has its heart in the right place. With sincerity to fall back on whenever things get too crazy—especially the sweet, affecting earnestness of Jewish traditions, religion, and family dynamics which the film obviously doesn’t shy away from—“You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah” always has a centering and affectionate north star to aim for and thus is never led astray. Hell, maybe every Happy Madison production and teen comedy should take note. ‘Bat Mitzvah’ is welcoming, attractive, delightful and disarmingly pleasant. You could do much worse than inviting these kids into your home for 90 minutes. Or as the kids say, slay, queen! [B+]
