Is the band getting back together? No, not the super group you missed during their heyday – for today’s generation that seems to be Pavement and Jeff Magnum in the music industry – that other band you never knew you actually loved: the “Grown Ups” crew headed by frontman Adam Sandler.
Despite scathing reviews, in 2010, Sandler’s man-child’s comedy, “Grown Ups” — starring “The Expendables” of comedy, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider and David Spade — went on to gross $271 million worldwide. It became the second highest domestic grossing picture of Sandler’s career, critics be damned.
So the band, or the “Grown Ups” crew if you were are apparently reuniting this summer according to recent reports with a July 12, 2013 release already penciled in. Maybe. Speaking to Chris Rock at Sundance this past week, MTV learned that the comic actor isn’t so sure what the film is going to be or if he’s actually going to be in it. Perhaps there’s a plan in place, but whatever it is, Rock isn’t totally aware of it yet. "I don't know yet. I definitely have been called about my availability. But no one's told me about a script," Rock said. "When Adam Sandler gives you a call and asks, 'What are you doing in June? Make sure you don't do nothing in June!' So I think we're getting ready to get the gang back together."
Ok, so something is happening, presumably a sequel? "I don't know if it's going to be 'Grown Ups 2' or another movie, though," Rock explained.
An interesting revelation. Does Sandler have something else up his sleeve and if not, why would anyone bother trying to keep “Grown Ups 2” of all films under wraps? In late 2010, David Spade also said Sandler wanted the gang to come together again, but also suggested the film could be something different. "The 'Grown Ups' movie worked out well for everybody, and so Adam is trying to think of something else for us all to do," Spade said at a "Rules of Engagement" press conference (his new show) reported CinemaBlend. "I have the TV schedule and Adam's just got movie schedules, so to sync up everybody, all five of us to have the same time off."
Now the real question is: with that much comedic talent at hand (say what you will, Sandler and Rock are at least awesome when they want to be/have good material), can they not produce something at least marginally better than “Grown Ups.” Frankly, it remains to be seen. Though perhaps even more baffling is the fact that all of Sandler’s comedies are made for around $80 million each. These guys must get paid, cause everyone else in Hollywood can make these kinds of films for at least half that price. The plot thickens… that is, if you care…
