“Spanglish” (Columbia Pictures)
Adam Sandler has come a long way since his days as the star of comedies such as “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore." His change to more dramatic roles began with “Punch Drunk Love,” followed with “Fifty First Dates,” and now comes to fruition in “Spanglish.” This is his best movie yet and is sure to win him a legion of new fans.
Sandler plays Jack Clasky, one of the best young chefs in Los Angeles. He is married to a bright woman named Deborah (Tea Leoni) and has two children Bernie (Sarah Steele) and Georgie (Ian Hyland). His mother in law Evelyn (Cloris Leachman) also lives with them.
Flor Moreno (Paz Vega) comes to work for them. Although she knows very little English her influence on the family is major. Her kindness to every member of the family makes Deborah’ s selfishness all the more apparent; and her love for the children makes Deborah’s shortcomings in that area intense.
“Spanglish” is a movie about relationships and feelings. It shows how the heart can overcome language barriers, and how emotions can create communication between two spirits. It is a film that will affect you in a variety of ways and will leave you feeling completely entertained.
Sandler has never been better in a movie. He is funny, romantic and caring. He makes Jack a man who struggles to do the right thing and doesn’t always succeed. Opposite him Vega is a revelation. She is beautiful to say the least, but also glows with an inner beauty of the soul. Her portrayal of Flor is a study in devout motherhood.
Leoni plays the villain of the piece but she does it in a way that you understand where her heart is, and to some extent it is in the right place. Deborah is an emotional cripple and Leoni lets her hold up a mirror for all of our shortcomings.
Cloris Leachman almost steals the film as the wry and loving Evelyn. It is her best role in years and she gives it her full attention. Sarah Steele could be Rene Zellwegger’s younger sister or daughter. She has that impish heart breaking smile and a face over which emotions play like tracks on a CD. Some of the best scenes in the movie belong to her and that is no ruse.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity and sexual situations.
“Spanglish” is the type of movie you have to watch with your mind and your heart. It has a lot to say about love and life. Director James L Brooks knows what he wants his movie to do and how he wants it to do it. He never falters from his vision.
Go to see “Spanglish” when you are ready to have a movie touch parts of you hidden deep inside yourself that haven’t been touched in years.
I scored “Spanglish” a translatable 9 out of 10.
