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Adam Sandler’s daughters headline this feel good coming-of-age story that blends Judy Blume and John Hughes into a solid comedy.

PLOT: Lifelong best friends Stacy and Lydia have long dreamt of epic bat mitzvahs but when popular boy Andy Goldfarb and Hebrew school drama come between them, their perfect plans go comically awry.

REVIEW: The latest Happy Madison production for Netflix is a family affair with Adam Sandler producing and co-starring in a production led by a cast featuring his daughters, Sunny and Sadie, and his wife, Jackie. Based on the best-selling novel for young adults You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, it could have been written off easily as a nepotism venture for the Sandler family. The film is a good teen comedy, even though it does have some bathroom humor. It has the usual bathroom humor that any Adam Sandler film is bound to have, but You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah actually is a pretty good teen comedy. Stacy and Lydia are friends who have been together since preschool. They want to celebrate their entry into womanhood with a spectacular celebration. Stacy is also infatuated with Andy Goldfarb, part of the popular children, including mean girl Kym Chan Cohen (Miya Cech). Stacy lives with her sister Ronnie (Sadie Sandler) and her parents Bree (Idina Mezel) and Danny(Adam Sandler), both of whom are frustrated by their daughter’s extravagant and expensive party plans. Lydia is also dealing with her mother Gabi’s (Jackie Sandler) and father Eli’s (Luis Guzman) upcoming divorce. Lydia and Andy kissing each other ends their friendship as both girls try to fit in and become popular. This sends Stacy into a downward spiral. Stacy tries to get back at Lydia by spreading rumors, revealing secret and stealing Andy from her. As things worsen, Stacy realizes what’s most important. This is where the movie shines. Sunny Sandler has inherited her dad’s sense of humor, which makes Stacy a likeable protagonist even when she acts meanly. Sunny Sandler also mugs a lot for the camera, which is something she gets from her father. This film could have been dismissed as pure nepotism but it is a good script and has a solid direction. Sunny Sandler is the older sister Ronnie, a moody teenager with wisdom to share with her younger brother. Adam Sandler is a bit of a sidekick, as Idina Menzel gets the majority of the parental screentime. Sandler has a good scene where he gets to go over the top, but mostly his performance is subdued and supports the rest of the cast.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXciH__hbTw

Of the supporting cast, it is a bit of a mixed bag, with Ido Mosseri’s woebegone DJ Schmuley getting a lot of screen time involving vehicular mishaps. These scenes are funny, but they could have been with Stacy and Lydia’s friends Tara and Nikki. The kids are funny and well-cast. The adult cast is very good.

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SNL. But here, she owns each scene she’s in. You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah will serve as a launching pad for Adam Sandler’s daughters, but I also hope it gives Sarah Sherman the boost she deserves to get more substantial screen roles.Blending the realistic look at teens in films like Sixteen Candles and

Pretty in Pink with the modern Generation Z world of TikTok and memes, You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah works because it is not a traditional Happy Madison endeavor. Written by Allison Peck and directed by Sammi Cohen (Crush), the comedy has roots in Fiona Rosenbloom’s novel. Rosenbloom’s 2005 novel was updated to reflect the issues that teens face today. However, it still feels authentic and free of stereotypes. The story of You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah will appeal to both teens and adults. This film is not just for Jewish viewers, despite the Jewish-centric plot. You are so not invited to my bat mitzvah has some crass humor involving body fluids. It is a mild PG-13 movie. There is some mild profanity, but it’s nothing that kids in middle school or above can’t handle. This is one the best productions of Happy Madison, and it never feels like Adam Sandler’s vanity project to get his children into Hollywood. You are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah has a great script and Sammi’s energetic direction. It’s a fun coming-of age story, similar to this year’s

Are you there God? It’s Me Margaret is a portrait of a teen, male or female. Adam Sandler’s production company should learn from this movie and make more authentic movies like it.

Entertainment - Media News Watch originally published at Entertainment - Media News Watch