There are two sides to Adam Sandler. One is the comedian known for his crude humor, filled with fart and penis jokes, which some love and others loathe. The other side is more mature, nostalgic, and romantic, reflecting Sandler’s evolving persona as he gets older.
This hourlong special, directed by Josh Safdie, one of Sandler’s collaborators from “Uncut Gems,” blends Sandler’s typical crude humor with unexpected moments of tenderness and a surreal touch. The result is an odd mix that feels both awkward and oddly sweet at times, echoing the complexity of Sandler himself. At 57, Sandler continues to create predictable Netflix movies that critics often pan, yet occasionally surprises with indie performances that garner Oscar buzz. While “Love You” has its moments, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of his 2018 special, “100% Fresh,” which was brimming with energy and innovation. Since then, Sandler’s spark seems to have dimmed slightly, but then again, many of us have felt the weight of the past tumultuous years.
Filmed at the Nocturne Theatre in Glendale, California, during the last winter, the special opens with Sandler driving a car with a shattered windshield into an alley, only to be mobbed by fans. He receives a hoodie from a stranger in a scene that’s meant to feel like raw, candid footage of Sandler’s preshow routine. However, it quickly becomes evident that the scenario is scripted to feel bizarre and disorienting, complete with a ventriloquist opening act. This scene reeks of Safdie’s cinematic influence, which is known for its stressful and slightly disorienting portrayal of reality, as seen in films like “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time.”
This surreal approach doesn’t quite gel in “Love You.” Similarly, the technical glitches that follow Sandler onto the stage seem contrived, and considering the special was filmed over four nights, it’s likely these mishaps were staged. With a cup of coffee in hand—sweetened specifically with stevia, as he humorously insists—Sandler delivers a string of jokes that range from the mundane to the wildly imaginative, involving genies and talking balloons. Unlike many comedians, Sandler doesn’t pull back the curtain on his real personal life, though his material is peppered with anecdotes that hint at his experiences as a husband, father, and celebrity.
True to form, Sandler doesn’t shy away from crude humor. The special includes jokes about children walking in on their parents during intimate moments and even a genie tricking Sandler into a compromising situation in an airport bathroom. His comedy often toes the line between funny and vulgar, and he crosses that line more than once in this special.
Yet amidst the crude jokes, there are also softer, more charming moments. Rob Schneider, Sandler’s longtime friend and collaborator, makes a guest appearance dressed as Elvis Presley, delivering an impressive impersonation. It’s a pleasant musical break rather than a traditional joke. The special closes with a sentimental montage celebrating the essence of comedy, featuring clips of legends like Richard Pryor, Gilda Radner, and Sandler’s peers David Spade and the late Chris Farley, alongside contemporary comedy from “The Daily Show” and “Saturday Night Live.” These earnest moments shine through the otherwise gag-filled show.
The special concludes with Sandler’s real-life wife, Jackie, escorting him off the stage and into his car, suggesting a quiet night at home—a heartwarming image of a comedy star aging gracefully.
While “Adam Sandler: Love You” could have benefited from a bit more effort and finesse, it still offers some enjoyable moments, and we’ll always have the image of Schneider in a sparkly cape to cherish.
