Adam Sandler's Mr. Deeds is a story about the value of truth and integrity.
As with most of Sandler's movies, a lot goes on in the plot, and he has surrounded himself with a host of supporting characters.
Sandler plays a small-town guy named Longfellow Deeds, who maintains the support of close friends from home.
When Deeds' wealthy great-uncle dies, leaving him an inheritance of $40 billion, his moral integrity and sense of self-worth are tested. Deeds, who hails from Mandrake Falls, N.H., "where no trouble befalls and thanksgiving enthralls," is suddenly faced with a challenging turning point in his life.
He is determined to keep his uncle's legacy alive, and vows to "do the right thing," no matter what it takes.
While Deeds has never read the New Yorker, he hopes to gain recognition as a greeting card writer when he goes to the Big Apple to claim his inheritance. Once in Manhattan, he rescues undercover reporter Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder), and helps Bennet to examine her moral integrity apart from a lifestyle of "ironic detachment."
Tennis great John McEnroe and the Rev. Al Sharpton make unexpected guest appearances as diversions to lighten the storyline.
In addition to guiding Bennett, Deeds helps both friend and foe come out of their pretentious shells by showing them how to look at life honestly and less seriously.
His common sense challenges the wiles of opportunists and, in typical fashion, Sandler outwits them using irresistible charm to help them examine their jaded self-images.
The storyline changes dramatically with the unveiling of a closet skeleton. Deed's relationship with his butler, Emilio (John Turturro), is quirky, yet they remain kindred spirits through the film.
As with many of Sandler's movies, he begins as a vulnerable character who blossoms into someone larger than life.
The grand finale celebrates Deeds taking an informal opportunity to stand on his own soapbox, where he offers hope to the lost. "The problem is when you would do absolutely anything to become rich and powerful," Deeds says. "There's still hope for the kid inside all of us."
Once again, Sandler lets the human element prevail in his movie and good Deeds overcome bad Deeds.
This film is a slapstick comedy that appeals to a wide audience. Check it out on DVD or VHS.
