Working with a simple plot and on an indie budget Adam Sandler gives a good performance in the fantasy comedy The Cobbler. Doing what he does best, the comedian turns on the charm making his character enjoyable to watch under the creative direction of Tom McCarthy who co-wrote the script. While the story follows a theme similar to Sandler’s Click, here however, he’s more of a champion than an opportunist.
Running a small shoemaker shop on the Lower East side of New York City, Max Simkin (Adam Sandler) lives a mundane life of all work and no play. He takes care of his mom who was deserted by his father years ago leaving him to keep the business going to support the two of them. The shoe business has been going ok and his friend and supporter Jimmy (Steve Buscemi), a barber, has his shop next door.
One day Max gets a visit from Carmen (Melonie Diaz) a young lady circulating a petition to stop the purchase of all the shops on his block and turn them into apartment houses. Although Max would not be opposed to the sale of his shoe shop, he’s concerned about Jimmy so he signs the petition. A day later he gets a visit by Leon Ludlow (Cliff “Method Man” Smith) a local mobster who wants a quick fix on his shoes. In the process of repairing them Max’s sewing machine breaks down. Needing to get the shoes ready by 6 pm or face the mobster’s ire, he finds his father’s old stitching machine and uses it to attach new soles. Noticing they are the same size as his, he slips his feet into them only to find that he’s become Leon in looks and stature.
The film plays out with some very silly situations, a good measure of sight gags, and a story that’s so willy-nilly that you have to laugh in spite of it. Director and writer Thomas McCarthy (The Station Agent, Win,Win) keeps the film moving at a fast pace working Sandler into circumstances that offer some good belly laughs. His characters are fascinating enough to carry the wild plot and the actors that portray them do a professional job.
Sandler does his best with a performance expected from the droll comedian who has barely changed from film to film. I like the persona he’s created for Mas as he makes him unassuming yet sharp enough to take command of the any situation in which he finds himself. As Max, he knows he has to provide for his mom in the absence of a deserting father even if it has put a damper on his love life. It’s his future he questions however, and helping his little community is a good start.
McCarthy’s ability to position the camera is very admirable at times, but not every scene shows well. Accomplishing the dreary lower East Side with a decaying profile, worn sidewalks and narrow streets, he’s able to give a realistic view of the rundown neighborhood that’s not the showcase it once was. His numerous shape shifting of Max with his camera views however, are not as crafty, easily predictable, and with just the use of a scarf they’re ordinary.
BONUS FEATURE: As with most DVD extras do not watch this one until you have seen the movie.
“The Making of The Cobbler” It opens with clips from the film in fast order than features Tom McCarthy, Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, and Melonie Diaz who go over the story and the characters.
The Cobbler has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violence, language and brief partial nudity. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A fun film for those who like Adam Sandler and fantasy. (C+)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Adam Sandler, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Ellen Barkin, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens, Steve Buscemi, Dascha Polanco
Director: Thomas McCarthy
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, language and brief partial nudity
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Running Time: 1 hr. 38 min
Theatrical Release Date: March 13, 2015
Video Release Date: May 12, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD, also available in Blu-ray
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Full Screen Aspect Ratio 1.85:1 Widescreen
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: RJL Entertainment/Image Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
