Mr. Deeds (2002) User Reviews

Very Funny But ..........

[ccthemovieman-1 · 7/10 · 20 March 2006]

This, once again, has most of the earmarks of modern-day comedies: tons of sexual innuendos, lots of good laughs but many of them out of questionable lines or behavior, and a stupid, rushed ending that tries to make all the good guys win and the bad guys lose. The latter is fine - I want the good guys to prevail - but they way they go about it is stupid.

I did think this movie had a little softer edge than most other blatantly-low class "Something About Mary/American Pie"-type comedies of today however. I guess what I am saying is this isn't as in-your-face type offensive most of the rest are.

Of course, Adam Sandler is playing the low-key Gary Cooper role of Mr. Deeds from the 1940s, so he's not the high-strung Happy Gilmore type here, although he does get violent at times. Winona Ryder plays the love interest, a tabloid low-moral reporter who is reformed by the amiable Mr. Deeds. She's not believable at all and one can see one reason she isn't much of star actress anymore. It isn't just her real-life problems. She's pretty and she's okay in the role but something's missing in her acting.

The real star of the film is John Turturro, as the Spanish butler. He's funny in about every scene he's in and he's a guy everyone roots for here.

In summary, it's a pretty nice film, with a number of laugh-out-loud scenes, but it's still a long way from the Gary Cooper-Barabara Stanwyck classic film version, at least in terms of an aw-shucks wholesome hero. This film just doesn't have the heart and soul of the original, because it's more concerned with cheap laughs than a moral message. Still, it has its funny moments and I found worth watching.

Typical past Adam Sandler film

[Floated2 · 6/10 · 28 December 2015]

Mr. Deeds is very similar to many other Adam Sandler films. The film follows a basic and predictable formula. Many of the comedian's reliable standards are in effect: abuse of old folks, crude humor, a Rob Schneider appearance, and mentally deficient sidekicks. Some of the stuff works, but there's not much room for originality. This movie even perpetuates Sandler's trend of playing guys who are unexpectedly good at dishing out beatings.

Many have considered Mr. Deeds to be one of Adam Sandler's more underrated films, and in several ways it is. However the film is typical but entertaining in some areas. It is a decent comedy, and the humor is what one would expect from a Sandler film.

Sandler's lovable fool has a serious message while slipping on a banana skin

[aliciadipesto · 28 April 2003]

Nobody goes to see an Adam Sandler movie for spiritual enrichment or intellectual stimulation - let's get that out of the way first. Once you accept you've paid your money to be mildly entertained in a lighthearted, slapstick manner, strap in and enjoy the ride.

I keep hearing Sandler is a major Hollywood player these days with an equal footing as producer as he is actor (he has produced a considerable amount with fellow actor Rob Schneider - the similarly inane but funny - mostly in spite of yourself - Hot Chick being the most recent example, in which he has a cameo role and indeed, Schneider helps Sandler out in Mr Deeds) so it's hard to prove that Sandler is now typecast as a lovable fool, because it's fairly likely he chose the part himself, possibly aware that Hamlet might be a little out of his league. Sandler need only check his bank balance to see that the lovable fool is certainly a lucrative one, having made an absolute mint playing countless other characters blessed with naive charm and a heart of gold.

The story - we all know it's a remake of the classic depression-era propaganda film starring Gary Cooper, designed to lift spirits and foster a sense of community - centres around a picturesque New England town and its perenially-cheerful, smalltown inhabitants, chiefly Longfellow Deeds (Sandler), who inherits a fortune from an uncle he never knew, finds himself at the helm of a media empire and heads to the Big Apple to find out more. Here Winona Ryder steps in as the ambitious TV reporter determined to get her big scoop and dupes the affable Deeds into falling in love with her. All the time she's wearing a wire and a hidden camera to enable their courtship and his antics, sometimes drunken, sometimes heroic, to be broadcast on the evening news. Typically Deeds is the last to know and is appalled when he makes the connection. By which time Ryder's character has fallen in love herself, resigned from her job and is begging for a second chance.

Deeds' only flaw is a short fuse and this is at odds with his generous spirit, who at times could be George Bailey, James Stewart's kindly smalltown character in Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946), but this spices things up a little and allows the suspension of disbelief to continue a little longer. The number of disrespectful, foulmouthed city folk he takes out is entertaining, while not always convincing, but then times have changed and these days your average bloke doesn't think of taking a swing at a man for swearing in front of a lady (more's the pity I say).

While you could aim criticism at this and jeer at the corny lines and simplistic moral at the film's end, there is something to be cherished here. The moral of course being that money is less important than being true to yourself, and while you're at it, be nice to your neighbour. As Mother Teresa once said, kindly words are heard once but their echoes are heard for ever - Deeds' character and his deeds (pun definitely intended) themselves are echoes of another, lamentably more innocent time and it's uplifting to see this spirit so laboured in the film's remake. It's also refreshing to see this bravely recreated by the producers, who have not shied away from dealing with the film's essence in these cynical times.

It's not all sentimental Queen of Hearts stuff though. There are some hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments that counter the film's message perfectly - the helicopter ride to Manhattan where the crew and Deeds are singing 'A Space Oddity' complete with air-guitar springs to mind here - and there is the usual dose of slapstick you'd expect from a Sandler picture. The 7 flying cats rescued from a burning building by our hero is particularly memorable and as I say, I was laughing in spite of myself.

This humour compliments the film's slushy message and prevents any actual retching in the theatre - leaving the cinemagoer shuffling out content, with a smile on his face - definitely a feelgood movie. I just hope Sandler doesn't attempt It's A Wonderful Life next, I don't think the world's quite ready yet.

See Ryder kiss Sandler!

[=G= · 6/10 · 23 October 2002]

"Mr. Deeds" tells of a wacky, naive small town guy, Mr. Deeds (Sandler), with little respect for fame or fortune who inherits $40 billion and has to deal with the responsibilities and media attention which accompanies his inheritance. Ryder plays a tv producer after the inheritance story who happens to fall in love with the Sandler character, something which pushes this flick from romantic-comedy into the realm of fantasy or sci-fi. In spite of its hard-to-swallow romantic side plot, the film offers nonstop in-your-face silliness and nonsense which should make it a fun watch for fans into Sandler's brand of deadpan kookie comedy. Non-Sandler fans can expect a lukewarm result. (C+)

It isn't funny and it isn't believable

[mikemac1027 · 3/10 · 6 July 2002]

Sandler fans beware! This movie tries to develop a plot around 40 billion dollars but fails. It is a string of Sandler jokes, sight gags and skits that we've all seen before in one form or another and they don't even work with the story line.

Unfortunately the string is frequently broken and we are left with stale comedy. Sandler is not believable as the simple small town guy that does not care about the money. If you want to see a good comedy about a regular Joe who inherits a lot of money go rent Brewster's Millions.

Pretty Funny, but Ultimately Average

[mjw2305 · 6/10 · 13 October 2007]

Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) is a small town guy who is taken to the big city when he learns he has an inheritance of $40 billion from a long lost uncle. He has to adjust to life in a Palatial Mansion with a personal butler, and he meets a beautiful school nurse (Winona Ryder); but its not long before the money begins to change everything, and he learns things are not what they seem.

This remake is not without plenty of laughs, but it never quite manages to do anything thats truly hilarious or new. For a bit of fun its worth a watch, but it's one of those films that you will forget about pretty quickly.

6/10 its just average i'm afraid

AWFUL!!

[Jennifer-105 · 1/10 · 7 July 2002]

I really enjoy Adam Sandler,dont get me wrong, but this has to be his worst movie to date and one of the worst movies i have ever seen. When you go to see an Adam Sandler movie you expect a lot of laughs,however this movie was very,VERY unfunny. In the 40 min. my friend and i watched there was NOTHING funny in the movie at all and nobody laughed. It was so boring my friend started to fall asleep,that was our cue to go. This movie is hideous,save your money.

Yuck

[rezqueme · 1/10 · 11 July 2002]

What an awful movie. I wanted to get up and walk out after the first 15 minutes but my nephew insisted that we stay. If it wasnt for him.....I most certainly would have walked out !!!!!! What a disappointment and a waste of money.

Main Manz Film review

[landenmeadors · 9/10 · 4 January 2020]

Just watched this movie last night and the final verdict is: I loved it. Idk what all these other people be talking about. The character of Deeds is so incredibly likable and admirable and the film genuinely had me laughing in some points. Don't listen to the others hating on this film. Everyone should go watch it and decide for themselves because in my opinion, he film is genuinely super fun.

COMEDY: The comedy in this film is fair. It could be better for a movie labeled "comedy" however it's not enough to ruin the movie. Beside this, there are three or four moments that had me cracking up.

PLOT/SUBSTANCE: This movie's plot is fairly easy to understand and it works well for the movie. The plot is not bad nor great, it's just enough to push the film along and I think it fits great. When writing this category, I ask myself what would you have left if you took out all the comedic moments and characters and yes, I think the plot would hold up. It may not be very interesting, but luckily we have comedy and characters in the final product.

CHARACTERS: Now, this is the real saving grace of this film. For the most part, Deeds himself. He is one of the most lovable characters I've seen on screen in a long time. He is just a genuinely good guy and tbh I wish I could be more like him and I wish there were more people in the world like him. All the other characters really just make him better. It's seeing how they interact with a character as well done and as purely good as deeds on it's own, that really makes this movie worth watching. And Adam Sandler's performance just drives it home. Perfect casting right there. Y'all are some idiots if you don't like this bro like wth?

THEMES: Man, the movie's got heart. I don't know what else to say. The movie has heart all the way through, usually brought to the screen by Deeds, but throughout the movie and his acts, he makes the characters around him better and this is honestly phenomenally fun to watch and it really makes you feel better as a person and look at what is around you and just be grateful.

SEE THIS DAMN MOVIE! I BET YOU WONT REGRET IT!

An Enjoyable Family Entertainment

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 4 July 2003]

Longfellow Deed (Adam Sandler) is an owner of a pizzeria in a tiny American city who inherits a fortune of forty billion dollars from a distant relative. He moves to New York and there he is chased by the press, searching for information about the newest millionaire in USA. A tabloid reporter (Winona Ryder) gets close to him to get inside information and guess what? Fall in love with him. Although being a predictable plot, this movie is a good family entertainment. Adam Sandler performs his usual role of a naive and good boy. Winona Rider is very beautiful in this movie. I am a fan of her, but I do not remember seeing her so gorgeous like in "Mr. Deeds". "Mr. Deeds" is an enjoyable movie that deserves to be watched and with a good and positive message in the end. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Herança de Mr. Deeds" ("The Inheritance of Mr. Deeds")

You under estimate the sneakiness

[chrisrtownsend · 3 July 2006]

I wanted to comment on the stupidity of some people. I saw this in the Goofs.

Continuity: At the press conference, when Emilio is told he is the sole heir, he is standing on a balcony. In the shot immediately after it, he suddenly appears at the podium.

This was listed as a Goof. I don't think the person that wrote this watched the whole movie. If they did, they would not have under estimate the sneakiness of Emilio. He pops-up many time throughout the movie like this. It's what makes him funny in this COMEDY! If you have seen the movie you would know that Emilio is very very sneaky. So this was not a mistake. Duh!

It is indeed a pleasure to watch Mr. Deeds, Sandler style; Turturro is magnificent

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 26 November 2007]

Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) lives in the small town of Mandrake Falls, New Hampshire, where he runs the local pizza parlor. His real ambition, however, is to write verse for Hallmark's greeting cards. Yet, so far, every rhyme he has sent them has been rejected. That does not matter to the townies, who love hearing Deeds recite his poems at the restaurant. One day, a billionaire (Howard Keel) dies on top of Mount Everest. He leaves no will, making it necessary for his huge company to seek out any heirs. You guessed it, Deeds is a long-lost nephew who inherits a boatload of dough. The company manager, Chuck (Peter Gallagher) wants to give Deeds 42 billion to sell his stock shares back to him. Deeds agrees at first. But, once he gets to his uncle's posh Manhattan mansion where servant Emilio (John Turturro) waits on him hand and foot, Deeds has second thoughts. Not only that, but he meets a beautiful local lady named Pam (Winona Ryder) and he is enchanted by her. But, beware, Deeds. Pam is really a reporter named Babe who is out to get dirt on him. And, are there indeed secrets to uncover? Who will end up with the money? This is really a sunny film for a rainy day. It is lighthearted fun with an absolutely terrific cast. Sandler is quite funny, of course, but John Turturro steals every one of his scenes with a performance that should have garnered him an Oscar. It's THAT good, yes. Ryder, Steve Buscemi, Gallagher, and many others are true delights as well. Then, too, the film looks amazing, from the costumes to the sets and beyond. It appears that no expense was spared and the result is a lovely-to-look-at film, too. Finally, the script is imaginative and humorous, making the viewer chuckle and grin nonstop. Do you, indeed, want a film to vanquish the blues after a rough day? You could, truly, find no better remedy than this one.

Could have been better

[Agent10 · 6/10 · 1 July 2002]

While Most Adam Sandler films have annoyed me, he is once again trying to portray an actual character as opposed to himself. While he does accomplish this somewhat, one has a hard time believing that he is trying to be an actor instead of being something he has portrayed many times over. To say the least, I liked the film. There was a down home feel to the film, one which brought some nice sensibilities to it, but also had the slap stick comedy that doesn't necessarily have to be vulgar. While this film isn't necessarily the best film Adam Sandler has ever done (which is the Waterboy), it certainly isn't the worst.

Mr. Deeds is very forgettable

[view_and_review · 5/10 · 19 May 2007]

It was definitely a bad deed making this movie. Yes, put everyone associated with film on the naughty list.

I was gravely disappointed in this Sandler film. It was faintly funny with a sub par plot. Sandler and Ryder do not make a good duo at all, they both looked uninspired. You already know what you are going to get from Sandler, sometimes he is funnier than others. Please tell me what memorable film Ryder ever did in which she was a significant contributor? In fact, whenever I think of Winona Ryder (besides thinking klepto), I think of Beetle Juice and Edward Scissorhands: two movies from the 80's, and two movies in which she was just a subsidiary role player.

Mr. Deeds just didn't have it. It seemed like it was more to fill the Sandler one-movie-a-year quota rather than be a decent film.

Gary Cooper rolls over in his grave

[clarinets · 1/10 · 4 July 2002]

How they got THAT movie out of the beloved classic "Mr Deeds Goes to Town", I'll never know. The only similarity is in the name of the lead character.

Everybody overacted their role, and acted as stupid as possible. There wasn't enough relationship development between Winona's character and Deeds. In the *real* Mr Deeds (goes to town), the reporter and Deeds actually do establish a relationship.

Just rent or buy the real dvd to the classic movies. If you're not afraid of real movies that don't have sex, toilet jokes, animal abuse, then you'll love the real thing. This production of Mr. Deeds is a joke.

Check under "Mr Deeds Goes to Town" in imdb.

as it turns out, some millionaires have made the mistake that Preston Blake makes

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 18 June 2006]

Since this remake of a classic movie is an Adam Sandler flick, you can pretty much predict most of it, namely the fact that he can get aggressive and that one character eventually reveals something embarrassing about himself. But otherwise, you're sure to have a good time. As an earthy goof-ball inheriting a massive fortune and turning the business world upside down, Sandler makes the most of his role. In supporting roles, Winona Ryder, John Turturro and Steve Buscemi have some great moments. Obviously, "Mr. Deeds" isn't any kind of "Citizen Kane"-style masterpiece, but it doesn't pretend to be; and let's face it, this movie easily beats any Jean-Claude Van Damme movie for smarts. Nice, goofy fun. Also starring Allen Covert, Peter Gallagher and Jared Harris.

Not quite the worst movie ever made...

[kielbasa76 · 1/10 · 20 July 2004]

...but it felt like torture watching this thing. Now, I admit, I'm not a very big Sandler fan. Honestly, I don't know how he became the cash cow he is in Hollywood. But seeing him on talk shows and having been blown away by Punch Drunk Love, I tend to think there actually is something going on beneath the goofy, lovable frat-boy veneer. But good luck trying to find it in this movie.

I don't want to get too critical here--the real reason I had to write this is that the person before me wrote six or seven paragraphs on this movie and I was dumbfounded--this movie isn't even worth that much effort. It is so poorly made, from the acting (Turturro an exception as always)to the flat, lifeless cinematography. I really hate the way both Steven Brill and Peter Segal shoot their movies--completely unimaginative and frustratingly boring.

I'm sure they keep a fun and lively set going but come on, the images in front of me need some life too. This movie was at times painful to watch--as I do like Winona Ryder and most all the actors involved in this. But it almost seemed like stunt casting (let's get some great actors from independent movies [inexpensive] and give them nothing to do but act out poorly devised stereotypical roles that are supposed to hark back to Capra films)--none of the actors seemed comfortable, especially Winona... ugh...

You have talent Adam, don't be afraid to loosen your creative control and get a decent writer and/or director every once in a while to remind folks.

Adam as Usual

[psh34 · 8/10 · 29 June 2002]

This is certainly an Adam Sandler movie. Doesn't stray too far from the formula.

This was a funny movie, with many, many laughs. I must say, John Tuturro (sp) stole the movie. He was just "on" through his entire part!

This is not even close to the original (thank goodness) but still an enjoyable 90+ minutes.

Could have been better

[DunnDeeDaGreat · 1/10 · 28 June 2002]

Mr. Deeds doesn't suck it just could have been funnier. All the reviews have said the funny parts are in the trailer which is true. Adam Sandler is normally funny when he plays an avergae joe but I dunno what happened here. I guess the main problem is the script.

Stick With Capra's Version Instead.

[tfrizzell · 12 December 2002]

The remake to Frank Capra's 1936 masterpiece "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" lacks the charm, heart and intelligence of that production. The titled character (Adam Sandler) inherits an outrageous fortune from a relative he did not even know about and New York opportunists led by the sleazy Peter Gallagher try to take advantage of Sandler's kindness and generosity towards others. Naturally Sandler is much smarter than he first appears and proves to be an individual that can handle swindlers. However he does let his guard down around supposed school nurse Winona Ryder (in actuality a reporter for a tabloid) and that is when his big-city troubles start. "Mr. Deeds" is a watchable and somewhat entertaining film that works because of Sandler's screen persona. Sandler continues to raise films that are duds just because of his enormous talents. The same is true with this one. Watch for "Fargo" alums Steve Buscemi and Harve Presnell as well as a long cameo from ex-tennis superstar John McEnroe. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Mr Deeds, Not Adam Sandlers best but not his worst either.

[dobbin-4 · 6/10 · 16 December 2007]

Mr Deeds is another Adam Sandler movie that is meant to be watched but taken too literally. The movie is about Mr Longfellow Deeds, an extremely nice man come rich when he gets millions from a dead uncle. The movie is pretty funny and even though I am really only reviewing this to get to 100 review ( This is my 95th for anyone that cares) but I do feel this movie deserves respect. While this movie is stupid it is definitely worth a watch even if only once in your whole life. I think every fan of Adam Sandler would respect this and I do not understand why is rated less then Click ( in my opinion worst Adam Sandler film). Overall you should watch this film as it is good and please people do not think too hard about Adam Sandler films from now on. I rate this film 63% as it deserves to be.

Warm and refreshing return for Sandler

[ppeters89 · 7/10 · 28 June 2002]

Mr. Deeds is a classic story. This version of the film keeps the corny feelings of this small town American every man alive. Sandler has once again surrounded himself with talented people to bring a modern sense to Mr. Deeds. I really enjoy the humor of Sandler. He is not an actor, but is funny. The film allows him to be that, funny and charming, while the other character help move the story along. I was happy to see more of the same success from his previous films and leave the edgy Nicky behind.

The one draw back to this film is in the editing. There are some parts of the movie that go for the joke e.g. ‘you a virgin? Who would believe that?' In the trailers, on it's own I can see the humor. But it is obviously inserted for the laugh as the time of the date is mentioned before the phone call scene to make the date. Small editing problems gave this movie a sense of odd pacing. All of the humor fit, but it was in the wrong places some times.

Overall great experience, another win from Sandler, with a great soundtrack, and fun games on the CD.

"Little Nicky" might be good compared to this stinker.

[Ralpho · 1/10 · 4 January 2003]

I have enjoyed most of Sandler's movies and therefore expected to like this one, too, especially since the word of mouth was good.

However, I found it so bad that I stopped watching in the middle.

Although every movie takes liberties with reality, some of them go too far. This is one of them, and that's the primary reason I disliked it.

To begin with the 82-year-old man who freezes to death at the top of Mt. Everest could not be lifted off by a helicopter. No helicopter ever made can hover at that altitude. There might not even be one that can fly at that altitude.

Secondly, Sandler's character reveals a blackened foot that had been severely frostbitten years ago and invites the butler to wail on it with a fireplace poker. He can't feel the pain. Okay, fine, but that doesn't mean beating on the foot with a heavy iron bar wouldn't damage it.

Then we see Sandler's character climbing the side of a building to save a woman whose apartment is on fire. How could he possibly be so agile with such a damaged foot? That's a rhetorical question because, of course, he couldn't.

Lastly, Winona Ryder's character, a tabloid journalist, poses as an ordinary person in order to get close to Sandler's character and secretly record his activities with a hidden camera. Yet the tape we see was shot from positions she couldn't possibly have been in. (Like three stories high in the case of the apartment fire.)

And it defies credibility that Sandler's character doesn't figure out after the first incident that Winona Ryder's character did the taping defies credibility.

This movie is a real stinker. I gave it a 1.

Has nice moments

[rbverhoef · 6/10 · 4 January 2004]

The old and very rich Mr. Preston Blake dies and Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) inherits all his money and 49% of the shares of Blake's company, which makes him the largest stockholder. Two executives from the company, Cedar (Peter Gallagher) and Anderson (Erick Avari), try to make sure Deeds doesn't want his shares in the company so they can own it themselves. Deeds lives in Mandrake Falls, New Hampshire and needs to come to New York for some paperwork. Deeds is a friendly guy, someone who wants to be friends with everybody, well, almost everybody. Once he arrives in New York John Turturro is his servant.

Winona Ryder plays Babe, a tabloid reporter who must find out who inherits everything from Mr. Blake, and after she has done that she must come up with more stories. Of course Deeds meets Babe, who calls herself Pam Dawson, because she must be the love interest in the movie. They have dinner and Babe does nothing but lie to Deeds, something that must be made up later in the story after he discovers everything. Although Babe lies to him for her story she instantly likes him. After a night of partying together with John McEnroe in a nice cameo, where Babe has recorded everything, the whole country can see what Deeds has done all night. The next day Babe does it again only this time the editors mess with her footage. Where Deeds actually saved the day they made it look like he did terrible things. Of course this is the real turning point for Babe and the way she thinks of Deeds, and in way of how she thinks of herself. The problem is that she didn't tell Deeds and we all know how these stories develop and there is no need to say more here about the story. We know it all ends well, how exactly is not even important.

I said that Deeds wants to be friends with almost everybody. The once he doesn't want to be friends with he treats very violent. Some of the violent scenes are pretty funny but there is a scene with his own foot, a foot that feels nothing, that is more sick than funny. Still, the violent numbers in the movie gave me some great laughs. There are other moments of comedy but most them did involve some kind of pain; fighting, falling down, etc.

Adam Sandler is not my favorite actor in the world, and sometimes I had some problems with him as the leading actor. He is great in the violent scenes, as he was in 'Happy Gilmore' but as an actor I just don't like him very much. The lovely Winona Ryder makes up for this. Other great things are the little supporting roles. Like I said we have John McEnroe in a nice cameo, Peter Gallagher is good as the villain, John Turturro terrific as the servant with a foot fetish and we see Steve Buscemi in a little performance who steals every scene he is in.

As a remake of Frank Capra's 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town' it could have gone completely wrong. The new 'Mr. Deeds' is not a great movie with its predictable story, but it certainly has some good moments and a heart in the right place. If you like Adam Sandler you will definitely like this movie, if you are not very fond of him, like myself, you probably find enough other little things to enjoy this movie in a certain way.