That's My Boy - Movie Review

US Release  June 15, 2012

Screened on Wednesday May 30, 2012 at Edwards Mira Mesa

That’s My Boy is a return to Adam Sandler’s roots of raunchy and kick-ass laughter inducing jokes and scenes.  I’ve been a big Sandler fan since Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison, with The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates as 2 of my top favorite movies of all time. 

That’s My Boy stars Adam Sandler as Donny Berger who had an affair with his teacher, Miss McGarricle, as a junior high schooler.  Their affair leads to him impregnating her and she being charged with statutory rape and sentenced to 33 years in prison.  The young Miss McGarricle is played by Eva Amurri, who bears a striking resemblance to her real life mother, Susan Sarandon.  Donny is left to care for baby Han Solo as a single parent under the guardianship of his father since he is still only 13 years old.

*Spoilers ahead*

Fast-forward 30 years and Donny has squandered his 15 minutes of fame (and the bit of fortune that came with it).  He is a babbling alcoholic that owes the IRS $45,000 and has not had any contact with his son for over 12 years.  In order to avoid jail time, he must find a means to pay off the $45,000.  He goes to see a smut television host to see if his story is still worth something.  The host only offers him a show if he can get a reunion with his son Han Solo visiting Miss McGarricle in prison.

The rest of the movie showcases Donny’s attempts to reconnect with his son, who in the stab to distance himself from his parentage has changed his name to Todd Peterson.  As with the majority of Sandler’s movies, hilarity and vulgarity ensues as the father and son rekindle their bond.  There are many uproarious scenes and dialogue between the characters throughout the movie.  A special mention to: Vanilla Ice and Milo Ventimiglia for their awesome comedic timing.

Overall, That’s My Boy may have some critics questioning the morality of statutory rape as the basis for this comedy but it is rated R so it should restrict the audience to a more mature group.  I think Adam Sandler and his wickedly awesome and hilarious cast has done a great job.  Go see it!

-Ris