'Adam Sandler: Love You' Reviews: "the interruptions, whether planned or real, do add an energy that gives Sandler’s comedy just a little extra kick"

         On August 27, 2024, Netlfix released 'Adam Sandler: Love You', which has received predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the comedy special, the actor and comedian "hits the stage for a thrillingly unpredictable comedy special featuring songs, jokes, party-crashing dogs and plenty of love." Read the full review round-up below.

       Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence writes, "Safdie’s pagentry does occasionally threaten to be a real distraction. Yet the interruptions, whether planned or real, do add an energy that gives Sandler’s comedy just a little extra kick." Adding, "When you watch Adam Sandler: Love You, it’s hard to know what’s real and what isn’t. The jokes are real, for sure. Later in the show, that’s not technically Elvis Presley singing, but it is Rob Schneider doing a very solid impression. Otherwise, who’s to say what’s really going on, as director Josh Safdie (a collaborator of Sandler’s since 2019’s Uncut Gems) stages the new Netflix comedy special as 70 minutes of self-contained chaos."

Photo by Jagjit Singh on Unsplash

        Ethan Anderton of Slashfilm notes, "Digging into the meat of "Adam Sandler: Love You," if you enjoyed what the Sandman brought to the table with "100% Fresh," then you're going to love this. Throughout the show, Sandler has stand-up style bits ranging from typical amusing observations and anecdotes from his family life and fan interactions. But the best jokes come from extended, imagined scenarios, such as one where he's threatened through the mail by a one-foot tall man named Charlie Mungo, or a sexual encounter with a balloon that Sandler let float into the air after a party. That last one in particular feels like it has the potential to be a hilarious short film reminiscent of The Lonely Island's SNL Digital Short days." Adding, "But as has often been the case since his early days at "Saturday Night Live," it's Sandler's musical bits that have the strongest impact, with some assistance from "SNL" writer Dan Bulla singing occasional back-up vocals and keyboard. One tune in the same vein as the "Rawhide" theme song (with Sandler whinnying like a horse an mimicking a whip crack) has Sandler masterfully strumming a Spanish guitar-style medley while singing about muttering under his breath while doing mundane things like mowing the lawn and going to the bank. Does Sandler actually do any of these things himself when he's reached this level of stardom? Honestly, it doesn't matter, because Sandler has such a home grown sense of relatability that you never question the legitimacy of these set-ups, unlike someone like Jerry Seinfeld, who feels more and more out of touch with average people everyday."