The characterization of Deeds is a little muddled. Sometimes, he’s a naive provincial hick; other times he’s, well, Adam Sandler, prone to bursts or rage or over the top karaoke. (Sandler’s New England accent is wicked muddled too.) Maybe I’m getting old and sentimental, but I actually prefer a lot of the sweeter moments. Sandler’s good in this . But he doesn’t seem to trust that he audience will stick with the story if he doesn’t hit someone in the throat every couple minutes.

Much of the charm (and the laughs) come from the ing players. It took me a couple scenes to recognize Jared Harris as the sleazy tabloid editor hunting down Deeds’ story. And John Turturro absolutely slaughters every scene as Deeds’ unplaceabley accented butler. I would have watched an hour more with that character.