Hubie Halloween
NETFLIX
After not being nominated for best actor in a leading role at the Oscars for Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler made a promise that he would make the worst movie ever as his revenge. Sandler’s latest Netflix film Hubie Halloween does not fulfil the promise for two reasons. The first being that Hubie Halloween was filmed the summer before the promise was made, and the second, and much more important, reason is that the film isn’t terrible.
Set in modern-day Salem Massachusetts, Hubie Halloween follows Hubie Dubois (Sandler), the town’s quirky outcast. Hubie is the self-proclaimed ‘Official Volunteer Halloween Helper’ and takes it upon himself to make sure kids are safe on the spooky night. The town of Salem may not be conducting any witch trials, but the mob mentality still persists after all these years as everyone constantly berates Hubie though pranks and scares. Through all of the jokes, Hubie perseveres which eventually benefits the town after a patient escapes the psychiatric ward and is let loose.
Adam Sandler’s films are always filled with star-studded cameos. The Netflix films are so full of them, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was unveiled that Sandler and his friends were using the movies as a vacationing front. The cameos are usually a bonus on top of whatever comedic character Sandler is portraying but, in Hubie Halloween, they’re a necessity. Sandler goes overboard on his quirky voice for the titular character and it quickly gets old. Every time Hubie is spooked, Sandler gives an ‘I’ve seen a ghost’ scream. The scream will gain laughs but, just as the voice, the same gag can only go on for so long. The over-the-top acting is not too dissimilar to Jack and Jill, but the supporting cast balances out the absurdity.
Hubie Halloween is a simple comedy with a simple message for all ages, and that overall message is to be kind. For the kids, this acts as an instruction to not be a bully but, instead, be friendly to those around you. Hubie’s love interest, Violet Valentine (Julie Bowen) has three adopted children who are outsiders in this toxic town. As the children are trying to find their way, they see how the town is mean to Hubie and, instead of joining in, they befriend him. The lesson for adults to take away is to think before you tweet. The town is a real-life Twitter mob doxing someone whom they don’t understand. Even if people disagree, verbally harassing them for it isn’t the way to come together. Being neighbourly is Hubie’s number one goal.
Halloween was cancelled, Thanksgiving is in doubt and morale around the world is low. An espionage Cold War thriller might not bring up the mood, but an old-fashioned star-studded comedy could. It’s why Netflix’s Eurovision Song Contest blew up. Hubie Halloween may not get close to Adam Sandler’s best, but the message of kindness gives the viewer that happy feeling that Sandler’s films are known for.