June 20, 2006

Did you know that Adam Sandler is almost 40 years old? It's somewhat odd that throughout his 30s, Sandler has made a fortune mining teenage-boy/frat-house-type humor in hits like "Big Daddy" and "Anger Management." Yet, as he's gotten older, Sandler has explored his dramatic side, most notably in his well-received performances in "Punch-Drunk Love" and the unfortunate "Spanglish." You'd never believe it from the marketing campaign, but in many ways his latest flick, "Click," is the most serious comedy he's ever made. Now, hardcore Sandler fans shouldn't panic. "Click" has more than enough gross-out jokes (perhaps too many) to make it worth your while, but what intrigued the comedian most were the other elements the script had to offer.

"I felt like with the remote control we had a lot of jokes and a lot of humor. The thing that was attractive to all of us was that second half of the movie," Sandler says. "I thought people who had seen some of my movies in the past, they can handle it."

That second half of "Click" finds Sandler's character misusing his "universal remote" and peering into a dreamy future -- or so he thinks. Going from performing slapstick to conveying honest emotions wasn't easy.

"I don't like sitting in my trailer being depressed all day," Sandler says. "If I think I did the best I could do, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. But, I'd rather go to work and fart in Hasselhoff's face."

Bodily functions and the former "Knight Rider"-star notwithstanding, Sandler is also keen on making movies his family can enjoy years from now and "Click" fits that bill. On the other hand, he's only embraced fatherhood and the recent birth of his young daughter so much. Can you imagine Sandler changing diapers?

"I see that... go on," Sandler says evoking laughs from the gathered press.

Don't misconstrue that as lack of parental support on Sandler's part. He's there for his wife. Sandler notes, "I say 'Good feeding' a lot. 'Way to go.' 'Nice milk.'"

Little Sadie Madison Sandler will no doubt get her fair share of quality time with dad as she grows up. When she starts to "get" his movies is another question.

"I believe in what I've done in the past and I hope my kid enjoys the movies I've made," Sandler says. "I don't think she's going to dig them until she's maybe 14 or 15 or something, but I know I'll [tell her constantly], 'Watch Daddy now. This doesn't affect you the way it affected all of America.'"

Now, if that's not a ringing endorsement to take your family to "Click," what is?