Adam Sandler

A comic that defined the field in the ’90s and early 2000s, Adam Sandler returns to his stand-up roots. By now, Sandler’s apparent contradictions have taken on a warm nostalgic glow. His dumb (albeit funny) comedies will never be confused with good films, and they rely too much on Sandler yelling like an angry man child. Meanwhile, his serious film roles display considerable dramatic range. Which is the real Sandman? His stand-up act suggests he’s both. His comic stories rely on irritation and getting grumpy with age, while his absurdist songs are inspired rare gems.