Bedtime Stories

Bedtime Stories , released by Walt Disney Productions in 2008, is an enjoyable family film. The movie is fun and reminds us what it was like to be a kid; shares the imaginative side of childhood. Director Adam Shankman, cast, and crew created something timeless that can be shared through the generations.

Bedtime Stories is narrated by the father of the main character, Marty Bronson (Jonathan Pryce). The movie begins in 1974 and explains the unusual business transaction promise Marty Bronson wheedles out of Barry Nottingham (Richard Griffiths) before selling his motel. Barry Nottingham is forced to promise that upon Marty Bronson's son, Skeeter, reaching adulthood, Skeeter will be given the opportunity to manage the motel that Marty Bronson is selling to him.

Then the film skips into "present day" (mentioned 25 years later) with Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) all grown up. Skeeter is in charge of the very large hotel's maintenance which half way fulfills his father's promise. Skeeter is living at the very large hotel that replaced the small motel owned by Marty Bronson. He is leading a dull bachelor's life and doing hard labor as the repairman. His sister, Wendy (Courteney Cox), unexpectedly telephones Skeeter on his cell phone and invites him over for Bobbi's birthday. Upon arriving at Wendy's home, Skeeter, who has not seen his sister and her children for four years, finds out Bobbi (Laura Ann Kesling) is his niece instead of nephew when he hands her brother, Patrick (Jonathan Morgan Heit), the birthday gift instead. Wendy admits she did not ask Skeeter over for the party, but to ask a very big favor.

Wendy is newly divorced, losing her job as Principal due to school closure, has an interview in Arizona for employment, and wants her brother to babysit the "night shift" for her children. Wendy has the "day shift" covered by her teacher friend, Jill (Keri Russell), who works at the same school that is closing and is also the school Wendy's children attend. Reluctantly Skeeter agrees to babysit during the "night shift". He becomes more willing after meeting beautiful and intelligent Jill, who finds his vehicle parked in two spaces inconsiderate; does not appreciate Skeeter's "cone of protection" parking lot theory.

At first, Patrick and Bobbi are not certain they want their uncle babysitting, especially when he considers having no television "an emergency" and pokes fun at their wholesome story books. They warm up to Skeeter when, out of desperation, he tells them a bedtime story, completely made up for them like his father did for him when a child. He allows the children to change the story to suit them which gains their attention and participation.

With each night of babysitting and sharing a bedtime story with Bobbi and Patrick, Skeeter each day finds the children's bedtime story changes are bleeding into his real life in unusual ways. He finds it unnerving, but this does not keep him from telling bedtime stories. Instead telling the bedtime stories includes his niece and nephew more into his life, allows them to share their views, and rewards Skeeter with a sense of adventure, anticipation and the adoration of two delightful children.

The bond created between uncle, niece and nephew renews Skeeter's love for his family. This special bond with his niece and nephew help Skeeter become a better person. Hanging around Bobbi and Patrick further teaches Skeeter the importance of love, family, responsibility, standing up for something as well as there are such things as "happy endings in real life."

Bedtime Stories was humorous, witty, charming and delightful. This movie was full of great pro-family messages. I loved the special effects. Definitely worth the 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. The movie was set at the perfect viewing pace. This was absolutely Adam Sandler's best performance and film. The superb cast exhibited their flawless acting abilities! Hat's off to cast and crew for a job well done!

Bedtime Stories is rated PG, and comes with the recommendation that its viewers should be 7 years or older. This fun family time film is on DVD. I highly recommend Bedtime Stories as a "must see!" Are you an Adam Sandler, Courteney Cox, Lucy Lawless, Russell Brand or Guy Pearce fan? This movie is one you will want to watch!

Enjoy!

Other primary cast members included: Guy Pearce (Kendall, the Manager of the hotel), Lucy Lawless (Aspen, the Concierge of the hotel who colluded with Kendall when they gave Skeeter a rough time at work), Russell Brand (Mickey, co-worker and friend of Skeeter's), Teresa Palmer (Violet Nottingham, the daughter of Barry Nottingham, owner of the hotel), and Aisha Tyler (Donna Hynde, from the city's Planning Commission office who assists Skeeter in saving the elementary school from demolition).