Having had mixed views on Sandler films in the past, I was flicking through the sky movies channels (as i so often do) on friday night and stumbled across 'Billy Madison'.
Billy Madison is a comedy film made in 1995 which is directed by Tamra Davis. The film is co-written by Adam Sandler ... Read review
For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infant...
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For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infant...
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He's heir to the Madison Hotel millions but the only subjects Billy has studied lately ... more
are babes and booze. For him life has been a ten-year party since he left high school: drinking bottomless daiquiris catching rays by the pool pulling moronic pr...
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He's heir to the Madison Hotel millions, but the only subjects Billy (Adam Sandler) has ... more
studied lately are babes and booze. For him, life has been a ten-year party since he left high school: drinking bottomless daiquiris, catching rays by the pool, pul...
Release Date: 2006-10-09, Rating Suitable for 18 years and over,
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item....
For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infantile leanings (which he has fortunately outgrown in more recent movies), and for the most part the jokes about being too old and too big for the experiment are obvious. Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi turn up in uncredited cameo appearances, but otherwise the film is pretty dismissible, except for those diehards who can't get enough of Sandler. --Tom Keogh
Postage & Packaging:£2.69 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infantile leanings (which he has fortunately outgrown in more recent movies), and for the most part the jokes about being too old and too big for the experiment are obvious. Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi turn up in uncredited cameo appearances, but otherwise the film is pretty dismissible, except for those diehards who can't get enough of Sandler. --Tom Keogh
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infantile leanings (which he has fortunately outgrown in more recent movies), and for the most part the jokes about being too old and too big for the experiment are obvious. Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi turn up in uncredited cameo appearances, but otherwise the film is pretty dismissible, except for those diehards who can't get enough of Sandler. --Tom Keogh
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the formerSaturday Night Livestar ... more
as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infantile leanings (which he has fortunately outgrown in more recent movies), and for the most part the jokes about being too old and too big for the experiment are obvious. Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi turn up in uncredited cameo appearances, but otherwise the film is pretty dismissible, except for those diehards who can't get enough of Sandler. --Tom Keogh
Postage & Packaging:£1.21 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Christopher Ettridge, Victor McGuire, Emma Amos, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Elizabeth Carling
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Steve Buscemi cameo, Bridgette Wilson (delightful) Disadvantages: More or less everythingabout the film!
...'Billy Madison'.
Billy Madison is a comedy film made in 1995 which is directed by Tamra Davis. The film is co-written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, and the film is produced by Universal Pictures.
So what is it all about?
------------------------------
When Brian Madison (Darren McGavin) makes a decision to retire from the hotel chain that he owns, it would seem that the logical choice would be ... ...Sandler). The problem is that Billy just so happens to be a complete delinquent that has absolutely not concept of how to look after himself, let alone a multi-million dollar company.
After Billy makes a mockery of his father at a dinner meeting with business associates, it becomes pretty obvious that Billy is unsuitable to run the company and therefore Brian is pretty set on handing control of the company on to the devious Eric Gordon ... more
Having had mixed views on Sandler films in the past, I was flicking through the sky movies channels (as i so often do) on friday night and stumbled across 'Billy Madison'.
Billy Madison is a comedy film made in 1995 which is directed by Tamra Davis. The film is co-written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, and the film is produced by Universal Pictures.
So what is it all about? ------------------------------
When Brian Madison (Darren McGavin) makes a decision to retire from the hotel chain that he owns, it would seem that the logical choice would be to hand down the business to his only son, Billy (Adam Sandler). The problem is that Billy just so happens to be a complete delinquent that has absolutely not concept of how to look after himself, let alone a multi-million dollar company.
After Billy makes a mockery of his father at a dinner meeting with business associates, it becomes pretty obvious that Billy is unsuitable to run the company and therefore Brian is pretty set on handing control of the company on to the devious Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford). However after much protesting from Billy, his father and he reach the agreement that if Billy manages to complete every level of compulsory education within twenty four weeks.
When he begins the process of education again very early on in the piece Billy begins trying to get the attention of the very attractive Veronica Vaughan (Bridgette Wilson), a teacher who had previously caught Billy's eye. After completing the first two grades, Billy becomes one of Veronica's students, and it is during this time that he manages to get very close to her.
The progression that Billy is making seems to really get Eric riled up and it is this annoyance which leads him to a devious idea to scupper the chances of Billy becoming owner of the company; Eric bribes the principal of the school Max Anderson (Josh Morstel) by threatening to expose Anderson for his wrestling past which could ruin his career. Anderson duly obliges by stating on television that Billy bribed him in order to pass and progress to High School, this is clearly untrue.
Brian decides once again that his son is not fit to run the company, and this sends Billy into a lazy binge session reminiscent of his previous days before this new chance came about. After some gentle persuasion from Veronica, Billy manages to get back on track and attend high school again.
Cue a new and motivated Billy determined to not only pass of all the required education in time, but also to win over the girl and start a long term relationship with Veronica. Will this happen? Well i'm not in the business of spoiling films by giving away too much information on the film or its ending so you will just have to find out for yourself!
Is it any good? -------------------
As I stated before, Adam Sandler's films in my experience are pretty hit and miss. Billy Madison probably falls into the latter, not because it is a terrible film really but more because it lacks depth.
The premise of the film is entirely ridiculous for a start. I can the idea of bad-turned-good motivated by the attractive girl, but what is really ridiculous is the notion of a twenty-seven year old going back to school (particuarly the younger classes) but not only this, he also has only 24 weeks to finish twelve years worth of education. This I find too ridiculous to overlook, the fact that it is a comedy.
So ridiculousness aside, it the film funny? Well not really. The film is mildly amusing at times and there is always an element of likeability to Sandler's characters and this keeps the film watchable. Of course this is aided by the absolutely stunning Bridgette Wilson who plays the love interest, she lights the screen up, and not in the coventional way.
It becomes very clear that there is little depth to the film quite early on. Pretty much the moment Billy and Veronica first kiss. Considering how repulsed by Billy, Veronica seemed, it seems fanciful that she could all of a sudden find him a sex-bomb after him passing a couple of grades of elementary school. The relationship isn't really taken on any further in detail so we are left a bit in the dark which is not a sign of a well made film. Just because it is a comedy, it doesn't mean that standard film guidelines can be entirely thrown out of the window.
Watchable, but only if you do genuinely have ninety minutes of your life that you are willing to spare. Do not expect to be in fits of laughter or to be thrilled by seeing a well made film.
Finally - Look out for a quirkly little cameo from an uncredited Steve Buscemi. He always provides good value and here is no exception!
How much is it and where can I get it? ----------------------------------------------------
The film is available on DVD from play.com at £4.99 with free delivery. Despite the very low cost of purchasing this film, I honestly couldn't recommend a purchase unless you are absolutely loaded or really love Adam Sandler.
Advantages: Stupidly funny! Disadvantages: Not very original
Billy Madison is another comedy film starring the as yet unknown at the time Adam Sandler. It was made in 1995 when Sandler was still on Saturday Night Live.
Adam Sandler plays the titular character; he's 27 and the son of Bryan Madison (Darren McGavin), a very rich hotel magnate. So he has never worked a day in his life and doesn't know the true meaning of money as everything is just given to him. But Bryan is retiring, and is torn about whether ... ...co-worker at Madison Hotels. So Billy strikes a deal with his dad: he will go through each school grade and pass their exams in a short period of time in order for him to become the head of the company. If he fails, it goes to Gordon.
And if that isn't enough pressure, he gets heckled at school, goofs off as much as he can and tried to woo his third grade teacher, Veronica Vaughn. Will it all pay off?
No offense to Adam Sandler, but this is the ...
Walter_Kovacs 15.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Billy Madison (DVD)
Advantages: May appeal to children Disadvantages: Weak story, very annoying lead character
...Adam plays the part of Billy Madison who's family own large hotels and are millionaires. Billy is set to inherit the fortune when his father retires. He is a fun loving man and does not take life seriously. All he has done since leaving school is sit around drinking and playing practical jokes. Eric works with Billy's father at their company and he starts talking Billy dad around to leaving him the company instead as he says Billy will not be able ... ...so on his grades alone. Billy is upset by this and decides to make a bet with his father. He bets that he will graduate from school on his own, doing all 6 grades in 12 weeks. If Billy is successful then he will take over the company but if not the company will go to Eric. Billy starts out at school and soon learns that it is much harder than he remembered and he also falls in love with a teacher who he later finds out is the third grade teacher. ...
sewbizzie 01.10.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Billy Madison (DVD)
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Quick review of Billy Madison (DVD)
If your an adam sandler fan this film is a must. he shows that even grown men can fine that graduating primary school isnt easy. And with someone more than willing to take over his family business billy finds the odds are definatly against him.
its worth checking out and is the sort of film you can watch again and again.
theres even a bit of romance in the film for you love fans. ...
Carl_1987 12.05.2007
Review of Billy Madison (DVD)
Advantages: funny!! Disadvantages: nothing i can think off
...a toddler could understand it, billy madison is the son of a very wealthy man, his dad is the owner of a chain of hotels, billy is a high school drop out (though he doesnt know this) and sits at his mansion getting drunk, looking at dirty magazines chasing invisible penguins with his two very thick friends.
Howeve on one particular day his dad decided he has had enough of his behaviour and will not be giving control of the business to him but (damn ... ...be one mean dude).
Billy tells his dad that he will go through every grade from play school and pass, but he only has two weeks to learn and pass that grade. his dad likes the idea and then the story begins.
The dude (still havent thought of his name) doesnt like this and does all he can to stop billy getting the company and in the end he does so.
However people find out that it was just a lie so billy and the dude go head to head in a learnathon ...
grimworld 08.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Billy Madison (DVD)
Advantages: So stupid, you have to laugh!! Disadvantages: At times can become,alittle to childish!
...Gilmore’ and ‘The Waterboy’. Well Billy Madison is one of his original classics. The film contains every stupid element, you do not think you would find funny: from imaginary penguins to gay a principle. But you find you have to laugh at the outrageous humour. I admit I do enjoy the film even if the story does not seem that feasible. Billy Madison is a movie about a millionaire’s son called, ‘Billy Madison’ who spends his time getting drunk in the ... ...just so happens to hate Billy Madison). To prevent the company going in to the wrong hands, Billy Madison goes back to school, repeating every school year win his fathers faith and to save the company.
The film is simple but funny can provide fun for all the family, even if a bit childish at times. A good, good film.
I recommend it to everyone. ...
EMOO02 30.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Billy Madison (DVD)
Billy, the heir to the Madison Hotel millions, has wasted his life with booze and girls since leaving school. When he discovers his father's plan to turn his fortune over to his Vice President, Billy decides to go back to school and make-up for lost time...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
UCA; CINRAM LOGISTICS (SWINDON)
Release date
24/12/2001
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
902 186 9
Barcode
3259190218697
Screenwriter
Rich Wilkes
Languages
Main Language
English
Hearing Impaired Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Trailer
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround English
Professional reviews
Review
"...A healthy streak of sick humor that keeps you guessing..." (USA Today, p.5D, 24/02/1995)
"...A certain manic energy and no-holds-barred attitude....[With] bursts of sheer, irresistible idiocy..." (Variety, 13/02/1995)
DVD Description
In order to gain control of his family's billion dollar business, a man must win a bet that he can go through grades 1-12 again in 6 months. The fact that he's a hopeless goof who failed all these grades the first time doesn't help.
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