Adam Sandler's latest comedy sensation, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (YASNITMBM), has skyrocketed to the number one spot on Netflix Top 10, riding on the coattails of Sandler's astounding $350 million deal with the streaming giant.
But the film's casting choices have raised eyebrows and sparked online debates around nepotism in Hollywood.
The Wedding Singer actor co-stars with his real-life teenage daughters, Sadie, 17, and Sunny, 14, while his on-screen wife is played by Idina Menzel. Interestingly, Jackie Sandler, Adam's real-life spouse, also has a role in the movie.
Social media critics have been quick to label Sadie and Sunny as "nepo babies" — a term used to describe the privileged offspring of famous individuals carving out their own niche in the entertainment industry.
Check out the trailer for You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah:However, in a revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the film's director, Sammi Cohen, provided insights into Sandler’s unique casting choices. "Sandler has a reputation for making movies with his friends, and that’s something we all want to do," Cohen explained. "What I say is, he’s still making movies with his friends, but they’re his kids. He is the kind of dad who’s also your best friend."
Addressing the nepotism discourse head-on, Cohen said, "When it comes to the sort of chatter we’re hearing online, I don’t really think twice about it because I’m going like, ‘Yeah, he’s doing the same thing he’s always done.’"
In a column for The Independent, Louis Chilton argues that the movie's commercial and critical success—currently holding the title of Sandler's highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes—proves that the audience doesn't seem to mind nepotism.
Chilton suggests that there's "something nice about the casting in a project like YASNITMBM; seeing real family members interact on screen is its own little thrill."
Beyond the charisma and chemistry, Sandler’s role as a parent didn't halt at the doors of the set. According to Cohen, he was "producing, acting, being an actual dad" all at once. "He really gave everyone space to do their thing, but when people needed support, he was there," praised Cohen. "He’s wearing multiple hats… Nothing suffers – he does it all 110 percent."
The film explores the life of two best friends as their bat mitzvah plans are disrupted by a popular boy who catches their attention. "I would say he’s a good coach. He knows when to push; he knows when to take a step back. He just understands how to make a good movie, and he’s one of the funniest, kindest human beings," Cohen concluded.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah is streaming now on Netflix, proving once again that controversy can sometimes be the best marketing strategy. Whether you're a fan of Sandler’s family-centric approach or a critic, there’s no denying that the film is capturing hearts and sparking conversations far and wide.
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