Eight Things I Love About Adam Sandler's Magnum Opus, The Wedding Singer
I was a bit too young to appreciate The Wedding Singer in all its glory when it premiered in 1998. Like many in my generation, I caught the film for the first time several years later, when VH1 started airing a safe-for-basic-cable edit in between reruns of I Love New York. Aside from 50 First Dates, I had kind of missed the Adam Sandler boat, and what I had seen of his films was a bit too crude for my taste. But something about The Wedding Singer grabbed me almost immediately. Maybe it was the familiar backdrop of suburban New Jersey. Maybe it was the bitchin’ 80s soundtrack. Or maybe it was the fact that I was, am, and will always be in love with Drew Barrymore.
Whatever it was, this film, despite its problematic moments, has remained a favorite of mine. I’m a huge fan of romantic comedies, but I rarely ever find them laugh-out-loud funny. This movie has moments that still get me, mostly involving Jon Lovitz’s face. It also made a fantastic musical, which does not get nearly the amount of love it deserves and should be revived immediately.
So, in honor of the 20th anniversary of The Wedding Singer’s release, here are ten things I love about what is possibly the only worthwhile Adam Sandler film (don’t @ me).
Eileen Albertini Dow, who plays Rosie the Rapping Grandma, was 85 when the film was released. Judging by her IMDb, her film career didn’t really start until she was in her 70s and she worked up until about two years before her death (at 101!). She is my hero and proof that it’s never too late. Also, we are unfortunately not related.
This scene and The Perks of Being a Wallflower are responsible for my love of The Smiths. Also, I know we’re supposed to hate her but Linda is a total babe.
“Somebody Kill Me” kind of shreds and is also the official anthem of every sad twentysomething on Twitter
Extremely Bisexual Lighting at the first wedding.
There are so many valuable relationship lessons in this film. For example, if your partner won’t give you the window seat on the plane (or the aisle seat, I respect your lifestyle, Aisle Seat People), DUMP THEM IMMEDIATELY.
Drunk Steve Buscemi. We have all been Drunk Steve Buscemi at one point or another.
One time I saw Alexis Arquette at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood, living her best life at drag karaoke. I’m very sad that she’s no longer with us.
I am aware that most of Adam Sandler’s brand of comedy is just yelling at people, but it does work very well in this film.
Anyway, Happy 20th, The Wedding Singer. Enjoy your prime rib or fish.