Laid-back, vacation fun that doesn't take itself too seriously.

This movie sort of grew on me as I was watching it. Some of the jokes seemed forced (it's always hard to shoe-horn in jokes about puberty, without it getting awkward) but just as the vacation loosened-up the tightly wound characters, when I relaxed and stopped viewing it through the prism of "but what are its messages?!" I laughed and enjoyed some of its sweeter moments. The excellent onscreen chemistry between Barrymore and Sandler always comes through and no matter how weak other plot lines may be, you always root for the one where they get together. I hope they keep making rom-coms together because they really are an enjoyable team to watch.

As cheesy as some might find the polished resort-Africa to be, I thought it was fun, enjoyable and realistic. There are lots of families that vacation this way and while snobs might sneer at the Disneyland-ation of such travel destinations not everyone is up for the full adventure experience. For many families, having a safe base and venturing out in viewing tourist groups is enough. "Blended" is sunny, laid back fun and utilizes Sandler's unique humor at its sweetest.