The Cobbler

These sort of "What-If?" films are always enjoyable, and despite Sandler not being my most liked of performers, The Cobbler was enjoyable too. I actually guessed the "twist" rather early on, but it was still somewhat entertaining when it happened. Featuring the utterly gorgeous Kim Cloutier (yes, there's a nice shower scene) and a pretty tasty Greta Lee, The Cobbler dices with fantasy and magic but ultimately fails to make our protagonist really benefit. Sandler sleepwalks through what is largely a fun film. Dustin Hoffman and Steve Buscemi are always good to watch, but the film should probably have had a few more laughs (I laughed once), a better leading man, and no Method Man. However I enjoyed very much seeing the skill and technique of mending old footwear, and if the film had just been a straight up drama about saving a dying skillset, it may have been better than what The Cobbler was.

B-

What was the twist? (Turned it off halfway)

The twist is that Steve Buscemi is Sandler's father. Buscemi is Dustin Hoffman. He had to hide from some bad men all those years ago, but always wanted to stay close to his son and wife, so he had to don a new appearance. So his dad that he hated so much actually lived next door to him for his whole life. I have no idea why he couldn't tell them that beforehand, but that's the way it is.

I haven't seen the film, but - "Buscemi is Dustin Hoffman" - wut?

It will make total sense if you just watch the first 20 minutes.