Something was lost in translation when James L Brooks wrote and directed Spanglish. Although Adam Sandler and newcomer Paz Vega are sincere and engaging in their roles, the story of a Mexican housekeeper who becomes enmeshed in the lives of her employers is messily told. It falls into a no-mans land between comedy and drama that, while occasionally funny and poignant, spends most of the time lingering on the border, unsure which way to go.
Thankfully Sandler avoids the comedy shtick and instead offers a crushingly affective portrayal of John Clasky, a successful chef who has achieved the American dream but remains unsatisfied. Nevertheless, as the hired help who excites his passion, Spanish actress Vega steals the limelight. She doesn't speak English (and there are no subtitles), but the anguish of her predicament is entirely clear. Of course the language of love needs no translation, but Mrs Clasky (T茅a Leoni) is one barrier that may prove impossible to overcome.
"A CURIOUSLY SIMPLISTIC SET-UP"
Unfortunately Leoni's character is underdeveloped in what turns out to be a curiously simplistic set-up where Latin women are cosy, round and maternal and American women are hardnosed with hard abs. In turn, Brooks' championing of good old-fashioned family values feels hopelessly na茂ve and frankly unconvincing. Although the situation offers up the odd funny moment - like a love scene between Sandler and Leoni that borders on GBH - the drama unfolds in similarly awkward jerks and spasms. Just by trying to fit too much in, Brooks spreads himself too thinly and fails to get his point across.
Spanglish (2005)
