The Cobbler

This high-concept comedy stars Adam Sandler as Max, a dissatisfied cobbler who gets in over his head when he discovers a stitching machine that allows him to turn into the person whose shoes he puts on. This premise and much of the first act are quirky and fun, however the plot gets progressively stranger, and after about an hour has arrived at the downright bizarre (when Max falls foul of numerous gangsters). Sandler heads up the film with a subtle, convincing performance, and the strong, all-star support cast tackle their roles with conviction. But in a film so unsure of what it is, any chemistry is wasted. What could have been a thoughtful fantasy ends up as nonsensical farce, which wastes a unique premise in a series of increasingly alienating twists and contradictory tones. It's certainly a change for Sandler, but not necessarily a welcome one.