Adam Sandler’s animated feature debut, Eight Crazy Nights, is the kind of movie animation snobs thumb their noses at, usually before they’ve even seen it. I’m not one of those snobs and if something makes me laugh or warms my heart, I feel compelled to recommend it. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but if you can get past some of the crude humor and other typical Sandler touches, there’s a lot to love about this funny and surprisingly moving holiday musical.
While I consider this film an underrated holiday classic, I’ll admit that I’m one of the many who overlooking it when it hit theaters in 2002. That’s probably because Columbia Tristar’s marketing focused more on the Scrooge-like behavior of Sandler’s Davey Stone character rather than the true heart and soul of the movie’Whitey Duvall.
Whitey is one of my all-time favorite cartoon characters. Originally created for an audio sketch on one of Sandler’s comedy CD releases, this diminutive, white-haired youth basketball referee does a lot for the community, only to be teased by the kids and ignored by adults. All Whitey wants is to be recognized for his contributions when the Jewish Community Center awards its annual community service patch. While awaiting the big day, he takes it upon himself to help Davey, a local boy who grew up to be a drunk and all-around public nuisance. Essentially, this is a Dickensian tale with a Jewish twist and a fair amount of (port-a) potty humor.
Sandler provides the voices for Whitey and his equally amusing twin sister, Elanore. The two characters have some hilarious scenes together but manage to be more than just comic foils. Spending time with them at home, we realize that these are two people who look out for each other in a small town where people aren’t always so neighborly.
Before this starts sounding like a Halmark production, I’ll assure you that Sandler’s signature brand of loveably immature comedy permeates the movie, giving us some raunchy, irreverent moments that push the envelope of good taste. While not recommended for kids under the age 12 (unless edited for television), this is a great alternative to some of the saccharin holiday specials out there, and deserves a spot alongside perennial favorite National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, another film that was largely overlooked during its initial run.
Eight Crazy Nights earned Sandler a 2003 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Voice in an Animated Movie. In addition to the comedian’s multiple-personality achievement, the film boasts the voices of fellow Saturday Night Live alumni Jon Lovitz, Kevin Nealon and Rob Schneider, while cameos are put in by supermodel Tyra Banks, actor Carl Weathers and SpongeBob voicer Tom Kenny.
Produced by Sandler’s Happy Madison Prods. and Meatball Animation, Eight Crazy Nights was directed by Seth Kearsley, who helmed the 1999 Dilbert animated series. Sandler shares writing credits with Allen Covert (The Benchwarmers), Brad Isaacs (TV’s News Radio) and music producer Brooks Arthur. The latter no doubt contributed to the movie’s catchy tunes, which include Sandler’s famous ‘Chanukah Song.’
Eight Crazy Nights is available on home video from Tristar Home Entertainment. The two-disc DVD offers nine original featurettes and commentary by writer/producer Allan Covert, director Seth Kearsley, art director Philip A. Cruden, head of animation Stephan Franck, effects supervisor John Bermudas and executive producer Ken Tsumura. For animation enthusiasts, the release features a multi-angle animation progression and 13 deleted/alternate scenes with optional commentary. Sandler’s faithful will also enjoy a music video for “Chanukah Song Part 3,” and a short film titled A Day with the Meatball.
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