Joining Skeeter in the everything’s-not-exactly-going-right department is his sister Wendy (Courtney Cox). If having her husband leave her and the kids wasn’t bad enough, she’s also recently lost her job as an elementary school principal. There is a great job opportunity in Arizona, however, if she can find someone to look after the kids, Patrick (Jonathan Morgan Heit) and Bobbi (Laura Ann Kesling). While her friend Jill (Keri Russell) has the day shift covered, Wendy eventually asks Skeeter if he’ll stop by at night. Of course, like a good brother he agrees, but he’s got to do something—anything—to entertain the kids since Wendy doesn’t even own a TV and only has a slew of silly, politically-correct books that have about as much appeal as a plate full of spinach for dinner.

Using his vibrant imagination, Skeeter eventually gets creative and starts inventing bedtime stories with some added details provided by the children. And then for whatever reason (it’s never really explained how it happens, it just does), the stories start coming true, sort of like the exhibits in Ben Stiller’s Night at the Museum.

Before long, Skeeter tries to concoct ways to use this new “technology” to his advantage, but the kids just won’t go for it (they’d much prefer gumballs falling from the sky and violent midgets), which provides many of the film’s whimsically comedic moments.

And unlike many kids’ movies that have a clear “message,” the audience isn’t beat over the head with the themes explored here (looking out for your family, rallying against corporate greed, using your imagination). If anything, Bedtime Stories is just an excuse for some old-fashioned fun that’ll entertain the kiddos without pushing the boundaries of good taste. Now who ever expected that Sandler would be starring in a flick like that?

CAUTIONS:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  None.
• Language/Profanity:  The Lord’s name is taken in vain a couple of times, plus there’s also a character in one of the stories called Sir Butt-Kiss. There are also a couple of instances of rude and scatological humor involving passing gas and a booger monster.
• Sex/Nudity:  A couple of references to a girl being “hot.”
• Violence:  Nothing that’s not strictly of a comedic nature.

Christa Banister is a full-time freelancer writer, specializing in music, movies and books-related reviews and interviews and is the author of two novels, Around the World in 80 Dates and Blessed Are the Meddlers. Based in St. Paul, Minn., she also weighs in on various aspects of pop culture on her personal blog. 

For more information, including her upcoming book signings and sample chapters of her novels, check out her Website.