Agreeing to babysit his sister's kids while she's out of town, amiable handyman Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) entertains his niece and nephew with mystical tales of derring do. Whether it's the adventures of Roman gladiator Skeeticus or English knight Sir Fixalot, Skeeter always finds a way to put himself at the centre of the story. When elements of his tall tales inexplicably begin turning up in real life, however, the opportunistic odd job man attempts to make a fortune from his newfound power, that is until he realises that it's the kids who have the ability to turn fiction into fact.
Love him or hate him, there's no denying Sandler's exuberant energy and it's this vibrancy that keeps this fluffy family treat afloat, even in its sillier moments.
Reminiscent in some ways of the excellent fairy tale adventure The Princess Bride, it's Skeeter's outlandish yarns that kids will look forward to and, populated as they are with engaging actors, including Russell Brand, Guy Pearce and stage veteran Richard Griffiths, there's plenty for adults too. As frothy, simple and good-natured as your average bedtime tale, Sandler's film is unlikely to linger in the memory too long, but, while it lasts, it's pretty much guaranteed to keep its intended audience rapt.
Bedtime Stories is a Film programme that first aired in 2008 and has been classified a PG certificate.
