Mired in juvenilia with only one acting performance worthy of mention, "Mr. Deeds" swiftly extinguishes the afterglow of Sandler's smashing Cannes debut last month with "Punch-Drunk Love." Returning aggressively to his formula of dimwitted comedy and even dimmer characters, Sandler, who also executive produces, has made a film that makes previous vehicles look smart and sassy. Sandler's teen and preteen audience will, of course, turn up opening day.

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