Release Date: August 26, 2014
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 117 minutes

After a disastrous blind date, single parents Lauren (Barrymore) and Jim (Sandler) agree on only one thing: they never want to see each other again. But when they each sign up separately for a fabulous family vacation with their kids, they are all stuck sharing a suite at a luxurious African safari resort for a week.

Just as I’d hoped, Blended delivered! Not only am I a fan of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler’s work, it was so much fun seeing the two reunite for another romantic comedy and it was reassuring knowing that it was Adam’s production company, Happy Madison behind this. I laughed aloud within the first two minutes and kept laughing a lot throughout the film and that’s not easy to do.

I am a huge fan of romantic comedies and have noticed the lack of them in recent years so I was beyond ecstatic to watch this and am so happy to report that this is probably the most entertaining film I’ve seen all year. I love that this movie is not just about romance but family and parenthood and growing pains and the good and bad that come with all sorts of relationships like compromise and accepting help when you don’t want to and being open minded. It’s fun and games but there’s always a wonderful message with Adam’s films throughout and especially at the end as things tie together. This is a story about what it means to love and be loved and it’s beautiful! It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it’s just what we all need right about now.

Best of all? I noticed that this film isn’t as crude as some of Sandler’s other “family friendly” films so that’s something to take into consideration when watching with a young family. There are two moments in particular that are a bit much but otherwise, I think this film is fine. Also…Terry Crews. He has a minor role in the film and if you find him funny, you’ll be sure to laugh when you see what he plays in this film. Great characters all around. Very three dimensional. Loved all of their arcs. Great story. Great message. I loved this film so much! I don’t know what you’re waiting for if you haven’t seen it. Go buy this right now!

Bonus Features:

Safari (4 minutes) – In this feature, we follow some members of the cast and crew as they travel across Africa and take in the animals of the safari. It’s beautiful! They get so close! It’s so much fun to see and I can only imagine how much more beautiful it was to see in person.

Appearing in this Feature:
Executive Producer, Allen Covert
Cast Members, Adam Sandler, Terry Crews
Tim Herlihy

Animals (4 minutes) – In this feature, we follow some members of the cast and crew getting to know the wild animals up close and personal. A cheetah even jumps on Adam Sandler’s back! Ah! Wild! I’m confused as to why this feature wasn’t added onto the Safari feature since these are very short in length features and they’re very similar. Anyway, this was fun!

Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Adam Sandler, Emma Fuhrmann, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Bella Thorne

Parasailing (3 minutes) – This is a short behind the scenes feature showing viewers what it was like filming the parasailing scene. It’s a fun feature but not a must see.

Appearing in this Feature:
Director, Frank Coraci
Cast Members, Drew Barrymore, Abdoulaye NGom, Adam Sandler
Stunt Coordinator, Grant Hulley

Ostriches (2 minutes) – The ostrich scene was green screen and it was really eye opening seeing how this scene was shot and then visually enhanced. This is a short feature but a must see. Oh, Hollywood.

Appearing in this Feature:
Director, Frank Coraci
Cast Members, Kyle Red Silverstein, Adam Sandler
Assistant Stunt Coordinator, Johann Spilhaus
Visual Effects Supervisor, Rob Bredow

Dick’s Customer Service (3 minutes) – Shaquille O’Neal’s cameo was worth a special feature of its own. Fun!

Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Adam Sandler, Shaquille O’Neal, Alyvia Alyn Lind

Herlihopps: Basketball Actor (2 minutes) – Adam Sandler’s friend, Tim Herlihy who is also a writer/producer and has worked on other films with Adam gets a special feature showing off his basketball skills. This is a skip but it’s nice to see Adam giving his friend his own special feature!

Adam and Drew: Back Together Again (3 minutes) – Obviously this is my favorite feature of all. Seeing these two enjoying each other behind the scenes and loving every moment…heaven!

Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore
Director, Frank Coraci

Bella Thorne’s Makeover (2 minutes) – This was an adorable feature showcasing Bella Thorne’s transformation for this role.

Appearing in this Feature:
Cast Members, Bella Thorne, Emma Fuhrmann, Shaquille O’Neal, Drew Barrymore
Director, Frank Coraci
Makeup Department Head, Ann Pala

Nickens (2 minutes) – Perhaps the funniest feature of all the features here is this one. You’re welcome.

Appearing in this Feature:
Director, Frank Coraci
Cast Member, Terry Crews

Georgia (3 minutes) – Blended was filmed in South Africa and Georgia and after so much wonderful South Africa coverage, here’s a special feature showcasing what was shot in Georgia.

Appearing in this Feature:
Director, Frank Coraci
Executive Producer, Allen Covert
Producers, Mike Karz, Jack Giarraputo
Production Designer, Perry Andelin Blake

Deleted Scenes (6 minutes) – There are six deleted scenes, one of which has about eight alternates and there is no option to play the deleted scenes individually but all of them are worth watching so I didn’t mind.

* Gag Reel (5 minutes)

Own Blended on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD today.