Once again Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have come together in a film—Blended. This time they are two single parents who meet for an ill-fated first date and end up with their children on a African safari.
Before I get into the film I want to note that the portrayal of Africa and African people in this film is very problematic. Not only is Africa seen through a colonial and exoticized lens, but Africa and the people who populate this version of “Africa” are there only for the comedic effect within this movie. One has to wonder why one needed to choose a location like Africa to place this film when it would have worked in any themed vacation spot here in the U.S. and could have played many of the same gags.
This major problematic element aside, the presentation of the various family relationships between the two parents and their children is quite normal and sweet. The film highlights and relays the importance of parental relationships and engagement with their children. As someone who has worked with children and youth of various ages, I have seen a lot of good and some negative parenting style. One of the markers of good parenting is the willingness to listen and engage with one’s children. Throughout Blended, this is the marker of both parents. They are trying their best to engage and listen to their children.
And yet even with good parents it isn’t always that simple. We all have times in life when we aren’t able to see something because of our close proximity to that thing or person. Lauren and Jim have blind spots where they are unable to see their children clearly, but at least they love their children and show up.
What I found redemptive about this film was the way in which the relationships between the adults and the children were presented. No one tried to be or was presented as being a perfect parent. Rather, it was their imperfection and willingness to admit said imperfection which made them a great parent. Neither were their children presented as being perfect children. They all were broken people muddling through life together seeking something good in the world. I also loved that the film reminded the viewer not to judge someone too quickly, that often what you are seeing initially is connected to something deeper and more complex that you can see. Like all the other Sandler/Barrymore cinematic pairings, the underlying intent of Blended is to be a sweet romantic tale, this time about single parents coming together, Unfortunately, they chose a problematic setting for this tale.