Little Nicky

Little Nicky has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Netflix. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 2,000 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Adam Sandler leads a cast with real comic timing. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Netflix.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Little Nicky is worth clearing space for. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Little Nicky from the crowd. After the lord of darkness decides he will not cede his throne to any of his three sons, the two most powerful of them escape to Earth to create a kingdom for themselves. This action closes the portal filtering sinful souls to Hell and causes Satan to wither away. He must send his most weak but beloved son, Little Nicky, to Earth to return his brothers to Hell. Adam Sandler and Patricia Arquette lead a cast with the timing to make it work. Little Nicky came out in 2000. Little Nicky earns its laughs from character rather than situation, which is why it does not wear thin the way pure farce tends to. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Little Nicky is a strong candidate. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Adam Sandler is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.