"You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" might be the best Netflix/Happy Madison joint ever

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) 

Don’t call it a nepotistic Sandler family affair — “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” is much more than that, and it’s a delight. Adam Sandler does co-star, but his daughter, Sunny, is front and center (along with supporting roles for his eldest daughter, Sadie, and his wife, Jackie). For once, it’s nice to have as much of a good time watching Sandler and his troupe (this time, his flesh and blood) as they’re having while making a movie. 

Based on the 2005 book by Fiona Rosenbloom, this coming-of-age comedy would pair nicely with the perfect Judy Blume adaptation “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Like that film, it says a lot about what it feels like when becoming an adult, no matter your age, gender or religion, and how our priorities change. (And there are several “Dear God…” prayer moments.) Sunny Sandler is adorably funny and navigates the emotional highs and lows quite well as seventh grader Stacy Friedman. She and her best friend Lydia Rodriguez Katz (Samantha Lorraine) have always dreamt of having unforgettable bat mitzvahs, complete with musical guests. When each of them gets a taste of popularity and one gets noticed by the other’s crush, staying true to each other’s friendship becomes harder than learning the Torah. 

Director Sammy Cohen (who made 2022’s sweet, funny queer romantic-comedy “Crush”) might have carved out a niche for the stories she wants to tell, striking a careful balance between comedy and drama. Alison Peck’s screenplay gets the way teenagers speak completely right without feeling like an adult is desperately trying to keep up with the times. It also listens to its characters, complementing their good qualities with their flaws. If there are any quibbles, the story trajectory doesn't hold any major surprises, and there may be three needle drops too many, but for the most part, they’re well-placed and lend a poppy energy. Read the full review at GuyAtTheMovies.com

Grade: B

Netflix released "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" (101 min.) to stream on August 25, 2023.