You really do usually know what you’re getting with a new Adam Sandler comedy on Netflix. After all, the actor and comedian has been consistently putting his movies on to the streaming service for years, being one of the first to commit to them. Obviously, last year’s turn in Uncut Gems is an exception, but lately, Sandler has been content to have a good time and ignore those claiming he’s phoning it in. The days of his funny flicks being well liked by audiences and at least decently regarded by critics have largely disappeared. Now, Hubie Halloween comes along and actually harkens back to those days. It’s not Big Daddy, but now playing on Netflix, it’s almost certainly his most overall successful work for the streamer. The film is a comedy with some slight horror elements to it, though at its core it’s just another Happy Madison production. Even though he loves his hometown of Salem, as well as its commitment to a large scale Halloween celebration, Hubie Dubois (Sandler) is not beloved by the town. Hubie and his good-natured vibe is a figure of mockery for both the kids and adults of Salem alike. He takes it all in stride, but it’s made for a lonely life, one spent with his mother (June Squibb), as well as one spent longing for childhood crush Violet Valentine (Julie Bowen), whom he doesn’t realize is also quite taken with him, too. Each year, Hubie volunteers to make Halloween safe, ending up the subject of numerous pranks. This year is different, though. Not only does he suspect his new neighbor Walter Lambert (Steve Buscemi) of being a werewolf, someone or something is causing havoc on October 31st, leaving it up to Hubie to save the day. Steven Brill directs a screenplay that Sandler wrote with Tim Herlihy, while Seamus Tierney handles the cinematography. The score is by frequent Sandler composer Rupert Gregson-Williams. Supporting players include Michael Chiklis, Kevin James, Ray Liotta, Tim Meadows, Shaquille O’Neal, Maya Rudolph, Rob Schneider, Ben Stiller, Keenan Thompson, and more. Adam Sandler is more charming here than you might expect. With a silly voice and odd demeanor, it could have been one of his more grating characters, but he has Hubie grow on you. Certain gags fall flat, but a running gag involving his thermos being a swiss army knife, capable of doing pretty much anything, mostly hits […]