Hubert "Hubie" DuBois is Salem's one-and-only Official Volunteer Halloween Helper. That means he's in charge of everyone's safety comes his favorite holiday -- Halloween. Though it's a honorable self-appointed job, no one takes Hubie seriously. Not the townspeople, not even the police.
But it doesn't matter to Hubie. What matters to him is his job, his town, his mama, and his handy-dandy soup thermos (that can do almost anything).
Violet Valentines is Hubie's high school crush. She believes that Hubie is a hero for looking after everybody. Despite his jumpy and dopey characteristics, she believes that his selflessness is innate and admirable.
If it's not clear enough, Hubie is a simple guy with a strong commitment to safety. This year's Halloween, his devotion will be tested with the arrival of a very peculiar neighbor and a deranged mental hospital patient.
Do Hubie has what it takes?
"Hubie Halloween" is directed by Steve Brill, and it stars Adam Sandler as Hubie DuBois, Kevin James as Sgt. Steve Downey, Julie Bowen as Violet Valentines, Steve Buscemi as Walter Lambert, Rob Schneider as Ritchie Hartman, and Julie Squibb as Hubie's mom.
"Hubie Halloween" is a very Adam Sandler film. It's goofy, bizarre, and absurd. It's a film with characters that have little to no self-awareness, whatsoever. A classic trope in comedy movies. Though oblivious characters, like Hubie, is in some way funny, it's a cheap and old move that viewers are really tired of.
"Hubie Halloween" has some ideas though how to make its narrative work. However, it's unoriginal with its execution. It recycles all the cliches it can think of and try to sell it as new. In comedy, there is a very thin line between funny and silly. This movie is just silly.
Even more so, "Hubie Halloween" failed to capitalize its message on bullying. The story feels rushed with most of the serious moments getting buried under a pile of unfunny jokes.
Despite its clear lack of quality, "Hubie Halloween" stands as one of the most decent Happy Madison Production films. It's, surprisingly, a well-intentioned film with good production value and a game all-star cast.
There is no denying that Adam Sandler is a genius comedian. He can always find something to laugh about. "Hubie Halloween" showcases his comedic talent as he throws everything he can think of to get a chuckle, even if it means he has to make fun of himself.
"Hubie Halloween" is an okay film to past idle time. It's not overbearing and dense, it's just too cliché that it's boring and too Adam Sandler that it's predictable.
1.5/5
