Click (2006) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
An unexpected blend of comedy, drama, and science fiction that makes us ponder life’s fleeting moments.
Introduction
Click (2006), directed by Frank Coraci, is a fantasy-comedy that offers more than its surface premise suggests. Starring Adam Sandler, the film tells the story of a man who discovers a magical remote control that allows him to control time. While initially appearing to be a lighthearted comedy, Click explores deeper themes about life, family, and the consequences of our choices. Featuring a strong supporting cast with Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, and David Hasselhoff, this film combines humor, heart, and a touch of sci-fi, making it a unique entry in Sandler’s filmography.
In this review, we’ll explore Click’s story, performances, and its emotional impact, while also guiding you on where to watch this 2006 film online in the U.S.
Plot Overview
Michael Newman (Adam Sandler) is an overworked architect struggling to balance his career and family life. He constantly finds himself prioritizing work over spending time with his wife Donna (Kate Beckinsale) and their children, hoping that his hard work will eventually pay off with a promotion from his demanding boss, Mr. Ammer (David Hasselhoff). However, his growing stress and frustration make him wish for a simpler way to manage his life.
Enter Morty (Christopher Walken), an eccentric sales clerk who gives Michael a mysterious remote control that can do much more than change TV channels. This universal remote allows Michael to control time—he can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through his life. Initially, Michael uses the remote to skip through mundane or unpleasant moments, like arguments with his wife, illnesses, and work meetings.
But as Michael continues to use the remote, he realizes that it begins to take over, automatically fast-forwarding through significant portions of his life, including promotions, family milestones, and even his father’s death. With his life speeding by, Michael faces the harsh reality of missed moments and lost connections, forcing him to reconsider the way he has lived.
Cast and Performances
Adam Sandler, best known for his comedic roles, surprises in Click by blending his signature humor with genuine emotional depth. As Michael, Sandler captures the frustration and exhaustion of a man caught in the grind of modern life, while also delivering heart-wrenching moments as he realizes the cost of his choices. This film offers one of Sandler’s more nuanced performances, particularly in the latter half where the comedic tone shifts to drama.
Kate Beckinsale shines as Donna, Michael’s patient and loving wife. She grounds the film with her warmth and emotional presence, making the audience feel the weight of Michael’s absence in his family’s life. Beckinsale’s role, while secondary, is vital in representing the emotional core of the film—family.
Christopher Walken brings his unique brand of eccentricity to the role of Morty, the enigmatic inventor of the remote. Walken’s quirky yet ominous presence gives the film its fantasy edge while hinting at the darker consequences of Michael’s actions.
David Hasselhoff, as Michael’s obnoxious boss Mr. Ammer, adds a layer of humor to the film, playing the stereotypical overbearing employer. His scenes, while comical, serve as a reminder of the pressures that drive Michael’s ambition at the expense of his personal life.
Henry Winkler as Michael’s father provides one of the most emotional moments in the film. His relationship with Michael highlights the film’s themes of regret and familial bonds, culminating in a tear-jerking scene that resonates deeply with viewers.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
Click makes excellent use of visual effects to bring the remote’s powers to life. Whether it’s freezing time, zooming through years of Michael’s life, or fast-forwarding through mundane daily routines, the film uses special effects creatively to visually represent the passage of time and Michael’s growing disconnect from his surroundings.
The production design also cleverly contrasts Michael’s fast-paced work environment with the warmth of his home, further emphasizing the emotional distance he creates between his personal and professional lives. The film’s use of color, lighting, and subtle visual cues helps differentiate between the “sped-up” portions of Michael’s life and the moments he actually lives in.
Themes and Emotional Impact
While Click initially presents itself as a standard Adam Sandler comedy, it quickly evolves into something more. The film’s core message revolves around the importance of appreciating the present moment and not letting work or distractions interfere with relationships. As Michael becomes more reliant on the remote, the film explores themes of regret, the dangers of living on autopilot, and the consequences of neglecting the people who matter most.
The second half of the movie delivers some surprisingly emotional scenes, particularly when Michael witnesses the pivotal moments he has missed in his family’s lives. It’s in these moments that Click elevates itself from being just a comedy to a bittersweet meditation on life, time, and the choices we make.
The film’s ability to shift from lighthearted humor to heartfelt drama is one of its strongest aspects, giving it a deeper emotional resonance than one might expect from an Adam Sandler movie.
Where to Watch Click Online
For those interested in watching Click (2006), here are some platforms where the film is currently available in the U.S.:
Streaming Subscription Services
- Starz: Click is available for streaming with a subscription to Starz. The platform offers the movie in HD, making it accessible for viewers looking to revisit this classic.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or purchase the film, you can find Click on the following digital platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent Click for $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99. The film is available in both SD and HD formats, making it easy to stream on various devices.
- Apple TV/iTunes: Click is available for rent or purchase through Apple TV, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchases around $12.99.
- Google Play Movies: You can rent or buy Click through Google Play, with similar pricing to Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
- Vudu: Vudu offers Click for rent and purchase, with competitive pricing starting at $3.99 for rentals and $12.99 for purchases.
- YouTube Movies: Click is also available for rent or purchase on YouTube, allowing for easy viewing on a variety of devices.
Is Click Worth Watching?
Click is a movie that surprises with its depth, making it a memorable watch. What starts as a typical Adam Sandler comedy with silly gags and physical humor transitions into a heartfelt story about family, time, and the value of living in the moment. Sandler’s performance, especially in the more dramatic scenes, shows a range that isn’t always seen in his comedies.
The film’s emotional weight and life lessons may catch viewers off guard, but it’s exactly what makes Click stand out. Whether you’re a fan of Sandler or simply looking for a film that mixes humor with heartfelt moments, Click is worth the watch.
Conclusion
Click (2006) is much more than a simple fantasy-comedy; it’s a touching story about the dangers of letting life pass by without truly living in the moment. With Adam Sandler delivering a surprising mix of humor and emotion, supported by strong performances from Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, and Henry Winkler, the film strikes a balance between comedy and heart.
Whether you’re revisiting this 2006 hit or watching it for the first time, Click is a thoughtful reminder that sometimes, the present moment is the one that matters most. You can stream Click on Starz or rent it on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV for an entertaining and thought-provoking movie night!
