Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights

If the traditional two-dimensional, cel-painted format of animation really is dying, it's because of films like "Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights."

Actually, the quality of the animation itself isn't all that bad. But this supposed musical-comedy features more jokes about flatulence, sex and other bodily functions than many of Sandler's live-action films.

It might be easier to cut some more slack for this mean-spirited, racially insensitive and, arguably, misogynistic feature if it weren't so clearly being marketed to families.

Sandler served as executive producer, co-wrote the screenplay and provides the voices for at least three different characters, including the lead role of Davey Stone, a bitter 33-year-old resident of the fictional town of Dukesberry.

Davey has just been ordered to perform community service after his latest drunken rampage destroyed the town's Christmas and Hanukkah display. So he finds himself paired up with sixtysomething Whitey Duvall (Sandler again), a volunteer referee for youth-league basketball (he may look like Mr. Magoo, but he has Edith Bunker's voice).

To Whitey's horror, Davey ignores his questions about the reasons behind his seasonal bitterness, as well as his good-hearted suggestion that Davey reconcile with his childhood sweetheart Jennifer (Jackie Titone), whose son clearly looks up to him.

None of this is nearly as amusing as the filmmakers intend. Instead, it's a real chore, from the poisonous musical numbers to half-hearted attempts at the end, to sweeten things up.

Also, the feature is preceded by a seven-minute live-action short, "A Day with the Meatball," that stars Sandler's pet dog (which co-starred in "Little Nicky" with his owner). That's nearly as insufferable as the feature.

"Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights" is rated PG-13 for nonstop crude humor, occasional use of strong profanity, slapstick violence, brief animated male nudity and brief drug references. Running time: 79 minutes.

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