You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah movie review

MOVIE TITLE: You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

This funny coming-of-age movie is now available exclusively on Netflix.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 41 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about Stacy and Lydia, who are BFFs. They have always dreamed about having epic Bat Mitzvahs, but things start to fall apart when they both have a crush on the same boy in middle school, which threatens their friendship and their important rite of passage into young womanhood.

The movie was directed by Sammi Cohen, and beautifully written by Alison Peck and Fiona Rosenbloom. I really enjoyed this!

THINGS I LIKED:

Sunny Sandler is FANTASTIC! Wow! She’s a natural, absolutely perfect in this role, and has an incredibly bright future in film. I’m so impressed and a raving fan now.
Adam Sandler definitely shows his love for his Jewish roots in this movie. I admire that. We learn a lot about the Jewish culture and traditions in this movie as it takes a heartfelt look at modern practices and commitment to traditions. I’m Christian and had the great pleasure of finally going to Israel just a few months ago, a goal that had been on my Bucket List for a very long time. I respect the Jewish people so much and how they are devoted to their religion. Years ago, Adam Sandler created the animated film to teach more children about Hanukkah called “Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights.” https://amzn.to/44wydLL You can also hear him sing “The Chanukah Song” on Amazon and YouTube.
I love that Adam Sandler has stepped aside in a supporting role in order to allow his family to shine.
Also in this film are Adam Sandler’s wife, Jackie, and his oldest daughter Sadie. They all do a fantastic job.
It’s fantastic to see the talented Idina Menzel, even though we didn’t get to hear her sing. How can you invite her to be in a movie and not let her sing?! She and Adam Sandler played a married couple once before in the movie “Uncut Gems” in 2019.
The word “mitzvah” means service, but Sunny’s character learns that the true meaning is “helping others, being selfless, taking the bad and making it good.”
The rabbi is hilarious, although definitely not the orthodox rabbi you’re probably thinking of. She was played joyously by Sarah Sherman.
Young Matteo is completely adorable and played beautifully by Dean Scott Vazquez. I first saw him in 9 Bullets in 2022 starring at the side of Lena Headey. He was a true stand-out in that movie too. You can see my review of that one at https://moviereviewmom.com/9-bullets-movie-review/ His character in this movie is the perfect illustration of how blind we can be, especially when younger, of the truly kind people around us because we’re so focused on those who are popular. His role in the story also tells the tale of how no guy is worth losing a friendship over with your BFF. The movie’s message to prioritize true friendship over romance is very clear.
We get to hear some original music by Este Haim.
Adam Sandler has definitely learned that audiences love comedic bits that serve as a running thread throughout the entire movie.
Every character is clearly defined in this, even those with brief screen time. Loved it.
The fresh take of this coming-of-age story is its raw honesty about becoming a young woman.
There are some cute Easter Eggs that give a nod to previous Adam Sandler movies, like when a boy yells out “Goldfarb rules!” to remind us when some characters chanted, “O’Doyle Rules!” in the goofy 1995 movie Billy Madison. https://amzn.to/44H20RX
The movie was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and features the Beth Tzedec synagogue there.
Wow, those middle schoolers sure were invited to a ton of parties! I only knew one Jewish boy in high school and I don’t think Bar Mitzvahs were that big of a production back then.
The values and diversity of Gen Z are portrayed extremely well.
I admit I was a bit horrified at how self-centered and entitled many of these kids were, but I’m happy to announce that touching character growth is shown in the story among many characters. Quite a few experience a touch of humility as they become self-aware and honest with themselves.
Ultimately, everyone in the cast appeared to be having a blast making this movie.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The trailer is NOT good. It makes it seem like the entire movie is going to be yelling and drama. It’s so much better than how the trailer portrays it.
The plot is extremely predictable.
Knowing this was an Adam Sandler movie, I had to emotionally brace myself for the crude humor and offensive content that I assumed would be in this. It’s not as bad as many of his other films, but it did have some content that went a little too far.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

There are some crude references to bodily fluids, functions, and sounds.
A mother gives alcohol to teens, trying to be cool.
Adults get drunk.
Examples of both good and bad parenting are displayed.
It always bugs me when religious people take God’s name in vain. They’ve read the 10 Commandments, right? I mean, that one is on the Top Ten list.

THEMES:

Best friends
Competition
Jealousy
Forgiveness
Faith and religion
Family
Community
Judaism
Service to others
The power of social media
Self-centeredness
Adulthood

FUNNY LINES:

“Are you there God? It’s Stacy Friedman.” – Stacy (Sunny Sandler)
“That is some amazing parenting right there.” – Ronnie (Sadie Sandler)
“I’ll kill you, Ronnie.” – Stacy “Not if I stab you first.” – Ronnie (Sadie Sandler)
“That should be against every religion right there.” – Danny Friedman (Sadie Sandler)