Today’s quick review: Hubie Halloween. Ever since childhood, Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler) has been the laughingstock of Salem, Massachusetts. Now a grown man living with his mother (June Squibb), Hubie has taken it upon himself to oversee safety at the town’s annual Halloween festivities. But this year Halloween takes a turn for the worse when people start to go missing, forcing Hubie to face his fears so he can protect his town.
Hubie Halloween is a comedy about a dimwitted but altruistic man who sets out to solve a series of disappearances on Halloween night. Adam Sandler stars as Hubie Dubois, whose odd mannerisms make him a natural target for the bullying residents of Salem. Hubie Halloween has offbeat characters, a star-studded cast, and a loose underdog plot, giving it a particular flavor of comedy that not everyone will enjoy.
Hubie Halloween embraces the ridiculous. Hubie Dubois is not just a misfit but a caricature, a man with no social skills and minimal self-awareness. The townsfolk are just as over-the-top in their casual torment of Hubie, played by comedians such as Kevin James, Ray Liotta, Steve Buscemi, and Rob Schneider. The movie backs this all with a low-stakes mystery over just what has been happening in Salem on Halloween night.
The end result is a comedy that swings wide of the mark. Hubie Halloween comes on strong with its exaggerated characters and raunchy humor, and these get in the way of what heart the story has. At the same time, the movie has fun with a silly world, a passionate cast, and a load of red herrings, making it a fine pick for anyone who can get into the right spirit. Approach with caution, and give it a shot if you are a fan of Sandler’s humor.
For a more family-friendly comedy set in Salem on Halloween night, try Hocus Pocus. For a horror comedy about a group of outcasts stepping up to save the day, check out Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. For another offbeat comedy about the unassuming man who is the heart of a small town, try Pottersville.
[5.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10682266/). I give it a 6.5 for uneven but enjoyable comedy.