Attempting to step out of his usual broad comedy shtick, Adam Sandler came to Toronto International Film Festival with two far different features than Grown Ups 2: the Jason Reitman-directed Men, Women & Children (which came and went without much fervor) and Thomas McCarthy‘s latest film, the fantasty dramedy The Cobbler. We now have the first trailer for the latter today, which follows Sandler as the title character who has the ability to step into the lives of others via their shoes.
We were more positive than most at TIFF, saying in our review that Sandler “shows powerful emotion with his mother and effective comedy when forced to transform back into himself at inopportune moments. Because he’s often other people, however, the other actors equal his total screen time. Needing to mimic Max’s insecurities and lack of confidence, they each rise to the occasion with humorous effect. Method Man is the easy standout as a result, proving to be the most memorable piece of a film that embraces its slightness to warm hearts and lets the rest come what may.”
Check out the first trailer below for the film also starring Ellen Barkin, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens, Fritz Weaver, Yul Vazquez, Steve Buscemi, and Dustin Hoffman.
Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Max (Adam Sandler) runs a charming if rundown shoe repair shop on the Lower East Side of New York City. Happy being his own boss, Max nonetheless feels mired in his daily routine and yearns for something (or perhaps someone) he can’t name. One day, in the shop’s dusty basement, he stumbles across a forgotten family heirloom with magical powers that allow him to literally step into the lives of his customers.
Energized by the private thrill of slipping on different footwear and becoming transformed into its owner, Max soon recognizes that he has the power to mend more than shoes. But it’s another pair of shoes — and their nefarious owner — that steer Max into a life-and-death situation that he may not be able to walk away from.
The Cobbler will likely be released next year.