Film Review – Don’t Say Good Luck (2026)

      **Don’t Say Good Luck, 2026.**

      Directed by Julia Hart.

      Starring Sunny Sandler, Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Stephanie Beatriz, Bebe Neuwirth, Steve Buscemi, Jack Champion, Jon Lovitz, Scarlett Estevez.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Sophie Birenbaum is eager to shine as the lead in her high school musical, but her home life soon becomes infused with even more drama than the stage. As Sophie (Sunny Sandler) nervously auditions for a prominent role in her school’s production of *Waitress*, her mother Elizabeth (Melanie Lynskey) faces a fierce recurrence of cancer. One might expect *Don’t Say Good Luck* to be a standard, tear-jerking film about illness; however, under Julia Hart’s skillful direction—working alongside screenwriter/husband Jordan Horwitz and Laura Hankin—the film reveals authentic emotions within its narrative and characters. This marks a shift in Happy Madison productions towards more meaningful stories, featuring Adam Sandler’s daughters, who are gradually earning recognition in their own right.

      Eschewing juvenile humor, despite the impending *Grown-Ups 3*, is already a welcome change. The story avoids overwrought emotional manipulation, opting instead for a nuanced exploration of adolescence, the theater community, and familial grief that underscores difficult choices and restrained feelings, creating natural tension. Even the ensemble of Happy Madison veterans (including Jon Lovitz and Steve Buscemi, known for versatile roles) primarily serves to enhance the story's drama, rarely leaning on their comedic talents unless it feels seamless.

      Another rewarding element, while perhaps straightforward, is gratifying: Sophie’s role, guided by the caring instructor and director played by Stephanie Beatriz, evolves into an outlet for her true emotions—a quest for acceptance regarding her mother’s condition, personal catharsis, and a means of coping. Consequently, song lyrics acquire layered meanings that resonate, particularly in the film's finale. From tech night celebrations to dubious romances (with Jack Champion portraying an unreliable stage partner) and strained friendships (Scarlett Estevez as the best friend believing Sophie is overwhelmed), the filmmakers effectively depict conflict without exaggeration, maintaining a sense of realism. Ultimately, it’s a poignant narrative about art reflecting life and vice versa.

      While not every aspect of the story is subtle, it exercises restraint and decorum, steering clear of overly melodramatic moments. By the film's conclusion, viewers feel that they have been alongside Sophie through a tumultuous period, navigating her ambitions, emerging romantic interests, and the heartbreaking, impending loss of her mother. Melanie Lynskey's remarkable performance cannot be overstated; she conveys a stoic exterior while internally grappling with a wish for more time with her daughter, all while trying to ensure Sophie’s best interests.

      A somewhat dubious narrative choice involves Sophie learning of her mother’s cancer recurrence and other family matters through her father, Ted (Max Greenfield), who inadvertently reveals this information during “butt-dials.” While initially presented as a joke, this device becomes a way to convey crucial details in a manner that feels contrived. Despite this, it doesn’t detract from the film’s overall sincerity, as *Don’t Say Good Luck* effectively extracts genuine drama from the characters and their heartbreaking circumstances. This film stands as another success for the lesser-known side of the Sandler family and Happy Madison, which may need to rebrand itself as Sad Madison following this release.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder