Released in 2002, Eight Crazy Nights was directed by Seth Kearsley and co-written by Adam Sandler, who also provides the voices for the three main characters: Davey, Whitey and Eleanore. Eight Crazy Nights was Adam Sandler's first voice acting role. Despite receiving negative critic reviews, the film has become a holiday must-see for many audience members. Unlike most mainstream holiday content, Eight Crazy Nights centers around Jewish characters and the celebration of Hanukkah, as opposed to the Christian celebration of Christmas.
What Is Eight Crazy Nights About?
Set in the fictional town of Dukesberry, Eight Crazy Nights follows Davey Stone, an alcoholic troublemaker whose reckless antics have earned him the disapproval of the community. When Davey refuses to pay his bill at Mr. Chang's Chinese Restaurant, he attempts to evade arrest by stealing a snowmobile. Eventually, law enforcement catches up to Davey, and he stands trial. At the trial, Whitey Duvall, the former referee of Davey's basketball team, intervenes and offers to take Davey under his wing to keep him out of jail.
As the story progresses, Davey becomes more appreciative of those around him, especially Whitey and his diabetic sister, Eleanore. When Davey's trailers catches fire, Whitey opens his home to Davey, who overcomes the several rules of the Duvall household and slowly begins to better himself. At this point, Davey starts to turn his life around. He reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Jennifer, and bonds with her son, Benjamin.
What Makes Eight Crazy Nights A Christmas Classic?
Eight Crazy Nights was dubbed a "box office bomb" upon release and failed to break even with its income, but even though it flunked its commercial success, it has been adored by families of all ages for years. Its wacky approach to festivities provides the perfect blend of humor and heart. Nothing is more entertaining than hearing Sandler voice three distinctive characters and bring the laughs as he does.
Many holiday flicks take themselves far too seriously. While there are deathly serious Christmas classics, there are those that prefer not to conform to typical standards. Eight Crazy Nights dances to the beat of its own drum, enlightening those fortunate enough to have the sense of humor to appreciate it.
Not only that but Eight Crazy Nights centers around Hanukkah, a Jewish celebration. For all its slapstick comedy, the animation is still an education tool for those who are less familiar with the Hanukkah celebration. Its inclusion of Jewish faith promotes goodwill to all religions and teaches viewers of any age about seasonal celebrations from all over the world.
Additionally, Eight Crazy Nights features smooth, bright and colorful animation, loveable characters and a solid plot that hammers home the importance of friendship, communion and selflessness -- especially during such an all-encompassing time of year. Needless to say, Eight Crazy Nights has many tear-jerker moments. Besides that, its musical aspect effortlessly lifts spirits with catchy songs and outrageous dance numbers. Many animated films are dismissed as goofy and tasteless, but Eight Crazy Nights embraces those traits to make a mockery of itself for an entertaining experience.