Rob's been accused of a lot of controversial activism, but he's a decent human being and this movie is a gem. Especially for those interested in watching movies that enrich as much as entertain. *SPOILER* The ending is underwhelming, because it's entirely predictable, but, as the Buddha would extol, it's better to travel well than to arrive. The journey is so worth it. As in Eddie Murphy's Holy Man, the character that Schneider creates is heartwarming and so likable that you don't even care if there's a story. His personal struggle and philosophical ponderings make you think. The romance that blossoms will make you warm and feel just a little jealous. It's all wonderful but, like many theological musings, has layer upon layer of hidden meaning that will keep you thinking about it for a long time.

The first time I've seen this movie, I was absolutely flabbergasted. The way how Rob Schneider acts as the character, Paul, is amazing! He delves into the real side of depression of the pessimism and overwhelming feeling that any depressed person suffers. It wasn't just the movements he learned for his character but also how he delivers the dialogue. His acting was superb! You would usually see him in a comedy film but this time he tries drama. A great change for him and his career!With the theme of the film about believing in yourself is an excellent point. I believe that makes a good movie. Also the story of it was very well. It's about a man who learns that he has to save the world but also has to save himself. I applaud to the writers of coming with the thought.There may be some parts in the movie that might go slow, yes, but it's still a movie worth watching. All of the actors, like Buscemi and Gomez, were great as well; no matter what.

I am not sure why people are hating on this movie like they are. I guess maybe because they don't want drama from Rob Schneider, but give it a chance because you might just get dragged in by some so-so writing and some subtle comedy from Rob.No, this is not the best movie ever. No, it is not. Is it funny? Yes, at times it is. It's kind of an existential slow burn subtle comedy about the surrealistic nature of life in general. Kind of a genre "genre" movie. Who hasn't dreamed of being the chosen one, only to realize, that not only do you not want to be the chosen one, the point is moot, life has different plans for us. Life is sometimes about getting right sized and fitting in, not necessary being the star of the show.Do our dreams mean anything, what do we find meaning in, how do we relate with our family members, our beliefs, our faith, our hopes, our prayers… all the while finding humor in the absurd as we travel through time.No, I would NOT give this a 10, not even close, but a slow burn entertaining genre flick about life and death and those that still live. Regrets, secrets, confessions, things remembered and things forgotten, a plexus of tangles and folds. I'll give it a 6.5So, how does it end? Does Rob get the girl? Are the birds saved? Well, like in life we have to wait and see.

If you love Rob Schneider, you'll probably hate this movie. It is quiet and quaint like you've never seen him before, and there isn't a ridiculous catchphrase within 100 yards of it.Schneider plays Paul Zadzik, an obnoxious, Elvis impersonating car salesman, a caricature of the Los Angeles success story. He has lost his way. The film begins after his fall, which is uncommon for this genre but works well here and allows Schneider to develop intricate relationships with his mother (Holland Taylor) and brother (Steve Buscemi) and convince you he is a good man with no extraordinary gifts or flaws. (Except for alcoholism which isn't given the sort of mythic glory that movies often seem partial to.) A clumsy suicide attempt is interrupted by three wise men and a kind and sweet madonna who tell him he is their chosen one, the spiritual savior of their people. He is slowly won over by their quiet contentment which he yearns to emulate. He is at a loss for what to do with them, though, since they don't want to leave his side and are unable or unwilling to tell him how he is supposed to save them. They want him to figure this out on his own, which he eventually does through a recurring dream.It doesn't happen this quickly or this neatly-packaged. The movie takes its time and it takes a little getting used to, especially for anyone expecting Schneider to turn into a woman, , or a male prostitute, or a dolphin.We've seen this story before, financially successful and spiritually barren man encounters a guru/crisis/woman (this movie has all three!) who awakens them a deeper and more genuine life. But I'm not a cynic, as far as I'm concerned, they can keep doing it. When they're bad, they're harmless and when they're good they give you something you can carry with you. This isn't a religious experience, but it's a nice movie, a sweet movie, a friend who sometimes gets a little boring, but who you're happy to have around.Buscemi plays a bitter, smoking Buddhist monk with understated brilliance. Taylor, perhaps now best known as the mother on Two and a Half Men presents a shockingly vulnerable and humane matriarch that makes her mother on Men seem like Cruella DeVille in her younger, eviler days. The interplay between the three is remarkable, especially since Schneider, as director, should take some responsibility for their performances.Schneider's character seems to parallel the actor in many ways. Schneider as actor is known for his obnoxious caricatures. Here his protagonist has a yearning so deep, it is easy to be convinced that the yearning is Schneider's own. He seems to want to emulate a quiet and vulnerable, early-dramatic-career Robin Williams. He doesn't have the slick and solid writing and production Williams enjoyed in The World According to Garp and Dead Poets Society, but the fact that he not only directed and starred in but co-wrote this earnest piece is a pleasant surprise. Especially when the lines he is most known for are, "You like-a the sauce," "Makin' copies," and "You can dooooo it!" I enjoyed this movie a lot and it'll remain on my list of movies to seek solace in when the obnoxious caricatures seem to be all that's survives out there.