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What's most troubling is that Spanglish is the story of a poor, Mexican maid as told by an incredibly wealthy White man. The actual plight of a low income woman trying to provide for her child is scrubbed of all cultural grime, and given a sheen that is almost insulting to people who are actually fated to live those kinds of lives. Whether it's because Brooks lives in a bubble of wealth or because he was trying to craft a comedic fairy tale, the result is what happens when someone tries so hard to be sensitive that it comes out being insensitive.

John Clasky (Adam Sandler) is a successful chef living in Los Angeles with his two kids and incredibly neurotic wife, Deborah (Tea Leoni). Before we continue, it must be noted that Brooks gives us little clue as to why John continues to stay with Deborah. As written, John is a decent man, whose decency never seems to be rewarded. Deborah is a giant ball of flaming emotions, who flails and cries and screams and worries and pushes the envelope in terms of acceptable behavior in an adult romantic comedy. Anyway, the family is in need of a maid, so they hire Flor (Paz Vega), who arrived in California from Mexico six years ago and speaks no English. Flor is accompanied by her 12-year old daughter Cristina (Shelbie Bruce), who does speak English and becomes the family translator. Before we continue, it also must be noted that Brooks could have done a better job justifying Deborah's hiring of a maid who speaks no English.

As it turns out Flor has arrived just in time. Deborah is a well meaning, but awful mother, who constantly makes her own daughter (Sarah Steele) self-conscious about her weight (in a great character beat, one begins to think that Deborah loves Cristina more than she loves her own daughter). This leaves the door open for John to fall in love with Flor. Before we continue, it also must be noted that Brooks seems to want everything all ways. John can't be seen as a slimy adulterer, so his love for Flor is positioned as two people who love each other's bottomless well of goodness. But their love seems unfair to Flor, who can never be with John and probably can never be with anyone as wealthy as John. So if Brooks feels that Mexican maids the world over will look at Flor like she's a south of the border Cinderella ("I wish I could go to America and live in a Malibu beach house"), he's mistaken.

Spanglish is filled with this level of smugness and self-satisfaction. But it's also filled with good performances and well-observed scenes of real human interaction, the kind that can be so hard to write and execute. Sandler seems too young and hip for the role, but does a terrific job of sublimating his comedic excesses and making Jack a nice, if frustrated, husband and father. If Brooks insists on making Flor so damn gorgeous, Paz Vega is the right woman for the part. She takes a thankless role and gives it spunk to match the beauty. The most enjoyable character is Cristina, front and center in the movie's best scene, where she's called upon to translate during an argument between her increasingly pissed-off mother and John.

I can't imagine Brooks coming into Spanglish with anything other than the best intentions. But here, even the wicked arguments have a comfortableness about them, as if nothing is really at stake. Some viewers had problems with the ending (which I won't reveal). But for Brooks to end his film on that note was a brave move, especially since audiences want everything wrapped up in a bow by the end. Still, for the rest of its running time, this very talented writer/director didn't get his hands dirty in any real sense, which makes Spanglish a watchable movie that just doesn't feel right.

The Video: How Does The Disc Look?

Sony has provided a sparkling high-definition mastered transfer that really shines. That is, if you like overly processed transfers. The picture here is clean, clean, clean. But this is one bright movie, bordering on too bright. And there's a processed look that makes certainly shots hard on the eyes. Also edge halos break out in a couple of scenes as does light pixilation. If none of the above bothers you, it's smooth sailing. Colors sing and are fully saturated (and bright). Detail and sharpness are also very good. Nighttime interiors and exteriors look ravishing, with excellent shadow detail and rock solid blacks. Fleshtones look natural (and bright) and not overly made-up or smooth. Have I mentioned that this transfer is really bright?

The Audio: How Does The Disc Sound?

Before we continue, it must be noted that the DVD for Spanglish contains no Spanish subtitle track. I'm not sure what to make of that, but our friends to the South may object. Anyway, the Dolby Digital 5.1 is very dialogue heavy and it does a great job of conveying every word crystal clear. The surrounds seem bored most of the time, although they do come to life for a music cue or bit of ambience. Dynamic range is not wide, but the track has a brightness to it that I found enjoyable.

There is also a French 5.1 track, and English and French subtitles.

Supplements: What Goodies Are There?

There's a surprisingly enjoyable array of extras here, which fans of the film will want to check out.

First is an audio commentary by writer/director James L. Brooks and editors Richard Marks and Tia Nolan. As co-creator of The Simpsons, Brooks spins an entertaining tale, even if he can't stop laughing at his own stories. There is very little air in the commentary, which explores the usual subjects, with special emphasis on the script. It's also good to hear Brooks explain his characters' motivations, especially considering the finished film came off so smug. How do a man and woman walk the thin line between friendship and marital disaster? The two editors don't say much, but when they chime in, it's worth hearing.

Twelve Deleted Scenes with great optional comments are next. Most of these scenes deserved to be excised. One of them further elaborates on John and Flor's romantic attraction. All of them give you a sense of how hard it is to navigate the romantic comedy waters. One wrong move and your movie becomes something else. Video quality is washed out in a workprint kind of way.

The HBO First Look is on par with HBO's usual Making-Of fare. There's lots of information on Brooks' on-set style (you know you're doing well if he laughs during a take) and Vega's challenge in learning English for the movie. Video is of HBO quality and audio is fine.

One of the more interesting extras is the Casting Sessions for the younger actors. Child performers can make your movie (Freddie Highmore in Finding Neverland) or break your movie (Jake Lloyd in The Phantom Menace). Brooks is so good with actors that any casting choice will be perfect. Here we see lots of kids audition for Brooks, including eventual winners Sarah Steele and Shelbie Bruce. There is an optional audio commentary by Brooks.

How To Make the World's Greatest Sandwich is a brief look at how Sandler's character created the late night snack he enjoys during the film. Chef Thomas Keller walks Sandler through the entire sandwich-building process. A little bit of Spanglish you can eat! The full screen picture looks great.

Exclusive DVD-ROM Features: What happens when you pop the disc into your PC?

Pop the DVD into your computer and read the Spanglish screenplay. Any chance to read a James L. Brooks script is worthwhile. Although the movie may not be his best, Brooks is still an amazing writer.

Final Thoughts