A decade after their tropical misadventure in Blended (2014), Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunite for the long-anticipated sequel Blended 2, co-written and co-directed by Frank Coraci. This time, their blended families trade sunny Africa for a wintry wonderland—bringing fresh warmth, slapstick, and genuine emotion to the rom-com formula.
Set in early 2025, the plot centers on Jim Friedman (Sandler) and Lauren Reynolds (Barrymore), both now single parents. When a chance encounter at their children’s school leads to an accidental holiday travel booking, the extended group—butting heads again—winds up at a luxurious Colorado ski resort. The frigid slopes become a backdrop for moments both chaotic and tender: lessons in skiing, midnight sled rides, and unexpected bonding around a roaring lodge fireplace.
The comedic centerpiece is a multi-generational family talent show that spirals into a riot of interpretive dance, impromptu stand-up by Jim’s teen, and a mash-up of dad-jokes and modern beats. Barrymore’s character emerges stronger and more independent, confronting her fear of taking risks—both on icy slopes and in love. Sandler balances his goofball charm with surprisingly earnest vulnerability; the scene where Jim helps a daughter through her first downhill run is a standout.
Supporting performances include Terry Crews, reprising his role as the over-the-top resort concierge, who delivers physical comedy gold, and Bella Thorne as Jim’s grown-up daughter, whose flirtatious foil to Lauren's teenage son adds sparks. A new character, resort manager Sofia (played by Mélanie Laurent), brings grounding maturity and indirect romantic tension, deepening the ensemble dynamic.
While Blended 2 leans on familiar tropes—fish-out-of-water ski mishaps, near-disastrous chairlift moments, and heartfelt but predictable family squabbles—it never feels stale. The screenplay cleverly updates themes for today: navigating blended family life in the age of social media, the struggle to maintain romance when kids dominate, and the balance of spontaneity versus responsibility.
The musical choices serve the tone well—light folk-pop, modernized holiday tunes, and a climactic duet in the show closing—which give the film an emotional lift without overstaying their welcome.
