I'm sorry, to clarify:  Director, most logically.  The reason I use Adam Sandler so blanketedly, in this case, is…well, these films would not exist without his influence (of one sort or another); this film-style is like……..a family…or something.  I do appreciate his acting ~~ no doubt, far more likely than do most of you.  Even dramatically, but there is a humanity apparent in the parts he plays, in those films built around him, and the stuff coming out of Happy Madison.  I don’t like all the films, but there’s something…vital…there that’s lacking in the 21^st Century.  Looking past the cheap laughs.  Sure, there are lots of vital things missing of late, but still.  Anyway, that’s my story.  The cat gives me a chuckle and tosses a kindle on the ol’ angered heartfire; …pushes back down the loathings, keeps the gloaming hound at bay. 

thanx for your reply.  i'll look for Akira Kurosawa's definitive film.  I've seen The Seven Samurai & it seemed just ........kinda goofy to me...when probably goofy was not the point.  Might have been my mood at the time.  Please recommend something.