Punch Drunk Love

Starring: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A mild mannered businessman (Adam Sandler) calls a phone sex operator one night. This gets him caught up in a blackmail scheme to make him pay a large sum of money. While this occcurs, he goes on a date with a woman (Emily Watson) who connects with him like no one ever has. As he juggles the horrible extortion plot and a possible love relationship, his life changes dramatically.

Review:

Tim: I think it is great to see Adam Sandler trying something other than his typical comedies. While this film is at times funny, it most definitely a dark drama. Sandler's character is by far the darkest of his career. Sandler portrays him wonderfully, showing that he has real problems, but is also very likeable. His performance evokes pity, and also a sincere desire for the character to finally be happy.

Emily Watson is somewhat strange, but she is a very fitting love interest for Sandler in this film. I am not sure what I think of her as an actor, but in general I am leaning toward dislike. She is decent here, however.

The plot is pretty interesting itself, especially the idea for redeeming pudding for free frequent flyer miles. I heard this was semi-based on a true story, and this aspect of the film is ingenious.

I fear many people won't like this movie because it is so different from anything Sandler has so far attempted. However, that is exactly why I think everyone needs to take a chance with this film. It is no where close to being among Sandler's best films, but it marks an important step for him as an actor, and I believe we owe it to him to be there to witness it- whether we like the move or not.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Big Daddy, Happy Gilmore, Magnolia, Anger Management, 50 First Dates, The Wedding Singer, Little Nicky