Take for instance Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love. Who's the leading man of this particular film? Adam Sandler. What? A comedian like him in a role like this? Hey, Anderson had Mark Wahlberg as a porn star five years prior, so I have faith in him.
Surprisingly, Sandler is quite adept with drama. Okay, maybe not as adept as some of the other actors Anderson had worked with, but he's still good. Forget the mindless comedies he did in the 1990s. He shows some real acting chops here. (Can someone give him a good script again please?)
The film itself is also quite good. It feels a little quirkier than any of Anderson's other films, but I suppose that was intended. I approve of the use of Anderson regulars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzman. The unconventional love story element is a nice touch too.
Punch-Drunk Love is something I honestly wasn't expecting, meaning I really didn't know if I would like it or not. Thankfully I did. It probably ranks as my second favorite Anderson film, my favorite being Boogie Nights. Re-watches are eminent, I swear it.
My Rating: ****1/2
I was so pleasantly surprised by Sandler in this film. I think he was just perfect. Loved Emily Watson and PSH too. It's one of my favourite PTA movies. It's funny but kind of dark, and I love how it looks.
ReplyDeleteI make fun of Sandler a lot, but this movie is one of the reasons I can never hate him. With a good script, he can do wonders.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I really like this movie, but Boogie Nights is my fav from Anderson too.
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised by this film - it was very sweet and touching. Here's my review: http://randomfilmbuff.com/2012/09/17/punch-drunk-love/
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