Review of Anger Management (2003) by Sean K — 01 Aug 2017

The quality of Adam Sandler's track record dropped considerably after Click. Anger Management was released in the latter half of his glory days, and my god, is it hilarious. Sandler, a notoriously goofy and funny actor is paired with the legendary dramatic actor Jack Nicholson.

On paper, they're an unlikely duo, but go incredibly well together on-screen. Dave (Adam Sandler) meets Dr. Buddy (Jack Nicholson) on a plane. Afterwards, circumstances bring the two together and Dave undergoes Buddy's anger management program.

What makes it so hilarious is that Dave is always calm while Buddy gets outraged over something as minor as having his eggs cooked the wrong way (followed by him slamming the plate against the wall). It's worth pointing out that almost every single line is memorable and quotable.

My favorites include "I do what I want whenever I want you little Spanish fruit topping" and "Might I have your first name Mr. Head, and tell me it isn't Dick." Absent are the Sandler veterans like Steve Buscemi and Rob Schneider, but they're replaced by a huge number of cameos; from Derek Jeter to ex-mayor Rudy Giuliana to Heather Graham and Woody Harrelson, both of whom have the funniest bits in the entire movie.

Some may be turned off by the love triangle between Nicholson, Sandler, and his character's girlfriend (played by Marisa Tomei) which is cheesy and cliche. The twist the plot is hinged on is a lazy, easy way out for the writers.

.. but you're not watching it for the plot. You're watching it for the ridiculously profance lines and actions of Jack Nicholson and the ironically innocent way Adam Sandler reacts to them. Over the 13 years since it's 2003 release, I've seen Anger Management countless times and every viewing is funnier than the last.

This is easily my favorite Adam Sandler movie.