Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Ben F — 11 Nov 2014
This film really makes you think about Adam Sandler's body of work. Sandler is maybe unwilling to step out of his shtick, is attracted to the money that comes with his shtick, or maybe no director would take the chance that PTA did with him in Punch-Drunk Love.
Anderson figured out this masterful way to use Sandler's skillset, and Sandman has only approached this type of role a couple times since. It makes you wonder how, when put in the hands of a legend, any actor could be shaped and milked for their talents.
As a standalone career accomplishment, it's both phenomenal and sad. I'm as big a fan of Happy Gilmore as anyone, but I'd love to see more of this vulnerability, and some nuance, in his twilight years.
Not another Jack & Jill, will anyone take this risk again?
This review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) was written by Ben F on 11 Nov 2014.
Punch-Drunk Love has generally received very positive reviews.
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