Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Jason L — 03 May 2012

In a film that either turns viewers away or holds them in its grip, Adam Sandler presents possibly the most unexpected and out of the ordinary performance of his career.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, who brought us "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia," this film tells the story of Barry Egan, an emotionally unstable man who is looking for an intimate connection with anyone. In an overwhelming moment of loneliness, he phones a sex hotline and unwillingly involves himself in a web of blackmail and deceit. After finding a true relationship with understanding and adorable Lena, however, he develops the courage to face his blackmailers in order to protect his new love.

Although this film demands a lot of patience from the viewer, it was Sandlers sad and touching role as Barry that kept me glued. He employs some of his trademark skills, fits of rage contrasted with pathetic pouting, but in this film none of these traits are funny, and they are not intended to be. Barry is both pathetic and suffers from serious emotional highs and lows.

The film is very much about the strength that comes with falling in love. The high point of the film is when Barry travels out of state to find and confront his blackmailers in order to protect Lena. Face to face with the man responsible for his blackmail, Barry sums up what almost every man in love feels: "I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine.".