Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Topher H — 01 Feb 2012

I'm late to the game in seeing this one from Paul Thomas Anderson. I love his work, and I'm always eager to seek out other films that he's done. He hasn't done too many, as of this writing, but I always look forward to more.

Punch-Drunk Love is probably the most curious film he's ever made. It stars Adam Sandler, who I generally dislike in movies. It's strange because at a younger age when he was fresh off of Saturday Night Live and releasing comedy albums I liked the guy, but over time I just got tired of his laziness as an actor and a comedy writer.

So I was walking on broken eggshells when seeing this one. Thankfully, thanks to strong direction from PTA, Sandler's acting style helps turn his performance into a very good one. Astonishingly good, I'd say.

The story goes in different directions and defies conventions, which is what I enjoyed the most about it. I never knew what was going to happen next, and that rarely happens to me when I'm watching a film these days.

It's a cute love story about two screwed up people coming together amidst the chaos of their lives, especially Sandler's. The score is great, as well. Overall, it's just a fun and enjoyable movie, albeit a little intense.

I couldn't ask for anything more from PTA, or Sandler for that matter.