Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Adela V — 19 Jun 2011

Barry is unique. He wants to be better than he is, so he wears a suit when he doesn't have to. He pays attention to the detail that others don't, so he's about to turn $2,000 worth or pudding into a lifetime of airline travel. And he's overcome with depression, anxiety and shame. The source of his problem is obvious. A lifetime of needling and poking by seven sisters. They mean no real harm, but are blind to the effect that such overbearingness has brought.

Barry meets a love interest. In a life without love interests, Barry has met the woman with seemingly the perfect amount of patience and nurturing to understand the devotion that a crazy-anxious guy can bring.

The obstacle: Barry has called a phone-sex line and they are extorting him. How can Barry keep his shame secret from the face of his new love when his shame is coming and shaking him down for cash?

Adam Sandler is in almost every seen as Barry and is one of my favorite acting performances in the history of movies. His comedy is not far off. His own characters have generally been nice guys prone to fits of comic rage. Sandler has transformed that into a character where the rage is not comic and the frustration is overwhelming- always simmering. Except in the relief of his love.