Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Louis E — 27 Apr 2011

Oaul Thomas Anderson is so clever at manipulating his audience into feeling fear, love, rage and awkward humour - and he juxtaposes these raw emotions in a way that's so off-key it's refreshing and kind of brilliant. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is so goddam good at being the villain, whether it's the cold black-market dealer of M:I:3 or just some underhand jerk he's great.

Adam Sandler is truly in his element, he is awkward, funny, odd and very very very angry. Also Jon Brion's score is perfect at signalling moments of bizarreness, confusion, affection and raising the tension significantly where it is appropriate. And at only 95 minutes it never outstays it's welcome.