Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Faris A — 13 Feb 2011

"I have to get more pudding for this trip to Hawaii. As I just said that out loud I realize it sounded a little strange but it's not.".

Barry Egan -- a bathroom supply salesman prone to paroxysms of destructive rage -- finds his life refreshed when he meets Lena Leonard, who falls in unconditional love with him.

Punch-Drunk Love is one example of what I look for in a romantic comedy. It's a unique experience that actually delivers on the comedy, while at the same time manages to make the love aspect compelling and unforced.

Director/writer Paul Thomas Anderson infuses the picture with an odd touch, chaotic events surrounding the main story matched by an equally chaotic score, that ultimately serve the picture well as the audience truly experiences the feelings of it's lead characters. Mr. Anderson seamed to really unwind on this project, and as a result the film serves as an example of Paul Thomas Anderson at his most relaxed and unrestricted. Adam Sandler turns in a fantastic performance. Free from the cliche'd scripts of his usual films, the actor manages to display the talent that made him famous in the first place.

Odd and chaotic at times, warm and familiar other times, Punch-Drunk Love offers both a unique experience and what the audience wants, laughs and love.