Being a big fan of P.T. Anderson's work since I saw `Boogie Nights' (about 3 times in one week at the theater) years ago, I anxiously awaited the release of his latest film. Then I heard it starred Adam Sandler, who is one of my least favorite actors of all time, but even then I figured that if anyone is going to make me not want to start throwing things at Sandler's image, it would be Anderson. After all, he got me to respect Tom Cruise after seeing `Magnolia'. When I finally got to see the film this past weekend (after wanting to see the film for about a year) I wasn't disappointed, and I found that my trust was not misplaced. Anderson took Sandler and turned him into a sad sack who is so psychologically screwed up he would be an analyst's dream. Emily Watson is his perfect counterpart as a classy yet extremely quirky love interest.

The content is pure P.T. Anderson. There are issues that are brought up that are completely bizarre and unexplained, and there are themes that are culled from real-life stories or incidents. Stylistically, it's a slight departure in that it isn't quite as flashy or `slick' as his last two films, but the bright primary colors that pervade the cinematography are absolutely beautiful. And instead of the steady 70's and 80's soundtrack that he usually utilizes, he kept it more simple this time, and just as inspired with the continuous running of `He Needs Me' from the `Popeye' soundtrack. That touch was not only fitting, but also simply brilliant.

I love the work of P.T. Anderson, and was absolutely charmed and endeared to this film. Just like `Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' isn't going to make me watch a Jim Carrey comedy, I'm still going to avoid Adam Sandler comedies like the plague, but I have to say that I respect him for his work in this film. This is the kind of romance film I like, and I recommend it to anyone who doesn't settle for the kind of romantic comedy/dramas that are churned out now by Hollywood.

--Shelly

"Punch-Drunk Love" is NOT a movie that most Adam Sandler fans can relate to because it's really not a comedy. However, unlike "Reign Over Me" (which was fantastic),this film does not have a traditional narrative. In many ways, it's like a hunk out of someone's life--both good, bad and mundane. It's really a film for particular people with particular tastes. After having seen it, I am not exactly sure WHAT I thought of the film or whether I'd recommend it or not.

Adam Sandler plays a man who seems depressed and quite lonely. Instead of being a traditional character, he's just a guy who exists. Because of this, the movie starts off very slowly...VERY slowly. However, though the course of watching him, you see that beneath his very dull and placid exterior, there is some rage which occasionally pops out...but not often.

Out of the blue, he calls a phone sex line. However, he doesn't want the lady to talk dirty to him--he just wants to talk to someone. This later causes VERY serious problems in his life. And, later, out of the blue, he meets a lady (Emily Watson) and they fall in love. How the two (as well as pudding) all fit together is VERY odd and very tenuous.

Overall, a film with lots of nice parts and lots of dull parts--much like real life. I liked the film but felt a bit confused by it as well. Odd....truly odd.

Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) witnesses a crazy car accident and a harmonium is left on the road by a van which he eventually takes. Lena Leonard (Emily Watson) leaves her car keys with him. She is actually a co-worker of his sister Elizabeth (Mary Lynn Rajskub) who is desperate to set him up with. She has seven domineering sisters who constantly puts him down always bringing his volatile outburst with a hammer. He's meek man who owns a company distributing novelty items. He blows up angrily at a party with his family. He has a plan to game the frequent flyer miles by buying pudding. He's lonely and finds companionship by talking on a sex chat line. The woman starts harassing him for money. Eventually her boss Dean Trumbell (Philip Seymour Hoffman) sends thugs to collect.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson continues his exceptional use of his cast in unique fashion. Adam Sandler is given a chance to stretch. It taps into his persona as a clown. I think true sadness and anger is always underneath the surface of his big acts. Anderson uses it to paint a picture of this character. The visuals are always interesting and Emily Watson is endearing. This is a memorable film.