Punch-Drunk Love

Review: PTA Stop #4. Going from ‘Magnolia’ to this is a wild ride. And I know going to ‘There Will Be Blood’ next is going to be even crazier. A romantic dramedy, I think this film has much more similar tone to Anderson’s first two films, though with some of the existentialism of the third. The film stars Adam Sandler in the lead role with Emily Watson playing his love interest in the film. Featuring a smaller ensemble, the other three supporting roles are filled by Mary Lynn Rajskub, Luis Guzmán (in his 3rd PTA film), & Philip Seymour Hoffman (in his 4th PTA film), with Hoffman being great as always. The film has some really well framed shots. The script was solid with some really solid delivery as well. So far, it’s not my favorite of Anderson’s films, but was still a very enjoyable watch.

High: I know I’m over two decades late on this. But it’s really cool seeing Adam Sandler in this type of movie. Good for the Sandman. I’d say he really didn’t subvert expectations for himself like that again until ‘Uncut Gems.’ Though he has done it in other recent films like ‘Hustle,’ ‘Spaceman,’ & I think will again in the upcoming ‘Jay Kelly.’ May be hard to hear, but he is a legitimately good actor & Barry Egan is one of his most complex roles.

Low: If you need a nice tidy bow on a film, you won’t love this. It ends well & addresses everything it needs to, but I wouldn’t say it has a ton of resolution. The resolution that’s there is much more emotional than literal.

Rating: 7.5/10