neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Punch-Drunk Love
	Paul Thomas Anderson Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman 2002		Über-nerd Adam Sandler eschews his simpleton persona and the reasonless slapstick of his own films to hook up with the superb, lustrous British character actress Emily Watson in "Punch-Drunk Love," an unconventional, exhilarating romantic comedy from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson. Best known for a drama set in the porn industry ("Boogie Nights") and a sprawling contemplation of the human condition ("Magnolia"), Anderson manages to tap into Sandler's seething side and misfit vulnerability to create a believable rapport between the comic and Watson. Sandler plays San Fernando Valley businessman Barry Egan, a decent but lonely fellow prone to angry outbursts. Barry's temper may result from being the only brother in a family with seven sisters, who have delighted in belittling him since childhood. Dreams deferred and social skills nonexistent, he's reduced to calling a phone sex hotline for solace. One sister's sweet-natured co-worker (Watson) inexplicably fancies him, but the road to true love is fraught with potholes. Pleasingly peculiar.