8. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Say what you will about Adam Sandler, occasionally, sometimes, under the right direction, when he tries, the man can act. Sadly, he has only proven this on less than a handful of occasions. Most recently with Funny People, and firstly with Punch-Drunk Love. The same year the film was released, Sandler also starred in such wonderful films as
Eight Crazy Nights and
Mr. Deeds, so it is difficult understand why director Paul Thomas Anderson casted him in the first place. Whatever the reason was, it worked. Anderson doesnt ever seem to be exactly in a rush to tell his stories (his upcoming film,
The Master, will be his 6th film in 16 years), but when he does, it is always more than worth the wait, and
Punch-Drunk Love is no exception, despite the whole Adam Sandler stars in it thing. In fact, it is probably Sandlers presence that ties the movie together, because oddly enough, he was probably perfect for this role. Sandlers character in
Punch-Drunk Love is a lot like a character in any Wes Anderson film, except very R-rated, violent, and even more socially awkward.