1. Punch Drunk Love (2002)
To me, one phrase sums up both Punk Drunk Love itself and also Sandlers turn as Barry Egan within it: oddly beautiful. Out of seemingly nowhere, Sandler gives the performance of his career; one thats at once reminiscent of the overtly aggressive goofball hes perhaps best known as and also completely and utterly unique. You can maybe give
most of the credit to modern cinematic genius Paul Thomas Anderson whose wonderful script and characteristically superb direction make Punch Drunk Love soar, but you have to give some to Sandler who, performance wise, completely smashed it out of the park. As tender and tentative as he is wild an unpredictable, Sandlers Barry Egan is nothing short of astonishing, made even more for the low expectations caused by Sandlers chequered cinematic track record. For undeniable proof that Sandler is more than just a one trick pony, look no further than Punch Drunk Love. If you havent yet seen it (it is something of a hidden gem) then you must, immediately, regardless of where your opinion sits on Sandler. If youre a fan, no doubt youll be sold already, but even if you cant stand the man, I urge you to look past your bias and give Punch Drunk Love a whirl; I guarantee you wont regret it. So, they're we consider Sandler's finest hours. Click "Next" to move on to what sucked.