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Watch Sandler’s unexpected performance on Hulu for a unique blend of comedy and drama. Sandler’s transition to dramas like Uncut Gems would never have been possible without the early success of Punch-Drunk Love. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Punch-Drunk Love showcases Sandler’s versatility in a quiet, earnest role.
The 2002 Adam Sandler film Punch-Drunk Love is currently streaming on Hulu. Though Sandler is known today for starring in both comedies and dramas, early in his acting career he was best known as a comedian on Saturday Night Live and as a comedic actor with roles in Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Waterboy. Sandler’s role as Happy Gilmore is so iconic that a modern sequel is currently in the works.
While expectations are high for Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler proved he’s more than just a comedian in the critically acclaimed 2019 thriller Uncut Gems. Many mistakenly assume that Sandler’s role as the cunning and corrupt con man Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems was his first big drama, but in fact he had appeared in several dramas prior to that, including Noah Baumbach’s Netflix film that also starred Dustin Hoffman and Ben Stiller. However, his first drama role was in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love.
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Adam Sandler has starred in a number of hilarious comedies and critically acclaimed dramas, providing some of his most memorable, funny and inspirational lines.
Punch-Drunk Love Now Available on Hulu – How it Impacted Adam Sandler’s Film Career
It was an unexpected turn of events to see Sandler star in a dramatic comedy in 2002, but it certainly paid off.
Punch-Drunk Love was Sandler’s first notable transition from starring in goofy comedy films to more serious, dramatic roles. While Punch-Drunk Love certainly has comedic elements, it’s nothing like the more deliberate, stripped-down comedy style of Sandler’s previous comedies and SNL career. In Punch-Drunk Love, Sandler plays Barry Egan, a down-on-his-luck, frustrated man. The film is much more conceptual than Sandler’s other work at the time.
Punch-Drunk Love was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, considered by many to be one of the greatest directors currently working and possibly the greatest director of all time. His other work includes critically acclaimed films such as There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread, and The Master. Anderson has also made a number of intelligent comedies and satires, including Inherent Vice with Joaquin Phoenix, Boogie Nights with Mark Wahlberg, and Punch-Drunk Love with Sandler.
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‘Uncut Gems’ and Sandler’s other big dramas might not have happened without ‘Punch-Drunk Love’
Sandler’s recent drama work shows she should be doing more drama.
Uncut Gems is widely considered Sandler’s best dramatic role. Had he not turned to Punch-Drunk Love earlier in his career, we may never have seen a similar drama starring Sandler. It’s funny how Sandler can be in a terrible movie like Jack & Jill yet still deliver strong, convincing performances in movies like Uncut Gems and The Hustle. Though he’s had great success in comedy films, PTA’s Punch-Drunk Love gave him the opportunity to really shine in a quieter, more serious dramatic role.
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The Happy Gilmore sequel is long overdue and should be great, but given Sandler’s recent dramatic performances, he might want to pivot away from comedies.
Punch-Drunk Love is a 2002 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Sandler plays Barry Egan, the only boy among eight siblings who is constantly bullied by his older sisters. Despite being successful in life, Barry is lonely and decides to call a phone sex hotline, but this complicates his relationship with his sisters’ friend Lena, who seems to have a crush on him.
release date November 1, 2002
studio Warner Bros. Pictures, Columbia Pictures
Sales agent Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures
runtime 95 min
budget $25 million
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