Pretty sure everyone knows this one. Adam Sandler. Paul Thomas Anderson. An interesting matchup to say the least. Anyway, after the phenomenal There Will Be Blood and the disappointing Magnolia, I figured I'd check this one out.

As much as I loved TWBB, it's very much a departure for the director so I don't really see it as representative of his style. Magnolia, for me, was about as disappointing and overrated as it gets. I didn't hate it but was totally let down, especially since it's supposed to be his magnum opus. I wanted to see Boogie Nights next but Netflix had this one on Play Instant instead.

Anyway, the story. Adam Sandler plays a dude named Barry Eagen, a timid pushover of a guy who's constantly walked all over by his seven overbearing and abusive sisters who call him "gay boy" and "retard" among other things. He owns his own business but it doesn't seem to do much for him. To make matters worse, he calls a phone sex line on a whim which happens to be one big scam. When he catches on and cancels his credit card, they send some goons after him to rough him up and generally inject him full of debilitating fear, something he's well predisposed to. Needless to say things aren't going great for Barry until he meets a kind mystery girl (Emily Watson) who puts a fire in his belly that allows him to utilize all his pent up rage.

So... prognosis. This film was... great! Amazing! Not only was it better than I expected but actually one of the best films I've seen recently. It was really a classic underdog story. You just can't help but feel for this guy. It works brilliantly in a traditional narrative sense and yet is filled with originality and fun, sometimes quirky idiosyncrasies.

The performances... Sandler... wow! This guy can act. Like really act. I think the role is definitely a hard one to play, for any actor, and I imagine it'd be even harder to leave your own mark with it. Sandler does both. I just can't believe the same guy behind Click and the Water Boy could put on such a well rounded and strong performance. I know that this isn't his only "dramatic" role but he was frankly a joke in Reign On Me. His trademark throaty singing just doesn't function in a post 9/11 film. Here though, I was absolutely blown away. Really couldn't believe he was as good as he was. Emily Watson is appropriately sweet and actually pretty unconventional for what could be seen as a romantic comedy. Phillip Seymore Hoffman is always good but he stands out even more here because his role is so small. And what a scumbag he is!

The dialogue is funny at times and really sweet and touching at others. The cinematography is innovative and unique. The soundtrack is far from conventional, odd at times, yet strong without being too distracting.

Really everything worked. I can't believe I was actually cheering in an Adam Sandler movie. Seriously can't believe how good this was.

Anyway, I'm sure a lot of people are already familiar with this one but those who haven't seen it yet definitely should right away! I can't believe I'm saying this but it was actually better than There Will Be Blood. I'm finally convinced that PTA is a director who is deserved of his praise.

this is on my netflix list, but its near the bottom. however after reading this im definitely going to watch it asap. thanks for the review!

REEEEEEEEIGN OOOOOON MEEEEEEEEEEE! haha i still shout that out in the middle of crowds for shits and gigs sometimes. no one else knows the reference but i laugh.

Here's a really great analysis of the symbolism in the film.  This guy really breaks it down well.

http://archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/05/35/pt_anderson.html

Quoted from albinopenguin this is on my netflix list, but its near the bottom. however after reading this im definitely going to watch it asap. thanks for the review! REEEEEEEEIGN OOOOOON MEEEEEEEEEEE! haha i still shout that out in the middle of crowds for shits and gigs sometimes. no one else knows the reference but i laugh.

FAMILY... COMES... FIIIRRRSST!!!  

Seriously though, he was totally solid in this. Academy Award caliber. No joke.

Quoted from dresseme Here's a really great analysis of the symbolism in the film.  This guy really breaks it down well. http://archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/05/35/pt_anderson.html

Thanks, dude! This was actually pretty interesting. I'd say it was similar to the Sixth Sense but I think it shares more with Blue Velvet in that it was much more intricate. The Sixth Sense was pretty basic with its use of red.

I don't really consider this stuff symbolism though. Just thoughtful filmmaking. I suppose technically it is symbolism, at least by its definition, but I tend to think of symbolism in film as "Adam Sandler represents Jesus" or what not. This was much more the case in Magnolia. Still, interesting just the same.