See Also: PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (2002)

Last time we looked at Paul Thomas Anderson's 1999 film Magnolia, so we decided to take a look at his follow-up, 2002's Adam Sandler-led absurdist romantic dramedy Punch-Drunk Love. Anderson's shortest and most overlooked film, Punch-Drunk Love is now considered by many to be among his best. At 95 minutes, the film never faulters and drags, and its balance of performance, direction, and musical score amount to so much more than the sum of their parts. It also has some interesting connection to 1999, not least because Anderson - a huge Adam Sandler fan - was determined to cast him in his film after seeing 1999's Big Daddy.