RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
RT's Blu-ray HQ
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
  • | Showtimes
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / On DVD / Punch-Drunk Love
Punch-Drunk Love

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Get this Movie
  • Buy Poster External Icon
  • Visit Official Site External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
  • DVD
79 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

Reviews Counted:180

Fresh:142

Rotten:38

Average Rating:7.4/10

Consensus: Punch-Drunk Love is weird and delightfully funny, even though Sandler essentially plays the same character he has always played in all his movies.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] for strong language including a scene of sexual dialogue

Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Oct 11, 2002 Limited

Box Office: $17,791,031

Synopsis: Paul Thomas Anderson follows 1999's MAGNOLIA with the intensely compelling character study PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a quiet, shy, socially awkward man with an office in an... Paul Thomas Anderson follows 1999's MAGNOLIA with the intensely compelling character study PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE. Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a quiet, shy, socially awkward man with an office in an out-of-the-way warehouse. He is dedicated to his job as a wholesale toilet plunger salesman, he keeps a nice apartment, and he is obsessed with special offers on grocery store products. Barry's latest fixation is on frequent flier miles included with the purchase of Healthy Choice foods. Barry wears a bright blue suit, though he doesn't know why. With seven outspoken sisters, Barry is constantly being nagged, questioned, and berated. He is challenged to explain the reasons for his actions, and it eventually becomes clear that Barry cannot control his often-violent impulses, a trait which is increasingly problematic. When a beautiful woman, Lena Leonard (Emily Watson), walks into his life with an instinctive attraction to him, a nonjudgmental attitude, and unconditional love, Barry undergoes a powerful transformation. Anderson's film is a tour-de-force for which he garnered the Best Director award at Cannes 2002. Set primarily in Los Angeles and Utah, he shoots either bleak deserted spaces (apartment building hallways) or lush, exotic paradises (Hawaii). Aiming for a Technicolor look, the blue of Barry's suit in contrast with Lena's solid pinks, reds, and whites, pops off of the screen. Colorful interludes designed by visual artist Jeremy Blake offer hallucinogenic lapses from the action of the film, while the rapid percussive score by Jon Brion keeps the suspense and the emotional exasperation of the film on a constantly high level. [More]

Starring: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman

Starring: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman, Mary Lynn Rajskub

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Screenwriter: Paul Thomas Anderson
Producer: Joanne Sellar, Daniel Lupi
Composer: Jon Brion
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment

[See More Credits]

  • Trailers
  • Pictures
1 - 5 of 9

See More Movie Trailers & Pictures

Get This Movie

Rent DVD
 
 

Click on the "ADD" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.

 
 
Buy DVD
 
 
Release:

Nov 7, 2009

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for Punch-Drunk Love

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
  • DVD
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Bubble View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 
Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
N/R

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Apr., 29 2009 03:16 AM

Cinema Crazed

N/R

Robert Wilonsky

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 18 2008 04:10 AM

Dallas Observer

splat

Shots, such as when Sandler and Watson kiss in silhouette, are truly memorable -- but Punch-Drunk Love is never more than this: a series of chocolate-box moments, PT-style.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 28 2008 08:50 AM

Channel 4 Film

tomato
4/4

David Nusair

...Punch-Drunk Love is (and always will be) the crowning achievement within Anderson's filmography.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 03 2008 07:19 AM

Reel Film Reviews

tomato

David Ansen

It's a romantic comedy on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 01 2007 03:15 AM

Newsweek

splat
3/5

Rob Gonsalves

It's clear by now that whatever characterization skill Anderson showed in his lean, mean debut, 1997's Hard Eight, was a fluke.

Full Review Source: | comment 5 Comments | Sep., 22 2007 05:45 PM

eFilmCritic.com

splat
2.5/4

Joe Lozito

A trifle at 89 minutes with a genuine, heartfelt performance by Mr. Sandler, and not much else.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 14 2007 03:56 AM

Big Picture Big Sound

splat

Derek Adams

The film looks good and has its funny moments, but too often one senses Anderson straining to impress...

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 24 2006 03:40 AM

Time Out

tomato
4/4

Jordan Hiller

Paul Thomas Anderson used Sandler for a very specific purpose -to convey a sense of tough-luck awkwardness and smile-masking-frown frustration, and it worked perfectly.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 04 2006 07:41 AM

Bangitout.com

tomato
4/5

Darrin Keene

It's a very idiosyncratic take on the genre, but it works because of Anderson's ability to challenge viewer expectations.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 06 2005 07:50 PM

Film Threat

tomato
3.5/4

Michael Dequina

Anderson is simply punch-drunk on the possibilities of cinema, and sophisticated film lovers will be more than willing to go wherever he goes -- yes, even to an Adam Sandler movie.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 06 2005 07:50 PM

TheMovieReport.com

tomato
3.5/4

Scott Nash

What really makes this movie so special, apart from the revelation that Adam Sandler can act, is the direction.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 30 2005 03:21 AM

Three Movie Buffs

tomato
A

Jeffrey Overstreet

Punch-drunk Love reminds me of why I go to movies in the first place. To be challenged, surprised, transported, inspired, and exhilarated.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 15 2005 10:39 PM

Looking Closer

tomato

Todd Gilchrist

The elements of tragedy aren't life and death issues in this movie, and Anderson's film wisely contains itself to the microcosm of this one man's beleaguered existence.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 01 2004 08:16 AM

FilmStew.com

splat
1/5

Daniel M. Kimmel

[I]t’s no secret that... certain films [are] critic’s darlings... leav[ing] moviegoers vowing never to trust a critic again. This season [it's] Punch-Drunk Love.

Full Review Source: | comment 2 Comments | Jan., 01 2004 05:29 AM

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

tomato

Brian Gibson

Unlike any romantic comedy this year, with a vision so wondrously off-kilter that you’ll be swept off your feet by it, even if you don’t fall in love at first sight.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 01 2003 12:18 PM

Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Canada)

tomato

Enrique Buchichio

No cumple con todas las expectativas, pero sigue siendo uno de los directores más originales y talentosos que el cine norteamericano tiene para ofrecer.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 23 2003 08:37 PM

Uruguay Total

splat
1/5

Jurgen Fauth

Gimmicks in search for a heart and a soul.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 15 2003 02:19 PM

About.com

splat
C+

Josh Bell

In his effort to 'redefine' the romantic comedy, Anderson has made a film that is neither romantic nor funny.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 06 2003 08:13 AM

Las Vegas Weekly

tomato
4/4

Nick Rogers

Punch Drunk Love feels like a movie Billy Wilder would make if he were he hitting his stride today and able to include liberal, but appropriate, profanity.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 27 2003 12:02 AM

State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL)

 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Bubble View | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 >> >|
all

Latest News for Punch-Drunk Love

April 02, 2009: Five Favourite Films with Bill Nighy
There can be few actors better suited to starring in a film about the golden age of British rock and roll than Bill Nighy. No wonder, then, that he's front and centre as part of... More...

September 06, 2007: RT Exclusive: Pics From There Will Be Blood
Attention P.T. Anderson fans -- your wait is almost over! After a five year break, P.T. Anderson is back, and this time he's teaming up with the unparalleled Daniel Day-Lewis... More...

June 22, 2006: Critical Consensus: "Click" Doesn't, Ahem, Click; "Waist" Isn't Deep Enough
This week at the movies, we've got a magical remote control ("Click") and a father who's trying to rescue his son ("Waist Deep"). Will the critics dig... More...

March 29, 2005: Who's Got the Scoop on P.T. Anderson's Next Project?
PTAnderson.com, repository of all things PTA-related, brings us the early word on the celebrated filmmaker's next potential project: 'Paul never ceases to surprise us & it... More...

See All

More DVDs

Close
Top Rentals
Tomatometer Percentage Movie
44% 44% Night at the Museum: B…
32% 32% Terminator Salvation
36% 36% Angels & Demons
95% 95% Star Trek
25% 25% Four Christmases

More Rentals…

New On DVD This Week
Tomatometer Percentage Movie
83% 83% Harry Potter and the H…
67% 67% Public Enemies
75% 75% Julie & Julia
95% 95% The Cove
85% 85% World's Greatest Dad

More New Releases…

See All

RT On Current TV

The Rotten Tomatoes Show on Current TV

DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...

Learn how you can be part of the show

More...

What’s Hot On RT

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood

Take a trip through Clint Eastwood's career!

Disney Countdown

Disney Countdown

RT looks at Disney's best animated movies!

Total Recall

Total Recall

A look back at Keith David's best movies!

Five Favorites

Five Favorites

Sam Worthington shares his favorite films!

Other News

Close
  • Top Stories
  • Popular
  • Interviews
 
 

Comments

 
 
Top Stories
Headlines Comments
  
  • David Lynch Says He Turned Down Return of the Jedi Source: CinemaBlend.com
23
  • Thomas Dolby Starts a Star Wars Rumor Source: Ain't It Cool News
23
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
27
  • The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Headed for IMAX Source: Collider.com
46
  • James Cameron Developing Sci-Fi Film for Fox Source: ComingSoon.net
9
  • Peter Jackson Reveals Which LotR Characters Will Return for The Hobbit Source: MTV
24
  • Josh Brolin Rumored for Men in Black 3 Source: Los Angeles Times
26
  • Malkovich and Hathaway Rumored for Spider-Man 4 Source: Movieline
88
  • Avatar Picks Up Golden Globes Buzz Source: HitFix
66
  • Disney's Upcoming Hand-Drawn Movies Revealed Source: Slashfilm
21
Popular
Headlines Comments
  
  • Total Recall: Keith David's Best Movies
61
  • Five Favorite Films with Jason Reitman
57
  • Critics Consensus: Everybody's Fine Is Just OK
50
  • Five Favorite Films With Avatar's Sam Worthington
46
  • Sundance 2010: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies
41
  • Weekly Ketchup: Tron Team to Remake The Black Hole
37
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: The Blind Side Takes the Lead
29
  • The Gimmicks That Changed Cinema: Part 1
29
  • Awards Tour: National Board of Review Winners List!
28
  • Friday Harvest: Iron Man 2, Harry Potter, and more!
24
Interviews
Headlines Comments
  
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
9
  • Five Favorite Films With Avatar's Sam Worthington
46
  • Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland
2
  • "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist
17
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
12
  • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
23
  • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
8
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
15
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus
23
  • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview
9
 
 

Sponsored Links

Around The Network

  • Punch-Drunk Love at Rotten Tomatoes
  • Punch-Drunk Love at IGN
  • Punch-Drunk Love at AskMen

Fresh Links

Featured
Best Sci-Fi This Decade
Best Sci-Fi This Decade External Link

Techland lists the best Sci-Fi films of this decade.

40 Worst Films of the 2000s
40 Worst Films of the 2000s External Link

Moviefone takes a look back at the biggest stinkers of the past 10 years.

10 Questions For Zac Efron
10 Questions For Zac Efron External Link

The Me and Orson Welles star answers reader questions on TIME.com.

Best Decade Ever!
Best Decade Ever! External Link

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill offers his thoughts on what the best decade for film was.

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure External Link

In the AV Club's "Scenic Routes," Mike D'Angelo reminisces about the Tim Burton film.

Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Follow RT on Twitter External Link

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Games| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.