Latest Sandler offer hits the mark

Punch Drunk Love: Barry Egan (Adam Sandler), is a geeky loner who works in a factory and does his best to avoid human interaction contact except for the mundane instructions of his boss (Luis

Guzman) and abusive phone calls from his sisters.

He spends his life obsessing about things like an Air Miles offer from Healthy Choice pudding, and when he does reach out to his family for some psychiatric advice he is met with more abuse and humiliation.

He turns instead to a sympathetic voice on a sex line, but things turn sour when he refuses her requests for money. Her scumbag brother Dean (Philip Seymour Hoffman) tries to blackmail Barry and sends three goons around to hammer home the message.

Things start looking up for Barry when he agrees to being hooked up to Lena (Emily Watson), a friend of his sister, but their romance is cut short by Dean’s goons. Barry realises he’ll lose everything unless, for once in his life, he fights back. But will he be able to sink to Dean’s level?

Sandler fans may find it hard to recognise their hero, but this is an ideal role to showcase his talents. His understated acting style is a perfect match for his character’s repressed rage and inability to integrate into society.

Emily Watson plays her part as a woman seeking honesty and virtuosity in a relationship. Her overwhelming need allows her to ignore the rough edges of her new love. Luis Guzman and Phillip Seymour Hoffman give excellent performances as well.

Romance, 15, ***