The Popkorn Junkie :: Anger Management

Whoa, Nellie! There's more plot surprises in this than an M. Night Shamalamadingdong film, which would be fine if it was, but this is an Adam Sandler film! Adam Sandler films aren't supposed to have a big plot, damnit! That's not right! What is right is the chemistry between all the actors, Adam, Jack, Luis Guzman, John Turturro, and a few cameos!

"Anger Management" starts out pretty innocently, with the classic, bully-depants-kid, sorta thing, then we see Dave Buznik (Sandler) being... normal. Buznik is just a normal guy, with not much of a temper, but don't tell that to everybody else. Quickly we find out that it seems that the entire city of New York is out to get him, and thus, this get's him assigned to an anger management class. Who teaches the class? Jack. Classic.

The casting is perfect. The timing is right on, but something is missing. The end of the film is just pretty weird. I hate those "it was all a dream" endings. No, that's not exactly how it ends, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Something just seems lacking...I can't put my finger on it...it's one of those films that seems to be building up to something that never materializes.

There's some funny scenes with cameo's, by two blond-ish actors, and the male cameo practically steals the show. Sandler and Nicholson are on their games, and Marisa Tomei is gorgeous as ever, and also on her game. So, what's lacking? The acting, writing, and timing are all there, but the directing isn't. Yes folks, this film lacks direction, which is kinda surprising as this is by the same guy who brought us "Tommy Boy".

Recommendation: I was disappointed, but there's still great one-liners, cameo's, and the chemistry between Jack and Adam cannot be missed. So get to the theater, order some popkorn, and enjoy this one. Oh yeah, the kids will enjoy it too. There's nothing real "risqué" here. Pretty safe.

-- James ( 2 1/2 out of 4 pops )

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Other Junkie's opinions.....

Billy Ray ( 3 out of 4 pops )

I made the mistake of thinking this was NOT going to be like all of the other Adam Sandler films. I thought, since Jack Nicholson co-starred, that it might elevate itself to his level. Instead, however, he lowered himself to their level. The result: not as bad as I thought it would be. But, it is Nicholson who saves this film from flopping. Just his facial exaggerations and mannerisms are enough to make my side split, and he has a hell of a lot of fun with this role, probably since it is so rare he graces us with a comedy. Adam Sandler is his usual self, and really does nothing new here. Marisa Tomei is wasted in her role, though Heather Graham and Woody Harrelson are rather amusing in their cameos. Overall, this could have been much better, but is the best Sandler film besides "Punch Drunk Love" and "Happy Gillmore". It's pretty entertaining.

Matt ( 3 out of 4 pops )

I'm in luck. A movie comes out starring Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, both of whom I'm a fan of. Did it deliver? Hell yes! This movie is downright hilarious!!! Nicholson and Sandler make a wonderful team, and it was an interesting change of pace with Sandler playing the straight man and Nicholson the comedian. One of the crucial elements that makes this movie work is the actors look like they're having a ball! Especially Nicholson, who flaunts his trademark evil, eyebrow-slanting grin more than ever. Marisa Tomei is always adorable to watch, even though she doesn't have much screen time. Regulars of Sandler's films pop up in cameos and supporting roles, including Allen Covert as Tomei's well-endowed best friend, who Sandler becomes insanely jealous of. Aside from the expected cameos from the Sandler regulars and SNL alumni, there's also some unexpected cameos, including one from John C. Reilly. I was about to give away his character, but I really don't want to spoil it, because it's a very funny scene. Nicholson rolls with the punches, never once being afraid to be low-brow or over-the-top. His open-mindedness towards approaching broad humor is incredible, especially for an Oscar-winning actor like himself. I love John Malkovich, but I bet you won't see him doing a duet of "I Feel Pretty" with Adam Sandler. Trust me--that scene is a riot!! John Turturro steals a few scenes as his extremely hot-tempered character, making up for his thankless role in Sandler's previous film "Mr. Deeds." And just when you think the film can't be any more entertaining, a lesbian kissing scene gets thrown in. So really, what more can you ask for!!! "Anger Management" is a laugh-a-minute! Nicholson fans will not be disappointed, though I'm sure a few will complain about him taking on such an "immature" role. Lighten up, people! And though Sandler plays the straight man, which he's quite good at, he manages to squeeze in a few funny lines. Sure, this is not high-brow comedy, and far cry from "About Schmidt" for good ol' Jack, but face it--comedies nowadays have sunk much lower. At least this one made me laugh, rather than cringe and roll my eyes.