ANGER MANAGEMENT
Released: April 11, 2003
It's an Adam Sandler movie and based on that criteria alone, it is entertaining. Granted, I am biased. I am a Sandler supporter. But I am being unbiased saying that I had lots of laughs and left the theatre with a smile on my face. If you enjoyed "Happy Gilmore", "Happy Madison" and "Little Nicky" then you will undoubtedly be entertained - even if "Anger Management" does use the typical Sandler movie template he's used since he began fronting his movies with "Billy Madison" in 1995. While obviously not quite the serious-minded affair that "Punch-Drunk Love" was, it is much more fun that his "Big Daddy" or "Mr. Deeds" flicks. Sandler plays a businessman who is wrongly sentenced to an anger-management program, where he meets an aggressive instructor played by Jack Nicholson. Don't be fooled by Nicholson's presence - this is an Adam Sandler movie first and foremost. But that is the power of Sandler. He is a very well liked guy among his peers. Not only has Nicholson signed on here, but so has the lovely Marisa Tomei, vets from P.T. Anderson movies like Heather Graham, John C. Reilly and Luis Guzmán plus Woody Harrelson, Kevin Nealon, Harry Dean Stanton, John Turturro and even ex-NYC mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Not too mention a couple unbilled cameos. People in the biz like Sandler. Despite what his detractors may say, his movies are fun and make you laugh. Nicholson perfects his "As Good As It Gets" character and has plenty of amusing moments. His pairing with Sandler at first seemed like it might not work to me when viewing the trailers but after seeing the film I was pleasantly surprised to see Sandler stand up to Nicholson competently and also I was impressed to see Nicholson willing to take on a role in an Adam Sandler movie. Tomei is her usual amazing self as Sandler's love interest. I've been a fan of hers since "My Cousin Vinny" (and her subsequent Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress). She's a really under used actress and I really believe she has another great role ahead of her yet. Overall, go see this if you like Sandler and his style of humor. It helps if you're not expecting anything too serious too. This is just sit back and enjoy yourself fun and more than worth a look...
103 Minutes
Columbia/Sony