A slightly odd loner (Adam Sandler) suffers at the hands of his seven annoying sisters, but rescue comes in the shape of a woman (Emily Watson) who is genuinely interested in him. Director Paul Thomas Anderson actually likes Sandler’s comedies (go figure), which is why he has made an art movie that perfectly fits the comedian’s famously hostile, childish screen persona. Reasonably engaging stuff, although there are few funny and romantic moments. The story is very thin and Watson’s character pretty much a mystery – but here’s the thing: Sandler is really good as the tragic Barry.

2002-U.S. 95 min. Color. Widescreen. Written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Cast: Adam Sandler (Barry Egan), Emily Watson (Lena Leonard), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Dean Trumbell), Luis Guzmán, Mary Lynn Rajskub. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Anderson.

Cannes: Best Director.

IMDb