Genres: Comedy | Drama | Romance Countries: USA Actors: Adam Sandler Dave Buznik Jack Nicholson Dr. Buddy Rydell Marisa Tomei Linda Luis Guzmán Lou Jonathan Loughran Nate Kurt Fuller Frank Head Krista Allen Stacy January Jones Gina John Turturro Chuck Lynne Thigpen Judge Brenda Daniels Nancy Walls Flight Attendant Kevin Nealon Sam Woody Harrelson Galaxia/Security Guard Allen Covert Andrew Adrian Ricard Rose Rydell Directors: Peter Segal IMDB Rating: 6 out of 10 (35478 votes)

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“Anger Management” is another example of a good idea gone bad. Take two popular actors with radically different styles, mix in a sprinkling of a few name actors, throw in Adam Sandler’s buddies in supporting roles, and ask them to take an intriguing idea and turn it into a solid comedy. The result? Well, let’s just say this is deeply disappointing considering how much promise Sandler showed in “Punch-Drunk Love.” And Nicholson’s far from blameless. He takes his wild man character from the latter part of “The Shining,” tones it down a bit, and then generally looks uncomfortable with the results throughout this film.

Adam Sandler stars as Dave Buznik, a guy who works hard at his clerical job, has a girlfriend (played by Marisa Tomei) he can’t commit to, and is generally a non-confrontational person. When his behavior on a plane is mistaken as aggressive, he’s sentenced by Judge Daniels (Lynne Thigpen) to attend an anger management class taught by Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson). Filled with a bizarre mix of angry people, the class actually escalates Dave’s anger, rather than managing it.

Back in front of Judge Daniels and about to be sentenced to jail time, Dave’s rescued at the last second by Dr. Rydell’s plea to the judge and his offer of more intensive therapy. Moving in with Dave, Rydell completely takes control of his home and his personal life. As the two battle over every single aspect of Dave’s life, Buznik’s forced to confront and deal with issues he didn’t even know he had.

As far as the supporting players go, Marisa Tomei is wasted as Sandler’s one-dimensional girlfriend. Heather Graham is the one standout amidst a host of cameos by well-known celebrities. Her portrayal of a crazed vixen with a weight complex makes up the movie’s most memorable scene. Woody Harrelson’s humorous as a transsexual hooker in a bit that would have benefited from longer onscreen time. Luis Guzman and John Turturro co-star as Sandler’s anger management classmates, though neither character is worthy of its actor.

Granted, there were a few times I chuckled – in particular a scene involving former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani that actually surprised a fairly hearty laugh out of me. But the majority of the film just lies there waiting for someone to perform CPR. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone involved noticed the film had flatlined.

Rebecca Murray
Hollywood Movies Guide

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