http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Sun, 10 Nov 2002 02:02:52 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/11/10/020252.php Dean BartkiwAdam Sandler, an amazing natural talent who graduated from Saturday Night Live's renowned school of comedy, has become a Hollywood powerhouse. After striking gold with such juvenile hits as Big Daddy, The Wedding Singer, and Happy Gilmore, Sandler is now one of the highest paid actors in the world. Though he has an impressive comic range, Sandler is usually cast as a simpleton who struggles to function within society's basic rules - allowing the audience to laugh at an innocent buffoon and his loveable ways. This formula has proven to be a huge commercial success, as with many films that play to the lowest common denominator. However, as with many comedians who find success, Sandler is venturing away from his proven cash cow - probably to prove his worth as an actor. In his newest release, Punch-Drunk Love, he does just that.The main character, played by Sandler, is a lonely and mentally deranged man named Barry Egan. Barry owns what seems to be a relatively successful business which distributes specialty toilet plungers. However, the movie revolves around Barry's bizarre obsessions and fascinations.From collecting frequent flier coupons to obsessing over an abandoned little piano, Sandler really seems to be this character. Moreover, when Barry shows bouts of violent aggression born from a bottled-up temper, Sandler really shines.Equally responsible for the clarity in this film, is the director, Paul Thomas Anderson (Magnolia, Boogie Nights). Throughout the film, we see Barry experiment with phone sex, deal with his nosy and controlling sisters, and display what seems to be an uncharacteristic new propensity to dress up. Intertwined in this conglomeration of bizarre behaviors, is a nice little love story, along with a slew of unique transitions and irrelevant circumstances - all masterfully combined into a disturbing, yet highly palatable, story.In a (David) Lynch-like melding of twisted circumstances, Anderson leads us through this sad and delusional life of Benny. Yet, in the end, it all makes sense. Watching this pitiful soul was a stressful experience. In addition, at times it was fun, sad; and in the end, somewhat satisfying.This amazing piece of art was probably not meant for Sandler's regular fan base. Many people will probably leave the theater wondering what just happened. Nevertheless, this viewer just elevated Adam Sandler to another level. This intriguing movie is not without flaws - but for anyone who appreciates more creative and artistic type of movies, this one is a winner. Fans of Paul Thomas Anderson will just nod in appreciation with an "I told you so" smirk.Thanks to the popularity of the other Adam Sandler, a large number of people will inadvertently see a decent movie. That's a good thing. ADDITIONAL NOTE: This movie would be a great addition to any DVD collection. Although it is currently unavailable in DVD/Video, many other great films are at Amazon.com. Video1762@blogcritics.org Sun, 10 Nov 2002 02:02:52 EST