Film Review: Anger Management (2003)

Adam Sandler was among least liked major Hollywood actors at the start of 21st Century. While this failed to have any serious impact on box office results of Sandler’s film, Sandler was at times trying to win critics’ favour by presenting himself as more serious artist than his lowbrow comedies might suggest. In 2003 he starred in more serious role in Punch-Drunk Love by renowned art director Paul Thomas Anderson and, in the same year, he chose even more renowned Oscar-winning actor Jack Nicholson for his partner in Anger Management, comedy directed by Peter Segal.

Sandler in the film plays David “Dave” Buznik, meek employee of pet clothing company who has spent most of his life avoiding conflict and display of emotion. Everything changes when, during flight, he temporarily loses his temper and lashes out at flight attendant. The incident is actually quite minor, but when brought to Judge Brenda Daniels (played by Lynne Thigpen in her last credited role) she interprets it much more seriously and orders Dave to attend anger management classes held by Dr. Buddy Rydell (played by Jack Nicholson), psychotherapist who, by happy coincidence, was present during the incident. Dave very reluctantly starts his therapy that first involves group sessions with number of bizarre characters, but later turns into more radical and invasive approach with Dr. Rydell actually moving into Dave’s apartment in order to take more direct role in his life. It soon turns out that Dr. Rydell might have not only anger management issues of his own but that he might be psychopath who intends to ruin what is left of Dave’s life and steal Dave’s girlfriend Linda (played by Marisa Tomei).

Adam Sandler’s decision to bring Jack Nicholson to the project was very wise decision, and even wiser decision was to let Oscar-winning star taking all the viewers’ attention. Nicholson, who had made reputation by playing characters that are “out there”, has a lot of fun playing psychiatrist who seems to be quite disturbed, making Sandler look strangely passive and ordinary and making quite easier for audience to identify with Sandler’s character. Quality of humour, on the other hand, isn’t particularly high and the twist ending is both predictable and unintelligent. But fans of Sandler and Nicholson probably won't care that much because interplay between those two actors, augmented by major Hollywood stars and celebrities (including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani) appearing in cameo roles, makes Anger Management more than merely passable entertainment. The film was moderate success at the box office and in 2012 was loosely remade as eponymous television sitcom starring Charlie Sheen that would remain on air for two seasons.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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