In Anderson's latest film after 'Boogie Nights' and 'Magnolia', the mainstream comedian, Adam Sandler is the main lead. Inspired in part, by the true story of a California man who bought thousands of pudding containers to earn frequent-flyer miles, the film has a one of a kind theme.

Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a loner. He is the owner of a California novelty gadget business and brother of seven sisters. Barry is too shy to meet girls and gets constantly teased by his sisters for having no girlfriend. Barry has no idea about socialising and he takes out his frustration privately on objects lying around or frequently breaking into tears.

He makes an effort to escape by getting involved in absurd dealings like buying thousands of pudding containers to earn frequent-flyer miles or calling up a phone-sex service and giving away his credit card number and other information, which lands him in deep trouble. Once the con salesman, Dean Trumbell (Philip Seymour Hoffman) gets hold of Barry's credit card info, he hassles him to no end.

When a car owned by Lena (Emily Watson) breaks down in front of Barry's office, she makes a move and ask him on a date. He finds true love in Lena. In order to escape thugs send by Trumbell he makes a trip to Hawai with Lena. She with her simple tenderness and charm, awakens Barry to his inner strength.

It is an unusual romantic comedy. The film explores so many facets of humanity seen through the eyes of an estranged person who finally discovers love. The film is so focused on Barry that the rest of the characters are given less importance. In the movie, Barry is everything and the guy is clueless about his plight and the world around him. Sandler a mature, intelligent actor gives a credible performance. Watson is charming as Lena.

Punch-Drunk Love offers a lot to those who appreciate a film that explores a relatively new territory. It is one of a kind film with one of a kind theme. We rate this movie a little above average.