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.
Grade: C
"Anger Management" was directed by Peter Segal (full cast and crew list) and is rated PG-13 for crude sexual content and language.
