There is a long of history of comedic actors in Hollywood having the ability to turn in some amazing performances. Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, and Eddie Murphy are just a few actors who have killed it in comedy before making the switch to impressive dramatic roles. But perhaps no actor has done it better than Adam Sandler.
The Sandler name is practically synonymous with comedy, but over the course of his career, he has been known to trot out the stellar acting capabilities that lurk behind the Happy Madison veneer. His latest movie, Uncut Gems, thrilled film-lovers, but confused the standard audience for Sandler’s raunchy comedies. So the question must be asked: do crowds prefer funny Sandler or serious Sandler? There’s a case to be made for both.
Funny: Sandler Anger Is the Funniest Anger
Many Sandler comedies show the actor’s ability to flip out in anger on a dime. Whether it’s the palpable anger management skills needed in both Happy Gilmore and, of course, Anger Management, or the line, “Once again, something that could have been brought to my attention yesterday!” in The Wedding Singer, Sandler clearly has the anger emotion in his wheelhouse. Few actors are able to make this rage be so funny, though.
The constant breaking of golf clubs and screaming at golf balls in Happy Gilmore has stuck with many throughout their lives as one of the pinnacles of 1990s cinematic comedy.
Serious: This Anger Can Be Channeled into Amazing Acting
As funny as Sandler is when he is angry, he can also use that skill in his dramatic roles. Punch-Drunk Love, the 2002 Paul Thomas Anderson film, is the best example of this. When Sandler’s character, Barry Egan, smashes a sliding glass door, the audience buys it completely.
He is equal parts Sandler, a man whose history with his audience is rooted around his zero-to-100 aggression tactics, and Egan, a character the viewers know to suffer from an anxiety disorder that manifests in rage. The skill can be used for both comedic and dramatic effects.
Funny: Every Sandler Comedy Comes with the Sandler Gang
One of the hallmarks of Sandler’s comedies is that they feel like getting back together with old friends, especially Grown-Ups. Almost every comedy with the Sandman seems to feature roles for at least one of the following: Chris Rock, Kevin James, Allen Covert, Tim Herlihy, Drew Barrymore, Dan Patrick, and more.
In one sense, the viewers know who to expect to show up in the movies. But in another sense, it feels warm and familiar. It can be nice to watch friends be friendly with one another, especially in an industry that can be so cutthroat.
Serious: Serious Roles Allow Him to Work Alongside New Actors
As much as it can be delightful to watch the Sandler troupe bounce off one another comedically, it is also thrilling to see Sandler venture out into roles with actors he might seldom get the chance to work with. This was apparent in Punch-Drunk Love, when he acted opposite the great Philip Seymour Hoffman.
But it is even more apparent in Uncut Gems, during which Sandler gets to act with Broadway talent (Idina Menzel), former NBA stars (Kevin Garnett), up-and-coming greats (Julia Fox, Lakeith Stanfield), and musicians (The Weeknd). Every venture out of his comfort zone gives the most devoted Sandler fans a brand new treat.
Funny: In Rom-Coms, He Is Sweet and Charming
Some of the best Sandler roles are his romantic comedies. This side of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, no on-screen couple has more chemistry than Sandler and Drew Barrymore. They have starred in The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates, and Blended together.
50 First Dates is a perpetually underrated movie that might just feature Sandler’s sweetest performance. It is in roles like those where it is understood that part of the appeal of Sandler is his immense charm. It goes a long way to making him a winning romantic lead.
Serious: Sandler’s Serious Roles Often Contend for Awards
Punch-Drunk Love and Spanglish were nominated for Golden Globes. The Meyerowitz Stories netted Sandler a Critics Choice Award nomination. Uncut Gems received recognition from the Critics Choice Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards, and the National Board of Review. It is always cool to see the phrase “award-nominated performer Adam Sandler.”
But it is also great to see Sandler on the awards circuit. He is personable, funny, and a great talk show guest. He also makes for an excellent person to profile. Why would anyone not want more Sandler in their lives?
Funny: His Early Performances Are in the Comedy Hall of Fame
Every few years, some comedic actor comes along and takes the title of the number one comedy star in the world. For a while, Sandler occupied that role. Between Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, and more, Sandler earned himself the title of one of the top comedians in the world.
Sadly, none of his recent comedies have earned the status of eternal enshrinement in the entertainment echelon. But there is always the hope that the next Sandler character creation will be right up there with Bobby Boucher. It is the hope that gives the roles meaning.
Serious: With Every Great Role, He Proves the Doubters Wrong
Even despite a proven track record of pulling off dramatic roles when he wants to, Sandler still struggles with making the public believe in his acting talents. He spurned much of the goodwill associated with him by making movies like That’s My Boy and Jack and Jill.
But even the most vehement Sandler critics and haters had to admit that his performance as Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems was one of the best of all of 2019. With every dramatic role, Sandler proves himself a little bit more to a skeptical film-going public. Not that he has anything to prove, of course.
Funny: Sometimes, Silliness Is the Best Entertainment
As great as Sandler’s dramatic capabilities are, not everyone is interested in watching an edge-of-the-seat, stress-inducing crime thriller. An anxious time at the movies is not everyone’s idea of a great way to spend their free time. For many, movies are an outlet and an escape. In that sense, silly Sandler is the best Sandler because the only thing he makes people feel is happy.
Whether he is performing as Opera Man on Saturday Night Live, singing about turkeys and menorahs, or shooting hoops against Colin Quinn, Sandler understands the importance of having fun. That means a lot to his fans.
Serious: He Makes for a Great Muse of Serious Auteurs
When Sandler makes his comedies, he tends to stick with a rotating group of funny directors. From Peter Segal to Dennis Dugan to Frank Coraci, Sandler knows he is comfortable with. But when he works with all-time great directors like the Safdie Brothers, Noah Baumbach, or the aforementioned Anderson, he is dynamite.
Filmmakers are effusive with their praise for Sandler, often rebuking prevailing public notions about his talents. He is beloved by directors, especially those who are just now coming of age and who grew up with Sandler’s comedies. And when Sandler works with a talented director, there might not be anything better on the big screen.
