Article: Surprise! Adam Sandler can act. Comedian moves to a new level with 'Punch-Drunk Love.' But Madonna strikes out ... again.(FEATURES)(ARTS & LEISURE)

Byline: David Sterritt Film critic of The Christian Science Monitor

Adam Sandler is a comedian with a taste for low-brow shenanigans. Madonna is a singer, dancer, fashion plate, and occasional film actress. What they have in common - along with dozens of other entertainers - is a desire to stretch their talents and raise their images to a higher notch on the cultural scale.

That's why we get movies like "Punch-Drunk Love" and "Swept Away," projects with a tad more class than pictures like "Mr. Deeds" and "Dick Tracy" can provide. The films are miles apart in quality and appeal, but both are interesting examples of what big stars feel they ought to do ...

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