15. Adam Sandler the Artist, Pt. 1

What topic could be important enough to bring Eric & Sannah back after a year and half break? Adam Sandler, what else? The Sandman was recently announced as the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and we have guest Ethan McGuire (@AHeavyMetalPen) on with an analysis—and, ultimately, a defense—of Sandler as an American artist, an auteur, even a poet, working in the low and middle brow. Despite a negative reputation that has lasted far too long, we all agree—Sandler is worthy of respect from audiences and critics alike. Don’t believe us? We still think you’ll find Ethan’s defense worth a listen. Note: we chose to focus on a select few films, especially those which can help to understand Sandler’s point of view as an artist. As such, we won’t spend much time on recent critical favorites like Uncut Gems, which show off his acting abilities but don’t get at his interests.