Anger Management

In 1978, young Dave Buznik experiences a humiliating incident when a local bully, Arnie Shankman, yanks down his pants and underwear in front of his crush. This lasting emotional scar hinders Dave's ability to show affection publicly in his later life.

Fast forward to present-day New York, Dave works as a secretary for his tyrannical boss, Frank, who constantly takes credit for his accomplishments. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Linda, feels insecure about their relationship due to her ex-boyfriend, Andrew, who continues to belittle Dave.

During a flight to a business meeting, Dave is seated next to the annoying Buddy Rydell. The situation escalates when a misunderstanding leads to a sky marshal tasering Dave, resulting in his arrest and subsequent anger management sentencing.

At his first anger management therapy session, Dave is shocked to find Buddy is his therapist. This introduces him to a diverse group of individuals, and he quickly grows irritated with Buddy's unorthodox methods.

Following the initial session, Buddy informs Dave that he must attend therapy sessions twice as often to confront his passive-aggressive tendencies. Tensions rise as Buddy's unconventional approach begins to affect Dave's life outside therapy.

During a wild night out with Chuck, Dave accidentally injures a waitress while attempting to break up a fight. This mishap lands him back in court, further complicating his already troubled life.

Buddy decides to move into Dave's apartment to oversee his progress. His presence leads to a series of aggravating events, including sabotaging Dave's job and personal relationships, particularly with Andrew.

Under the guise of visiting Buddy's mother, the two take a detour to a restaurant where Buddy encourages Dave to meet an attractive woman. Torn between temptation and loyalty to Linda, Dave ultimately chooses not to pursue the romance.

The road trip takes a shocking turn as Buddy convinces Dave to confront Arnie, who has since become a monk. In a chaotic encounter fueled by lies, a brawl ensues, and Dave surprisingly emerges victorious against Arnie.

While planning to propose to Linda, Dave loses his nerve when he learns that Buddy is now dating her. This revelation triggers a burst of anger, resulting in an assault on Buddy and yet another court appearance.

Dave discovers that Buddy is taking Linda to a Yankees game, leading him to believe that Buddy is stealing his proposal idea. In a desperate act, he rushes to the stadium and shocks everyone by proposing on the field with the help of Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

In a flourish of confidence, Dave proposes to Linda in front of a large crowd, culminating in a challenge for him to prove his love with a kiss. This act signifies his character growth as they both reconcile their feelings.

Unbeknownst to Dave, Buddy has been orchestrating a series of events to help him confront his anger issues and grow emotionally. Buddy's manipulation involved the flight attendant and even the waitress, revealing an intricate plan of self-discovery.

The movie culminates in a joyous celebration in Central Park, where a man approaches Buddy with a gun, creating a moment of tension. Ultimately, Dave recalls Buddy's lessons and defuses the situation, bringing laughter and joy to the group.

The group harmonizes together, symbolizing the end of their tumultuous journey. Dave's experience highlights the importance of addressing personal issues and the power of growth through friendship and understanding.