I'll admit straight away that for one reason or another I'm not a massive fan of Adam Sandler. I've found his portrayal of characters in some films a little over the top and annoying (the stupid voices in 'The Water Boy' and 'Little Nicky' for example). So when I was dragged along to the cinema one night by some friends who actually do like Adam Sandler to see his new film which, from one trailer that I had seen on TV, appeared to be another of his peurile offerings, I wasn't expecting to enjoy myself.
Now I must admit that I was wrong!
'50 First Dates' tells the story of Henry Roth (Sandler), an American marine veterinarian in Hawaii who likes to bed the tourists but run at the first sign of them wanting any long-term commitment. You see, he was hurt by his first girlfriend at college so is now afraid of history repeating itself. However, one morning he is dumbstruck by the sight of local girl Lucy (Drew Barrymore) eating breakfast in a local cafe. Henry decides to turn on the charm and wins over Lucy, the two of them agreeing to meet at the cafe again the next morning for breakfast.
The next day, however, upon arriving at the cafe, Lucy doesn't seem to have a clue who Henry is! Confused, Henry learns from the cafe owner that Lucy was involved in a car crash with her father (who escaped with only broken ribs) a year earlier. The accident damaged part of her brain, wiping out her short term memory forever. This means that Lucy can remember everything in her life up until the day of the accident, but every day after that is forgotten again by the next morning. So no matter how hard Henry tries, Lucy will be meeting a total stranger every single day that she sees him.
Unperturbed, Henry sets out to enjoy every day that he can with her, reintroducing himself in different (and comic) ways each time. Some days she seems to fall for him, others she doesn't.
Lucy's father and brother don't see that any good will come from it, although they do notice that she is happier on the days that she meets Henry. So they and Henry devise a plan whereby they make a video for her to watch every morning to tell her about the accident and her condition... and to remind her that she loves Henry.
Many difficulties ensue throughout the film, culminating in an ending which cannot possibly be totally happy, but leaves you feeling pleased inside for Henry and Lucy. For you do really find yourself caring for them and the outcome of the story.
By now you may have realised that I really did like this film and that my prejudices were proved wrong. '50 First Dates' has, in my opinion, a very original storyline with an interesting twist to the standard romantic comedy. There is something for Sandler fans, romance fans, smut fans (!) and even something for the kids, although some points in the film may be a little too rude for younger children.
The acting is generally good, mainly due to the two stars Sandler and Barrymore. The support cast chip in with the comedy, although I must say that the gags were poor and mainly childish - this is the only weak point in the film: the comedy at times made me laugh, but at other times seemed pointless and plain stupid. Don't be put off though.
I would recommend '50 First Dates' to anyone because it really has something for everyone. It is a heart-warming bittersweet tale that leaves you in one of those happy moods that some films give you!
General Info: Running time - around 90 mins Certificate - 12 A Notable cast members - Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Sean Astin (Sam in 'The Lord of the Rings'), Dan Aykroyd, Rob Schneider.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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50 First Datesis a sweet-natured vehicle for sweet-natured stars Adam Sandler and Drew ... more
Barrymore, and their track record withThe Wedding Singerno doubt factors in its lowbrow appeal. But while the well-matched lovebirds wrestle with a gimmicky plot (sh...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
50 First Datesis a sweet-natured vehicle for sweet-natured stars Adam Sandler and Drew ... more
Barrymore, and their track record withThe Wedding Singerno doubt factors in its lowbrow appeal. But while the well-matched lovebirds wrestle with a gimmicky plot (sh...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Henry Roth (Sandler) the local marina veterinarian only dates tourists because he's ... more
afraid of commitment - that is until he meets Lucy (Barrymore). Unfortunately Lucy lost her short-term memory months ago in a car accident and for her each day is...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore star together for the first time since The Wedding Singer ... more
in the funniest romantic comedy of the year.Henry Roth (Sandler) lives an enviable life in a Hawaiian paradise, enjoying the company of countless beautiful women ...
![50 First Dates [DVD] [2004]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78486739.jpg "50 First Dates [DVD] [2004]")
Apr 21st, 2004
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