50 First Dates Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)February 26th, 2004
"50 First Dates" - Adam Sandler Finally Gets it Right
Adam Sandler's character, Henry Roth, seemingly has to endure 50 first dates before he can win over the girl of his dreams. But we have to applaud his effort for he never gives up, we love him for it, and there is a happy ending for everyone. Adam Sandler himself seemingly had to endure 50 film projects in order to win over the audience and the critics. Sandler never gives up, we love him for it, and there is a happy ending for everyone. "50 First Dates" is likely his best film to date (other than "Punch Drunk Love") and we hope that this is the start of more good things to come from him.
That may sound glowing, and it is since I have not been terribly impressed with any of Sandler's films thus far. Up until now, all seemed overly crude, underdeveloped in terms of its continuity (except for "Punch Drunk Love"), and slightly malicious. This film still has its flaws. Of note is the ending, which I will not divulge. But you will feel that there could have been a more realistic conclusion versus what happens. Yes, I know that it's a Valentine's Day film, so it demands a much-too-sweet ending.
"50 First Dates" manages to show a kinder and gentler side of Adam Sandler whose natural desire to entertain gives the entire film a feeling of warmth. The film also manages to sustain itself thanks to a clever premise and a loony array of characters. Sandler isn't quite yet leading man material at this point, but the void is ably filled by the object of Henry's desire, Lucy (Drew Barrymore). Barrymore is a sprightly actress who is so endearing that she could make even the dullest film seem watchable. It's obvious that Barrymore loves being a part of this project.
Lucy is the victim of a rare type of head injury that prevents her from storing short-term memory. Every night, her slate wipes clean and she begins anew. She only remembers everything prior to that accident. Thus, every time that Henry wants to be with her, he has to start from scratch. For him, it's a frustrating but worthwhile effort as he tries every trick in the book to catch her attention. This often creates hilarious results in all its humiliating glory. He fakes a beating, talks about subjects that she adores, feigns illiteracy, and does anything else he can to make a lasting impression.
Several other characters orbit Sandler to help give this film something else to enjoy. A silly but poignant dimension involves Lucy's gruff dad (Blake Clark) and dopey brother (Sean Astin). To keep Lucy's reality in tact despite the passage of time, they go to great lengths to re-enact a particular day for her every day. Kudos also go to the very funny performance of fellow Saturday Night Alumnus Rob Schneider. As a past-his-prime local dude, he gets more laughs here than he does in all of his other movies combined. Even a few dolphins, a penguin, and a walrus get in on the act. However, more nauseating than nice, is Henry's androgynous sidekick.
With Sandler's coy sincerity, he has created a more approachable and attractive character. He finds the perfect tone and speed for this kind of light-hearted comedy. You'll be surprised at how engaging and cute this film actually is.
Grade: B
S: 1 out of 3
L: 1 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
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