50 First Dates

Review by Clint Morris

It’s understandable that folks are going to be comparing the latest unification of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore to their first because The Wedding Singer was such a great film.

It had everything – a great backdrop, witty script, fantastic tunes, lovable characters and predominantly, palpable chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore.

With 50 First Dates it’s instantly obvious that the first thing everyone involved decided was that this was going to be the furthest thing from the earlier film.

The pacing’s different, the characters are poles apart, and the suburban neighbourhood of the 1980’s has been replaced by a near exact opposite milieu: the beautiful surf and sand of Hawaii.

Henry Roth [Sandler], a veterinarian at the local sea-park, is a bit of a ladies man. He’s renowned for doing a runner as soon as he gets some action from his target. When he meets the beautiful Lucy Whitmore [Drew Barrymore] something in him changes - he starts to discover what it means to truly fall for someone and give two hoots.

Unfortunately, she’s got no short-term memory and won’t remember him the next day.

With the assistance of Lucy’s father and brother, Henry sets out to discover new ways of getting the love of his life to remember him when she awakens on every new morning. It sounds much easier than it is…

Unlike many on-screen duo’s who have failed to ignite the flame a second time around – think Travolta and Newton-John, Cruise and Kidman, Hanks and Ryan - Sandler and Barrymore prove they’re a great team in any flick.

The chemistry spills over the screen, and they seem to be better actors and make better pics when they both go halves in the screen.

Granted, 50 first Dates isn’t as novel as their first film – Singer was unmatchable with its nod to the 80’s – but it’s a worthy follow-up indeed.

Suffice to say, the film does have its problems. It’s more syrupy sweet than funny – and that’s sure to displease some of those die-hard Sandler buffs – and a few of the supporting characters are more off-putting than complimentary.

In particular, a foreign character that has people bewildered whether he/she is actually a man or a woman and Sean Astin is utterly thwarting as Barrymore’s brother, a muscleman wannabe with a speech impediment. Rob Schneider fares slightly better as a Hawaiian local with a dud eye and a fondness for sharks.

Fifty First Dates is the kind of film that would make for a perfect Valentines Day out with your loved one. Obviously it’s missed the boat this year, but with its huge heart, gorgeous leads and witty giggles, it’s sure to have enough life in it to make it just more alluring next Feb 14, and most of all it’s a much better time than Punch Drunk Love.

3.5 out of 5

50 First Dates
Australian release: Thursday April 1st
Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin Lusia Strus, Dan Aykroyd, Amy Hill, Allen Covert, Blake Clark, Maya Rudolph.
Director: Peter Segal.
Website: Click here.

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