It's a matter of expectation.

Rating: Null/10 (2 April 2004)

I have been reading all the viewer feedback and something strikes me about whether or not you will like this movie. Expectation.
I am willing to bet that almost everyone who goes to see this movie, will be expecting Big Daddy, Billy Madison or other trademark Sandler comedic moments. Add to the mix Drew Barrymore and the more discerning viewer in possession of the temporal lobe will call to mind The Wedding Singer.
On that premise, they go to see the movie and are sorely disappointed. People aren't evaluating the movie on what they see and how they feel when they leave the cinema, they are comparing the movie to their expectations and that is a huge mistake.
So what did I think? Personally I loved it. I think it was one of the best movies of it's genre that I have seen in quite some time. Everyone has commented that it is "Memento meets Groundhog Day" and so on, but I see past that. I see a metaphor.
Think about it. In today's society, everyday we get up, go about our day, go about our lives in the same old way. It's no wonder so many marriages end in divorce. What this film provide a context. If we don't make an effort with our relationships, our partners start to forget the good things and the relationship ends. In Sandler and Barrymore's case, it's just a much quicker process.
I admire the movie because to me it sends a message that every relationship should be this way and we should all treat our lovers this way. Even if they don't have a brain disorder.
What I loved about this movie seems to be what other people hated about it. That Sandler, while still doing what he does best, has toned down his trademark crudeness and proven that he can play a serious role. That Barrymore was as cute and fresh and I think one reviewer described her as 'flower-girl.' Personally, I have long been a fan of Drew Barrymore and while I hated the Charlie's Angel's sequel, I think that she is a serious actress and people aren't always willing to look at that.
Last week in Australia we were fortunate enough to have Drew Barrymore interviewed by our own Rove McManus and prior to seeing the film I was thrilled to hear Barrymore's thoughts. They echo my own. That the movie is powerful because of the inevitable futility.
Something I have since realised is that accepting the challenge of making someone fall in love with you every day, is a proclamation of love in it's own right. The same thing that helped Sandler win over the father and brother in the film (God, Astin cracked me up!) is the same lesson I think alot of people need to learn.
I think (and I know people will hate this) is that people who don't like this film can be sorted into several categories.
1. People who can't be bothered to/or are afraid of showing extreme signs of love to someone
2. People that are functioning on 5 brain cells and just spent ten dollars to watch Sandler chase a penguin, chase someone with a golf club, or chase his ever escaping childhood. (Don't get me wrong, I loved all of those movies, but if Sandler can grow as an actor, why can't we grow as viewers?)
3. Bitter and twisted people who have been hurt to the point of never trusting again.
I think what also confuses people with this film is that while they compare to Memento and Groundhog Day, it doesn't fall into an immediate formula. Let's try it. Boy meets Girl. Boy likes Girl. Girl likes Boy. Girl forgets Boy. Wow it's easy when you try, isn't it?
Make no mistake, it is worth watching, but clear your mind before you do.