Product: 50 First Dates (Widescreen Special Edition) (2004)
Rating: 4.0
"There's nothing like a first kiss."
The 2004 film "50 First Dates" that was directed by Peter Segal (who directed "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult" in 1994) was an unexpected pleasant surprise as I typically don't like films starring Adam Sandler or Rob Schneider. However, Sandler's role as Henry Roth, who falls in love with the artist Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), is well-acted in showing both the character's frustration and determination in dealing with Lucy's short-term memory loss that prevents her from remembering just about everything from one day to the next. Taking place in Hawaii, Henry works at a sea aquarium as its veterinarian with walruses, penguins and dolphins, as well as one of the animal trainers named Ula (Rob Schneider). For many years, Lucy has been taken care of by her aging father, Marlin Whitmore (Blake Clark) and her stuttering bodybuilding brother named Doug (Sean Astin). Henry is smitten with Lucy from the first time that they meet, but unfortunately, their relationship becomes difficult, as Henry must start over afresh each day because Lucy can't remember whom he is. Though they spend many wonderful days together and find a way to help Lucy remember what has transpired between them, she comes to the conclusion one day that she is holding Henry back from his dreams. He goes off to finish working on his sailboat and plans to leave the island (and her), but when he visits her one last time, he finds that she has been remembering him in her dreams and in her paintings. Will they find a way to build a lasting relationship or go their separate ways? You'll just have to watch this highly recommended film to find out!Overall, I rate "50 First Dates" with 4 out of 5 stars. It's an inspiring and touching light romantic comedy with a wonderful soundtrack that features such songs as "Wouldn't It Be Nice" (by the Beach Boys), "Another Day" (by Paul McCartney & Linda McCartney, 1941-1998), "Could You Be Loved" (by Bob Marley, 1945-1981), and "Is This Love" (also by Bob Marley) to name a few. Other memorable characters in the film include Alexa (Lusia Strus), Dr. Keats (Dan Aykroyd), Stacy (Maya Rudolph) and Nick (Pomaika'i Brown). Of course, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Dan Aydroyd and Maya Rudolph are all veterans of the long-running TV comedy variety show "Saturday Night Live", which has been on the air continually since 1975.