Product: 50 First Dates (Widescreen Special Edition) (2004)
Rating: 4.0
Fantastic production values but sappy screenplay
I gave this film four stars only because it offers so many great extras: charismatic marine animals (including a walrus and penguin who are so cute and talented they outshine Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore), gorgeous Hawaiian scenery, and a varied and enjoyable soundtrack. I also really appreciated the artistic direction: Drew Barrymore plays an artist/art teacher, and the film is full or delightful examples of "her" paintings and journal entries which, while not sophisticated (in keeping with her character) are done with a lot of color and verve. But the very derivative plot (as in Groundhog Day) and hackneyed dialogue just don't live up to the production values. The acting is so-so, but then most of the parts are more caricatures than characters, so I don't necessarily blame the actors. This seems to be the standard Achilles heel of Hollywood films -- not enough good old-fashioned writing to support the elaborate productions. It's a shame that this entree wasn't worthy of all the wonderful garnish.