Product: 50 First Dates (Widescreen Special Edition) (2004)
Rating: 4.0
Sweeter and Funnier than Expected - Worth a Watch
This is a charming, increasingly romantic movie about a brain-damaged woman (Drew Barrymore) who loses her memory of the current day as soon as she goes to sleep. So when a marine veterinarian (Adam Sandler) falls for her, he has to woo her afresh each new day. Since I don't care for most of Sandler's juvenile humor and flabby acting, I was very surprised to find that I like not only this story, but Sandler as the love interest. Here, he is neither slack-jawed nor whiny, but somebody likeable enough to root for. Although the plot sounds contrived to be sort of Groundhog Day meets Memento -- this story feels like it maybe coulda happened, because of Drew's emotional range and the chemistry of the stars. The story often is funny in a silly way -- love the great kids and animals! -- and all the parts were well cast, including Astin and Schneider (who I did not recognize until reading the credits). For me, the film got better and more involving as it built, and it was ultimately satisfying and touching as Sandler figured out a way to adapt the relationship to his love's limitations. When people call this movie slow, I think it's because people are used to sitcoms and are not patient with films that show characters developing -- it takes time that one doesn't have to invest in broader comedies. But I found it rewarding and much more memorable in the end. I like it as much as Stuck on You, another film that surprised me with its combination of humor and sweetness.