Today’s quick review: 50 First Dates. Henry Roth (Adam Sandler), a man with commitment issues, changes his ways when he falls in love with Lucy (Drew Barrymore), a woman with brain damage that leaves her unable to form new memories. As Henry introduces himself to Lucy over and over again, he looks for a way to help Lucy move past her injury and make their relationship permanent.
50 First Dates is a romantic comedy about the unlikely relationship between a man and a woman who can only experience one day at a time. The movie blends Adam Sandler’s playful, sarcastic style of humor with a touching story about deep love and making a relationship work no matter the cost. 50 First Dates accomplishes some rather ambitious goals, but its unusual premise and raunchy humor will make it hit-or-miss.
50 First Dates walks a fine line with its story. Lucy’s situation is precarious, reliving the same day over and over again with the help of her father (Blake Clark) and brother (Sean Astin). Henry tries to break this cycle, introducing more permanent changes to her life and patiently helping her with her condition. His altruism gives the story the moral foundation it needs to function and paves the way for an endearing romance.
50 First Dates supplements this basic story with a grab bag of humor, romance, and drama. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have good chemistry that helps sell the idea of Lucy falling in love with Henry day after day. The humor skews a little crude, but it is spirited and deeply tied to Henry’s character. Finally, the dramatic side of the story does a good job of exploring Lucy’s condition and what it means for the rest of her life.
Give 50 First Dates a shot when you are willing to gamble on an unconventional story with an unconventional payoff. Not everyone will like what the movie has to offer, whether in terms of its comedy or the peculiar relationship it explores. But those who give it a chance will find a nice mix of touching moments and light comedy. Skip it if you are expecting either a polished, masterful drama or a tangle-free romance.
For a comedy about a man unable to form new memories, try Clean Slate. For an even more offbeat romance that explores memory issues and commitment, try Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. For a romantic comedy that develops similar themes with even more finesse, try Groundhog Day. For an Adam Sandler comedy with a similar blend of humor and meaning, try Click.
[6.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343660/). I give it a 7.0 for a love story with more to it than meets the eye.