Movie Review: 50 First Dates (2004) – A Surprisingly Sweet Sandler Romance with a Twist
Tags 50 First Dates review, Adam Sandler movies, Drew Barrymore, romantic comedies, memory loss romance, Hawaii films, 2000s rom-coms, Peter Segal, best rom-coms, comedy movie reviews, GuessTheGross, Valentine’s Day movies
Overview
50 First Dates is a 2004 romantic comedy directed by Peter Segal. It stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in a love story set in Hawaii, where a woman’s rare memory condition forces her suitor to win her heart anew each day.
Plot SummaryHenry Roth (Adam Sandler) is a carefree veterinarian living in Hawaii who enjoys casual flings with tourists—until he meets Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a charming local woman with a unique condition. After a car accident, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and relives the same day every morning. Despite the challenge, Henry falls for her and commits to making her fall in love with him again and again. Along the way, he navigates her protective family, oddball friends, and his own immaturity in a quest for lasting love.
What Works- Performance: Drew Barrymore brings sweetness and emotional complexity to Lucy, grounding the outlandish premise. Sandler tones down his usual goofiness to deliver a surprisingly likable romantic lead.
- Direction: Peter Segal smartly balances romance and comedy, keeping the tone light while letting the emotional beats shine through.
- Tension or Themes: The film explores themes of memory, commitment, and daily devotion with a surprisingly sincere touch, especially for a Sandler vehicle.
- The subplots—particularly those involving Sean Astin and Rob Schneider—veer into juvenile territory and feel disconnected from the emotional heart of the story.
- Some humor falls flat, relying on stereotypes and bodily gags that clash with the film’s more heartfelt core.
50 First Dates is one of Adam Sandler’s most balanced romantic comedies, blending his trademark silliness with genuine sweetness. While not without its flaws, the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore elevates the film, making it a memorable Valentine’s Day treat or anytime date-night watch.
Rating⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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If you enjoyed this review, check out my takes on other romantic comedies here.
