After falling for an art teacher with short term memory loss, a marine veterinarian must figure out how to win her and her protective family over.
Adam Sandler & Drew Barrymore’s Heartfelt Rom Com Gem
Peter Segal’s 50 First Dates (2004) pairs Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in a charming romantic comedy that blends humor with emotional depth. Set in sunny Hawaii, the film follows Henry Roth (Sandler), a commitment phobic marine vet, who falls for Lucy Whitmore (Barrymore), a woman with short term memory loss. With 6 wins and a 99 minutes runtime, this feel-good flick balances laughs and tears while dodging rom com clichés.
Plot & Themes: Love Against the Odds
Henry, a serial dater, meets Lucy at a diner and is smitten until he learns she forgets him daily due to a car accident. Determined to win her repeatedly, Henry devises creative ways to reintroduce himself (think sticky notes, video tapes, and a “Good Morning Lucy” routine). The story explores patience, sacrifice, and family bonds, as Lucy’s protective father (Blake Clark) and steroid-obsessed brother (Sean Astin) guard her fiercely.
Performances: Chemistry Shines
Sandler and Barrymore rekindle their Wedding Singer magic with effortless charm. Barrymore radiates warmth as Lucy, balancing confusion and joy each “first” meeting. Sandler tones down his usual antics, delivering sincerity in quieter moments. Rob Schneider injects laughs as Henry’s crude sidekick, though his schtick feels dated. The supporting cast, including Dan Aykroyd as a quirky doctor, adds texture without overshadowing the leads.
Direction & Tone: Tropical Warmth
Segal frames Hawaii as a vibrant paradise, contrasting Lucy’s fractured reality. The script (by George Wing) avoids melodrama, favoring gentle humor like walrus puppetry at Henry’s aquarium job. While some gags miss (Schneider’s over-the-top humor), the film’s earnest core holds strong.
Legacy & Awards
50 First Dates won a People’s Choice Award and Teen Choice Awards for its leads. Its premise inspired later films (The Vow, Before I Go to Sleep) but remains unique for blending absurdity with heart. The soundtrack, heavy on reggae and Hawaiian tunes, keeps the mood breezy.
Final Verdict
50 First Dates is a cozy, rewatchable rom com. Barrymore and Sendler’s chemistry elevates its simple premise, making the emotional beats land. While not groundbreaking, its mix of humor and hope resonates. Stream it for a tropical escape or a reminder that love thrives on creativity, not clichés.