50 First Dates DVD Review:

Henry (Sandler) doesn’t want a long-term relationship, so he always makes a play for the tourist girls visiting Honolulu. This way he knows that nothing is going to last longer than two weeks. His golden rule however is never get involved with a local girl but this might be about to change when he meets Lucy (Barrymore). The two of them instantly hit is off and arrange to meet again at the same restaurant for breakfast the next day. The problem is when Henry turns up the next day and talks to Lucy, she acts like she doesn’t even know him. It turns out that Lucy has a short-term memory problem and can’t make any new memories, so every time she goes to sleep she forgets everything that has happened to her during the previous day. This means that if Henry wants to keep seeing Lucy, he has to make her fall in love with him every single day.

There are two versions of Adam Sandler. First we have the annoying one that uses excessive violence and shouts a lot in films like Little Nicky, Anger Management and Big Daddy. Secondly we have the caring, sharing Sandler who only gets mad at himself in films like The Wedding Singer and Punch Drunk Love. You’ll be glad to know that 50 First Dates has the second Sandler in it, as it is the better one.

Teaming up again with Drew Barrymore, who he worked so well with in The Wedding Singer, we see the lighter, more palatable Sandler playing the romantic-comedy leading man at his most nice. Gone are his usual temper tantrums and unnecessary shouting to be replaced with his average guy persona, which he can play really well. His character Henry Roth is a nice guy what women would actually want to date and men would share a beer with. This is the Adam Sandler we want to see.

Drew Barrymore is also very hit and miss in her career but she seems to come into her own when she stars in light, romantic comedies. This is the perfect type of role for her to play and you can’t help liking her character every time she graces the screen.

The pair has good support from Sean Astin, Lusia Strus and Sandler stalwart Rob Schneider. These characters provide all of the laughs, especially Schneider who is surprisingly good as Hawaiian native Ula, a man drowning in married life, obsessed with surfing and the passiveness of sharks and who lives this life through Henry’s sexual exploits.

The story itself is sugary sweet and a combination of Groundhog Day and The Wedding Singer. There is enough sloppy stuff to keep all the hopeless romantics transfixed and enough laughs to melt even the coldest heart. It keeps its tongue planted firmly in its cheek when it comes to taking the Mickey out of brain injuries but never goes too far as to the point it becomes offensive (which some might see as a shame).
50 First Dates is a great date movie as it does exactly what you expect it too. It works because of the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore is so good and believeable and the pair makes it possible that you might actually remember the movie for more than one day after seeing it.

Star Rating = * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack, this is a good transfer. The beauty of the Hawaiian setting is brought to life in all its radiant splendour as your screen becomes awash with colour. The picture is sharp throughout, even during the rainy and night scenes. The sound quality is also good, with a strong emphasis on dialogue, which you want on a Rom-Com.

BONUS FEATURES

Drew Barrymore and director Peter Segal Commentary
The director and his star provide a fun and informative commentary track that reveals many of the films secrets and gossip. This is a chatty track that mixes the best of both worlds as Segal talks about how certain shots were achieved and Drew reveals what is was like working with the cast and all of the animals. The pair also discusses their favourite moments of the movie and talk about how much they love that the ending isn’t your typical Hollywood fair.

The Dating Scene (20.15 mins)

Director Peter Segal, cinematographer Jack Green, producer Nancy Juvonen, visual effects supervisor Sheena Duggal, producer Michael Ewing and stars Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Sean Astin, Rob Schneider, Dan Aykroyd, Blake Clark and Allen Covert take you behind the scenes of the making of 50 First Dates. The informative and funny featurette takes you from Drew Barrymore finding the script, through the Hawaiian shoot until the final day of shooting. The group talk about casting, the characters and working with the two big Hollywood no-nos, animals and children.

Talkin’ Pidgin (4.55 mins)

Locals from the islands reveal the Hawaiian slang words that are used in the movie. Here you can find out what “futless”, “had-it”, “howzit”, “moke”, “momona” and others actually mean and start using them in your own conversations.

Comedy Central’s Real Comedy (19.40 mins)

Star of the movie Ula presents his movie roundup for Comedy Central and gets to interview Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore and Sean Astin, under the watchful eye of his wife Mumu. This funny featurette allows Ula (Rob Schneider) the chance to shine as the character as he gets the stars to open up about the story and their characters. He also gets to hug Drew Barrymore a lot, much to the annoyance of Mumu.

Blooper Reel (7.05 mins)

A montage of outtakes, gaffs and goofs as the cast and the animals show that there was quite abit of fun on the set.

Sandler’s New Album (0.32 mins)

A promotional advertisement for Adam Sandler’s new comedy album.

Deleted Scenes
Five deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Peter Segal entitled ‘Encouraging response’, ‘Good Samaritan’, ‘Second Wind’, ‘Lucy’s studio art’ and ‘Lucy’s anger’. Some of these are quite good but the director explains why they were removed.

Music Videos
Your chance to watch the promotional music video for the movie which include “Hold me now” by Wayne Wonder, 311 murdering The Cure’s classic “Love Song” and a live performance of “Amber” also by 311.

Filmographies
Text lists of the films that director Peter Segal, writer George Wing, Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Rob Schneider, Sean Astin and Dan Aykroyd have starred in.

Previews
Trailers for Mona Lisa Smile, Mr Deeds and Groundhog Day

OVERALL

50 First Dates receives a good transfer to DVD that will keep all fans of the movie very happy. The film looks fantastic and the bonus materials are well above average, with some good featurettes and an excellent commentary track. For everyone else this is a fun movie and a well-packaged DVD that is well worth a rent if you missed it at the cinema.

DVD Star Rating = * * *

Jamie Kelwick

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