50 First Dates

If Sandler had managed to leave out his typical toilet-humor elements which don’t really suit the concept of this movie, it could have been a great comedy. A nice, rather nutty idea with potential for lots of really good scenes was not used to the full. The result lies about half-way to its ideal destination. And it’s neither particularly funny, nor romantic. But it’s nice to watch and easy to relax to. In other words, it serves its purpose to the letter. And even Sandler is bearable in some places. (2007-01-31)

Each of us is intimately familiar with this situation: the smaller the expectations, the greater the enthusiasm for an otherwise average film. And vice versa - the greater the expectations, the more bitter the disappointment, even though objective reality is somewhere in the middle. I seriously expected very little from this movie, or rather "nothing." After watching it, I initially intended to give it four stars with excitement, but then I pondered it and erased a star. Rob Schneider is slightly less awkward than usual, but he still overacts and Sandler also recalls his worst acting several times (most notably in the scene where he cries on the boat, reminiscing about lost love). Nevertheless, despite all of this, it is still the best Sandler comedy with surprisingly civil performances from both main characters and a funny storyline. Overall impression: a decent 65%. (2006-07-23)

Easily forgettable crap with a sort of time loop premise that was handled much more funnily and smartly in Ramis’s Groundhog Day. Surprisingly little awkwardness for Sandler, and the king of awkwardness here, Rob Schneider, is also mysteriously tolerable (except for a couple of dodgy jokes). The basic prerequisite for enjoying this comedy, however, is not to dwell on the holes in logic and the sheer ridiculousness of the plot. It was an almost impossible task for me. (2005-02-09)

Universal life hack: If you are in a bad mood, watch 50 First Dates. The script perhaps is not tight enough to deserve cult status, but Hollywood would kill today for this load of great ideas, effective jokes and likeable characters. A film with not only Sandler but also Rob Schneider and the delicate Sean Astin at their comedic best – and every time I watch it is just as great fun as the first. (2019-01-29)

Memento as a romantic comedy. Considering the fact that Adam Sandler, with his "acting talent," is not capable of carrying the entire film, supported by his long-time friend Rob Schneider, and Drew Barrymore's acting abilities can be debated in the long run, my level of expectation was zero. However, the outcome managed to exceed many of those low expectations. Undoubtedly, director Peter Segal deserves significant credit for managing to temper both "comedians" to a tolerable limit and, most importantly, allowing many of the jokes to go somehow beyond them. Thus, in the end, the entertaining aspect turns out to be the male walrus (in all possible meanings of the word) or the little penguin, who give absolutely fantastic performances, for which their keepers and trainers deserve major recognition. It is a shame that the plot is somewhat confused and illogical, but fortunately, the director manages to breathe life into it at the right moments. Without vulgarities and awkwardness, which were replaced by simplicity and playfulness, I believe that three stars are a very decent rating. (2005-08-28)