50 First Dates: a pleasant surprise
#1
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
50 First Dates: a pleasant surprise
Okay, being bored out of my mind last night I went and did something I do not normally do, watch an Adam Sandler movie on its opening night.
While a lot of his films are amusing, some kind be downright annoying (see Waterboy). IMO, the best one he made was Punch Drunk Love, followed by The Wedding Singer. Upon reflection I think the main reason I liked wedding singer was because of the 80s nostaliga factor, with the chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Sandler being somewhat interesting.
While this movie begins like it will be yet another journey into foul humor and innuendo gags, it eventually finds its footing and comes across as more of a a traditional romantic comedy than one would think possible in a Sandler flick. Sandler and Barrymore prove that they do have good onscreen chemistry and it is this factor that actually gives the movie a bit more heart than one would expect.
Granted, it has its shortcomings, namely a large misuse of Sean Astin, but then again I could see the appeal of having Mikey be the brother of Gertie. But it is overall enjoyable and quite cute. A solid B or *** out of ****.
While a lot of his films are amusing, some kind be downright annoying (see Waterboy). IMO, the best one he made was Punch Drunk Love, followed by The Wedding Singer. Upon reflection I think the main reason I liked wedding singer was because of the 80s nostaliga factor, with the chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Sandler being somewhat interesting.
While this movie begins like it will be yet another journey into foul humor and innuendo gags, it eventually finds its footing and comes across as more of a a traditional romantic comedy than one would think possible in a Sandler flick. Sandler and Barrymore prove that they do have good onscreen chemistry and it is this factor that actually gives the movie a bit more heart than one would expect.
Granted, it has its shortcomings, namely a large misuse of Sean Astin, but then again I could see the appeal of having Mikey be the brother of Gertie. But it is overall enjoyable and quite cute. A solid B or *** out of ****.
#2
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Posts: 54,199
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
The ending left me a little torn.
I enjoyed the rest of it for the most part. As for Astin, he was pretty funny and I'm not sure how else they would have used him.
Spoiler:
I enjoyed the rest of it for the most part. As for Astin, he was pretty funny and I'm not sure how else they would have used him.
#3
I was surprised with this as well. The first 15 minutes or so had me really worried since it was just BAD (and I usually like most of Sandler's stuff - but can we put a moratorium on puking on people scenes?), but once Drew got into the picture it actually turned out to be fairly sweet and pretty sad in some parts.
3.5 out 5
3.5 out 5
#7
DVD Talk Hero
Sandler and Barrymore's onscreen chemistry shine through in this sweet romantic comedy. They play Henry and Lucy in a somewhat unconventional love story. I can't recall when Barrymore has been more appealing in a film in recent memory, and Sandler is honestly earnest in his attraction to Lucy, and his love for her drives the film to its conclusion.
Rob Schneider is hilarious, and pretty much gets a laugh when he's on-screen. Sean Astin is also amusing as Lucy's brother.
I give it 3 stars of a grade of B.
Rob Schneider is hilarious, and pretty much gets a laugh when he's on-screen. Sean Astin is also amusing as Lucy's brother.
I give it 3 stars of a grade of B.
#8
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Posts: 9,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought the movie was mediocre at best. I am a HUGE Sandler fan, but this just left more to be desired...and not because of the cast. I thought all did a pretty great job, but the script was a bit scatter shot. The cast made the best of it, and even then, only about 50% of the jokes really hit the mark...
My main beef lies in the uninsipired direction. Peter Segal has done nothing but disappoint me with almost all of his films. I think the guy just doesn't have a great eye for comedy. The "timing" in the films feels off. I really hope Sandler doesn't team up with him again, because both this film and Anger Management could have been real comedy classics if put in the hands of another director. Usually I don't have much beef with comedies that disappoint, but here I think Segal the hack for fire has really struck again.
MATT
(for those who don't know, Segal bought us Anger Management, The Klumps, My Fellow Americans, Naked Gun 33 1/3.... the only saving grace on his filmography is Tommy Boy.... )
My main beef lies in the uninsipired direction. Peter Segal has done nothing but disappoint me with almost all of his films. I think the guy just doesn't have a great eye for comedy. The "timing" in the films feels off. I really hope Sandler doesn't team up with him again, because both this film and Anger Management could have been real comedy classics if put in the hands of another director. Usually I don't have much beef with comedies that disappoint, but here I think Segal the hack for fire has really struck again.
MATT
(for those who don't know, Segal bought us Anger Management, The Klumps, My Fellow Americans, Naked Gun 33 1/3.... the only saving grace on his filmography is Tommy Boy.... )
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Originally posted by Patman
Sandler and Barrymore's onscreen chemistry shine through in this sweet romantic comedy. They play Henry and Lucy in a somewhat unconventional love story. I can't recall when Barrymore has been more appealing in a film in recent memory, and Sandler is honestly earnest in his attraction to Lucy, and his love for her drives the film to its conclusion.
Rob Schneider is hilarious, and pretty much gets a laugh when he's on-screen. Sean Astin is also amusing as Lucy's brother.
I give it 3 stars of a grade of B.
Sandler and Barrymore's onscreen chemistry shine through in this sweet romantic comedy. They play Henry and Lucy in a somewhat unconventional love story. I can't recall when Barrymore has been more appealing in a film in recent memory, and Sandler is honestly earnest in his attraction to Lucy, and his love for her drives the film to its conclusion.
Rob Schneider is hilarious, and pretty much gets a laugh when he's on-screen. Sean Astin is also amusing as Lucy's brother.
I give it 3 stars of a grade of B.
#13
DVD Talk Legend
Thread Starter
Originally posted by Patman
Oh, I'm grateful for the "Drew in the rain" scene.
Oh, I'm grateful for the "Drew in the rain" scene.
#14
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Posts: 63,373
Received 1,854 Likes
on
1,147 Posts
They had me at the Trailer
I'll be seeing this movie
I'll be seeing this movie
#16
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Patman
Anyone else catch the Tommy Boy shoutout by naming the benefactor of the brain clinich "T.B. Callahan"?
Anyone else catch the Tommy Boy shoutout by naming the benefactor of the brain clinich "T.B. Callahan"?
I think one of the funniest things was the love of Spam on the island...the scene at the restaurant of the Spam pick-up pulling up with a huge load of Spam in the back...I was laughing for a while.
#17
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Posts: 63,373
Received 1,854 Likes
on
1,147 Posts
Originally posted by SirPablo
I think one of the funniest things was the love of Spam on the island...the scene at the restaurant of the Spam pick-up pulling up with a huge load of Spam in the back...I was laughing for a while.
I think one of the funniest things was the love of Spam on the island...the scene at the restaurant of the Spam pick-up pulling up with a huge load of Spam in the back...I was laughing for a while.
Funny but true.
Spam Musubi
#18
DVD Talk Hero
Still gotta see this.
#19
DVD Talk God
Originally posted by Dr. DVD
All of the major showings in prime time last night were sold out, including mine I'm pretty sure. Hope it does well.
All of the major showings in prime time last night were sold out, including mine I'm pretty sure. Hope it does well.
#22
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Western NY
Posts: 2,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I actually liked the story that went along with this one. So, I found it fairly entertaining.
On the otherhand, I didn't laugh more than two or three times throughout the entire movie. Every 10 seconds, they tried to cram a humorous Sea animal action or cheesy Rob Schneider joke down my throat.
On the otherhand, I didn't laugh more than two or three times throughout the entire movie. Every 10 seconds, they tried to cram a humorous Sea animal action or cheesy Rob Schneider joke down my throat.
#23
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Los Angeles , California
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Tommy_Harn
I actually liked the story that went along with this one. So, I found it fairly entertaining.
On the otherhand, I didn't laugh more than two or three times throughout the entire movie. Every 10 seconds, they tried to cram a humorous Sea animal action or cheesy Rob Schneider joke down my throat.
I actually liked the story that went along with this one. So, I found it fairly entertaining.
On the otherhand, I didn't laugh more than two or three times throughout the entire movie. Every 10 seconds, they tried to cram a humorous Sea animal action or cheesy Rob Schneider joke down my throat.
#24
DVD Talk Legend
Originally posted by Jackskeleton
The ending left me a little torn.
I enjoyed the rest of it for the most part. As for Astin, he was pretty funny and I'm not sure how else they would have used him.
The ending left me a little torn.
Spoiler:
I enjoyed the rest of it for the most part. As for Astin, he was pretty funny and I'm not sure how else they would have used him.
#25
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Patman
Anyone else catch the Tommy Boy shoutout by naming the benefactor of the brain clinich "T.B. Callahan"?
Anyone else catch the Tommy Boy shoutout by naming the benefactor of the brain clinich "T.B. Callahan"?
I thought the movie was very sweet though...less stupid funny then expected and actually had some heart that I bought into. Nothing remarkable, but good entertainment.