"50 First Dates"

Title: "50 First Dates"
Director: Peter Segal
Producer: Michael Ewing
Editor: Jeff Gourson
Composer: Teddy Castellucci
Starring:
- Adam Sandler as Henry Roth
- Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitmore
- Rob Schneider as Ula
- Dan Akroyd as Dr. Keats

Plot and Critical Review: On the island of Oahu lives Henry Roth (Sandler), a marine-life specialist who spends his time enjoying the company of "main-landers" looking for a good time while on vacation. When he's not chasing skirt Henry is pursuing the dream of sailing to Alaska. While he is committed to his work something is lacking in his life, something of true value; a relationship. Although his best friend Ula (Schneider) gives him plenty of wild adventures he is clearly seeking after companionship; something Ula cannot give him and the sea-life he works with can't provide. Enter Lucy Whitmore, a beautiful island girl who is full of life, energy, and joy. She possesses everything Henry is seeking and Henry falls for her awfully quick. But it's Hawaii, so why not?!

The catch: Lucy has "Goldfield Syndrome", an ailment that doesn't allow her to retain any short-term memory. This terrible ailment comes as a result of a car accident Lucy was in. Lucy and Henry hit it off from the beginning but when Henry returns to meet her for breakfast (at the same diner Lucy has been eating breakfast at every day since her accident, for she believes it is the same day every day when she wakes up) Lucy doesn't recognize him. Henry is beside himself until it is explained to him that Lucy can't retain any short-term events, but only remembers her life before October 13th of the year before. "She has no idea it's more than a year later," says Sue, an exceptionally kind woman who works at the diner and watches over Lucy.

Henry's commitment to his Alaska voyage is echoed in his commitment to winning Lucy. After proving himself to Lucy's Dad (Blake Clark) and Brother (Sean Astin, who is exceptionally funny as a steroid-addict-body-building-freak) Henry enters into a relationship with Lucy. His love for her is innocent, pure, and a joy to behold. Because of "Goldfields" Henry has to continually conjure ways of reminding Lucy that 1) they are in a relationship, 2) she does love him (and he loves her), and 3) that she won't remember a thing once she wakes up the next morning. Henry even goes as far as to give up his dreams of sailing to Alaska to tend to Lucy. When Lucy understands this (she keeps a journal which she reads each day to remind herself) she leaves Henry, telling him that there's no way she can ask him to give up his dreams for her. He gives up for a moment but as is the case in all great romances, he goes after her and they most certainly live happily ever after. The film ends with Henry, Lucy, their daughter, and Lucy's father on a boat in Alaska. Sure enough, Lucy has to re-learn the reality of her life (via videotape) every single day.

50 First Dates is a story of perseverance in the face of overwhelming opposition and a tale that proclaims once great truth; that two people are able to maintain a relationship no matter what terrible forces are working against them.

Filmed almost entirely on location in Hawaii this movie is a delight to behold. Adam Sandler (and his ensemble) take their method of comedy to a new level as they implement genuine intelligence and emotion alongside the hilarious antics we're use to. Schneider is exceptionally funny and Dan Akroyd's cameo is classic to his own style of comedy. Astin's "Doug" is a character caught in severe contrast to "Samwise Gamgee", the Lord of the Rings trilogy Astin had just finished portraying in early '04. While Sandler and Barrymore carry the story with enjoyable acting as they develop a passable (although extreme and unlikely) relationship it's the ensemble which really causes the movie to shine.

As has been the case in so many island-based films, 50... only requires the magnificent backdrop of the Hawaii to draw us in and keep our eyes fixed on the splendid beauty of Barrymore set against ever-blue skies and rolling seas.

My Rating: 7/10 (Without Schneider it'd be a 5.5)

The "Reel Revelation": "I Love To Tell The Story"

Henry's love and absolute commitment to Lucy is inspiring. He dedicates an enormous amount of his life, love, and personal energy to reassuring her of his affections. Indeed, it is obvious that his love for her is worth telling over and over and over again. How much greater is the love of God toward us? How much greater is the everlasting Word of God made manifest in Jesus? So much greater, of course.

We all need help remembering many things. We write ourselves notes, make lists, even send ourselves e-mails (at least I do) to remind ourselves of the important things we have to on a daily basis. How often do we take the time to remind ourselves of the love God has for us, of the forgiveness from sin we've achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus? A dear friend of mine who is serving in an ELCA church in southern Washington said this: "Each day when I step into the shower and feel the water on my face I remind myself of God's promise to me in Holy Baptism; the promise of God's love for me." What a wonderful thought.

This very sentiment is beautifully reflected in the early 20th century gospel hymn "I Love To Tell The Story". The third verse reads as follows:

"I love to tell the story, 'tis pleasant to repeat

What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet

I love to tell the story for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God's own holy word."

We are all in need of the retelling of the story of our faith. For this reason we ought to gather around those who also believe in the Lord, those who can encourage and uplift us, those who can be Post-It notes for our personal (and communal) faith in the Son of God, Jesus. As you go through the season of Lent take time to remind yourself of all that God has done for you, all of the trials he has brought you through, and the gifts God has given you.

See you tomorrow - E.T.

P.S. - Trimmed it down, eh Shannon?