My rating: Worth seeing once

When Heather and I planned on going to see this film, I didn't expect much. My feeling was pretty much that the Adam Sandler machine hadn't produced much in the last several years worth more than one viewing. "Mr. Deeds," "Anger Management," and, goodness gracious, "Little Nicky" were far from the old style that guys came to know and love in "Happy Gilmore" and "The Waterboy." 50 First Dates appears to be the product of the evolution of Sandler's character.. and I have to say, it's definitely come somewhere.

My previously mentioned favorites were that stupid, brainless character whose mindlessness made the humor of the movie. Somehow, when I wasn't looking, the Sandler franchise changed their direction. In 50 First Dates, Sandler plays a Marine biologist. A nice guy, for the most part. And I think it was maybe the funniest movie I have seen him in.

He definitely had some help. Rob Schneider and, surprise, Sean Astin, contribute some comedic elements that quite simply made the movie hilarious. The real quality of the movie, however, (am I saying this?) is in the originality of the ideas. Lucy's (Drew Barrymore) constant inability to remember anything keeps you in stitches. A standing ovation also goes to whoever trained the animals... you never can go wrong with a puking walrus.

Was it crude? Yep. No departure from that yet. Was it typical Sandler fare? Mostly. Was it worth seeing? Definitely.

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