Sandler returns to comedy

Imagine meeting "the one," and falling in love with that person. Then imagine that person not remembering anything about it the next day. That is exactly what happens to unlucky Hawaiian veterinarian Henry Roth (Sandler) when he falls for a beautiful girl named Lucy (Drew Barrymore) in "50 First Dates." It turns out that Lucy is no ordinary girl. After having an embarrassing encounter with her the day after they meet, Roth finds out that she damaged the portion of her brain which controls her short-term memory in a horrible car wreck. Now her slate is wiped clean every night, and Roth must attempt to win her over and help her remember him every morning. "50 First Dates" is an instant classic. First of all, the concept is brilliant. The infamous "amnesia dilemma" has been a staple of the sitcom world for decades, but the film revitalizes it by exploring it deeper and bringing it to the forefront of the film. No matter how funny the actors in a film are, a good funny movie must have a funny situation, and the screenwriters gave "50 First Dates" just that. Adam Sandler turns out another excellent performance. Although his films are routinely bashed by most critics, Sandler still manages to produce a hit movie almost every year. In "50 First Dates" he recaptures whatever parts of the goofy charm he may have submerged in "Punch Drunk Love" and "Anger Management" but stays mature enough to avoid repelling adult audiences. Drew Barrymore climbs out of the burning piles of poo that were the "Charlie's Angels" movies to regain her dignity with an endearing performance as the memory-free, perfect girl Lucy. Her doe-like eyes well up beautifully every time she warms up to Sandler, and her following bouts of confusion are hilarious. When she's not trying to be too voluptuous, Barrymore shows potential for becoming America's sweetheart. The supporting cast is the same as almost every other Sandler film: it's comprised of all his friends playing bizarre bit characters like "10 second Tom" in the brain damage institute and a lisp-impeded, steroid-pumping Mr. Hawaii hopeful (Sean Astin). Fortunately, the wackiness doesn't take over and ruin things like it did in "Little Nicky." The soundtrack is great, with wonderful beach groove songs by Bob Marley, 311, and No Doubt. The soundtrack gives a playfully tropic atmosphere to a light-hearted, feel-good movie. Finally, "50 First Dates" has the most important aspect of any good comedy: trained animals. Sandler plays perfectly off of a horny, gesturing walrus and an unlucky, drunk-acting penguin. It's always funnier when animals do things. "50 First Dates " gives great laughs and creates a pretty swell love story in the process. Adam Sandler extends his reign over the goofy comedy genre. Grade: A