MOVIE - 50 FIRST DATES
2004 Romantic Comedy
Poster for the romantic comedy movie 50 First Dates
It was one of those cozy evenings and I found myself sinking into the couch with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn in hand. Seeking solace in a treasured movie, I browsed through my options. Suddenly, there it was—a classic that had lingered in the recesses of my mind for years: the 2004 romantic comedy 50 First Dates, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
Set on the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii, 50 First Dates introduces us to veterinarian Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) and artist Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), a woman with a rare form of amnesia. Directed by Peter Segal and written by George Wing, the movie boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Rob Schneider, Sean Astin, Dan Aykroyd, Lusia Strus, Amy Hill, Allen Covert, Maya Rudolph, and Blake Clark.
Israel Kamakawiwo`ole, a beloved Hawaiian singer-songwriter who passed away in 1997, is widely referred to as the voice of Hawai`i
50 First Dates was filmed in iconic locations across Hawaii, including the picturesque Sea Life Park in Waimänalo with its vibrant marine life and scenic ocean views. Other locations captured in the film include the historic Makapuu Point Lighthouse and the 4,000-acre nature reserve Kualoa Ranch. The movie also features the symphonious and heartfelt "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" medley by Hawaii's beloved late musician, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. His soulful rendition adds a layer of warmth and emotion to the movie.
Sandler and Barrymore had already won audiences' hearts in the 1998 hit The Wedding Singer, setting high expectations for the dynamic duo's on-screen reunion. Happily, their undeniable chemistry and genuine rapport are just as infectious and endearing in 50 First Dates as in their first cinematic outing together. Rewatching the film after so many years only amplified the enchantment and delight I experienced when I watched the movie when it was initially released.
Whether you're revisiting it or discovering this movie anew, I wholeheartedly recommend journeying to Hawaii with this delightful romantic comedy that tugs on the heartstrings. In our fast-paced world, 50 First Dates serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, savor our connections, and embrace each moment with the spirit of aloha.