13 Best Romantic Comedies Of The 21st Century
7. 50 First Dates
It's not something that can be said too often, but this is a genuinely charming Adam Sandler flick. Even more surprising, it actually treats mental illness with significant care and fills the movie with characters who are genuinely likeable. Yeah, this is a good Sandler pick.
Sandler plays womaniser Henry, a man interested in avoiding serious relationships at all costs. That is until he bumps into Drew Barrymore's Lucy Whitmore, and an instant chemistry is sparked. The only problem is that when the two next meet, Lucy has no memory of him.
The mechanics of Lucy's condition and how this occurred is explained in large exposition dumps, but the manner in which the film and Henry's character develops from this revelation is great stuff. Sandler's natural charisma makes the lighter moments work, but there is a real tenderness at play that makes you want to give all the characters a hug.
The film is at its best when Lucy has memories of her lover in spite of her condition, while the sacrifices that Henry makes in spite of how little progress appears to be made is heartwarming. It's a great little film that ticks the Rom-Com checklist of making you feel happy while also using up a stack of tissues at the same time.