By Chris Snellgrove | Published
For men, one of the most difficult tasks on the planet is choosing a movie for a good date. This seemingly simple task is made almost impossible because the two film groups are completely different. For example, maybe you like action movies and comedy. Meanwhile, he favors indie dramas and period piece Oscar bait. How can you choose something that both of you will enjoy? It's simple: find yourself a movie with a little something for everyone!
To this day, it is the best date movie 50 First Days (2004), Adam Sandler's classic film reuniting him with Drew Barrymore, his beloved on-screen partner. It wasn't exactly a serious hit, but audiences back then appreciated how the film managed to blend misguided humor with heartwarming storytelling. If you're ready to watch a date movie with your girl (or maybe cry some manly tears by yourself), then you need to stream 50 First Days free on Tubi!
Thanks for the Memories
The foundation of 50 First Days that a quirky marine vet living in Hawaii falls in love with a local art teacher. They get along well, but there is one big problem: he has such severe amnesia that he always forgets what happened the day before, which often makes relationships impossible. However, this cunning vet decides he can solve the problem by doing something that most men would fear. That is, to make him fall in love with her again, each day!
The cast of 50 First Days it's pretty small, but it's full of really big names, including Dan Aykroyd (well known The Ghostbusters) and Sean Astin (best known for the Lord of the Rings movies). There are a few surprising characters (such as Maya Rudolph), and at least one not so surprising: Rob Schneider, who seems to be benefiting for life from Adam Sandler's career. Speaking of which, Sandler turns in one of his best performances as the lovable doofus, and he has a strong enough chemistry with the oddball Drew Barrymore that you can easily buy the two of them as the loveliest couple on the island.
Too Cool for the Critics
Regarding its budget, 50 First Days he gradually gained the Hawaiian pig. Against a budget of $75 million, this quirky rom-com grossed $198.5 million. That wasn't enough to signal a sequel, though the film leaves behind a difficult legacy that includes both a stage musical adaptation and a (somewhat inexplicably) Thai remake slated for release later this year.
When 50 First Days came out, reviewers decided it was a frustrating cinematic holiday. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 45 percent rating, with critics complaining that the film has too much bad humor for their liking. However, they reluctantly admit that Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have a wonderful chemistry that often raises the barest scenes.
Sexy Chemistry Lesson
For me, chemistry is more than just a saving grace. It is, in many ways, the only reason to watch 50 First Days. That's not to criticize the movie, its Hawaiian backdrop leads to some amazing photography. But this is a romantic comedy, and as any movie buff knows, a rom-com is only as good as its lead couple. Fortunately, Sandler and Barrymore (who also star in films like this Wedding Singer) rub off on each other so naturally that their on-screen romance is so contagious.
Plus, like I said before, the movie is great for couples with different tastes who want a movie they can both enjoy. Those who enjoy the usual bro comedy will enjoy the comedy of the film, which includes grossout gags without interruption like, say, The Waterboy. At the same time, the film works wonderfully as a romance where the last two people you would expect to fall in love find happiness in each other's arms. Trust me folks: if you like Jackass and your loved ones gal Bridgerton, 50 First Days the happy and heartfelt compromise you've been looking for.
Arrested for Laughter
Finally, for better or worse, this is an Adam Sandler movie, and he's spent his entire life turning himself into a McDonald's comedian. Like McD's, he is consistent in almost every comic, which is great for fans of movies like this Happy Gilmore again Billy Madison who want a little guilty pleasure. In 50 First Dayshe does nothing to really change the kind of goofball comedy that originally made him a star. But that won't matter at all to Sandler fans who enjoy watching the actor follow a very familiar, very funny path from beginning to end.
You will remember 50 First Days for the rest of your life, or will you always remember the moment you hit the back button and bailed? The only way to find out is to stream the movie yourself on Tubi. It's a great movie for couples, and you can stream it completely free. If nothing else, that means you're in the middle of every man's dream: a cheap date night!
