50 First Dates

50 First Dates

movie

PG-13, 2004

WISE
38%

WISE Score

45

Avg. Tomatometer

Adam Sandler rom-com where he woos Drew Barrymore daily because she has no short-term memory—sweet concept, crude execution.

IMDb6.8
RT Critics45%
MC48
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you were a teen or adult in 2004, you might have fond memories of this one. It's got charm in spots, and the Sandler-Barrymore chemistry is real.

But let's be honest: this has aged like milk in the Hawaiian sun. The premise—while creative—raises serious consent issues the movie never addresses. Henry is established as a serial liar who manipulates tourists into bed, then we're supposed to root for him pursuing a woman who literally cannot remember him or their relationship. That's... problematic.

Add in crude sexual humor, stereotyping, domestic violence played for laughs, and the general early-2000s bro-comedy vibe, and you've got something that's just not suitable for family viewing despite being marketed as a rom-com. The 45% critic score tells you what you need to know—even at release, this was seen as mediocre Sandler.

For adults who enjoy this era of comedy? Fine, you do you. But for kids or family movie night? Hard pass. There are so many better rom-coms that don't require explaining why it's okay to date someone who can't remember you exist.

Age Fit

This is rated 13+ by Common Sense Media, but honestly it's more appropriate for older teens and adults who can handle crude sexual humor and navigate the ethically murky premise. The packaging suggests a sweet rom-com, but the content is firmly in PG-13/light-R territory with early-2000s Sandler comedy sensibilities.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
52

The core premise of a man repeatedly wooing a woman with memory loss has sweet moments, but the execution involves Henry initially being a serial womanizer who lies to tourists for casual hookups. The relationship dynamic raises consent questions given Lucy's condition. Some genuinely tender moments exist, but they're undercut by crude humor and the ethically murky setup of pursuing someone who can't remember you.

Imaginative
58

The premise of short-term memory loss creating a 'Groundhog Day' romance scenario shows creative thinking, and the Hawaiian setting provides visual interest. However, the execution is fairly conventional rom-com territory with predictable beats. It doesn't invite deeper creative engagement or exploration—it's a high-concept idea played relatively safe within genre conventions.

Safe
38

Common Sense Media rates this 13+, and that's generous. Contains sexual content including crude jokes, innuendo, and scenes implying sex. Features a character with brain damage from domestic violence played for laughs, drug humor (Rob Schneider's character), and generally inappropriate content that would be jarring for younger viewers. The consent issues around pursuing someone with memory loss add ethical concerns. Not appropriate for family viewing with kids present.

Enriching
45

While the film touches on themes of commitment, persistence, and loving someone despite challenges, these are buried under juvenile humor and problematic framing. The portrayal of memory loss is medically inaccurate and trivializes a serious condition. There's minimal emotional or cognitive growth offered. The 'player learns to commit' arc is shallow. Entertainment value exists for adults who enjoy early-2000s Sandler rom-coms, but meaningful takeaways are sparse.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The central premise is genuinely creative and emotionally resonant when it wants to be—the idea of choosing love every single day has real depth
  • Drew Barrymore brings warmth and charm that elevates the material beyond typical Sandler fare
  • Hawaiian setting provides beautiful scenery and a vacation vibe that's pleasant to watch
  • Some genuinely sweet moments between the leads when the movie isn't trying to be a bro comedy
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What to Watch For

  • Sexual content, crude jokes, and innuendo throughout—this is not the family-friendly rom-com the poster suggests
  • The entire premise raises consent questions that the movie never seriously addresses: Can someone with no memory truly consent to a relationship?
  • Rob Schneider's character involves drug humor and stereotyping that was questionable in 2004 and worse now
  • Brain injury from domestic violence is played for laughs with a character who talks in a baby voice
  • Early scenes establish Henry as a manipulative player who lies to women—not great role modeling

Conversation Starters

  • "What would it actually be like to have no short-term memory? How would that affect your relationships and daily life?"
  • "Is it okay to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who can't remember you from day to day? What are the ethical issues there?"
  • "The movie shows Henry changing from a 'player' to someone ready to commit—do you think people can really change like that? What would it take?"
Stills
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