After successfully teaming in Frank Coraci's The Wedding Singer, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore rekindle the flame for Peter Segal's 50 First Dates. A touch of Groundhog Day creeps into the story about a romance made impossible by Barrymore's short-term memory loss. Although it doesn't have the smarts of the Bill Murray classic, this is nonetheless a "sweet, warm and funny" romantic comedy that won the hearts of audiences on both sides of the pond.
Ula Oops
Skip the humdrum Dating Scene featurette in favour of Comedy Central's 20-minute special, Ula's Movie Round-Up. Rob Schneider hosts this playful behind-the-scenes look at the movie while in character as slovenly Hawaiian sleazeball Ula. He watches Peter Segal at work (in breach of the restraining order) and interviews Drew Barrymore and "H'Adam Sandler" between takes on the beach. And in case you're wondering: "Ula is Hawaiian for roach clip."
Learn more Hawaiian slang in the Talkin' Pidgin featurette, an entertaining glossary of terms that comes courtesy of the locals. Beginners might be interested to know that "Howzit" is short for "Aloha", which isn't logical but it ain't boddah you if you futless. Shaka!
Pineapples And Moon Pies
Disappointingly, Adam Sandler is absent for the audio commentary, although Drew Barrymore and Peter Segal make a fun double act - if you ignore all the girlish giggling (not Peter). Barrymore's thoughts on the film are occasionally scattered (obviously typecast), as she throws in cryptic comments like, "The pineapple is a metaphor." (Erm, a bit too sweet and full of annoying bits?) Segal at least finishes his thoughts and is also on hand with optional commentary for five deleted scenes that include superfluous smooching and a cameo by champion surfer Hans Hedeman. (No, us neither, but that's probably why it was cut.)
Of course, the package wouldn't be complete without a blooper reel, and there's over seven minutes of outtakes here. The highlights are Barrymore accidentally burping in Sandler's face during a kissing scene ("So sorry, I choked on my spit.") and a huge walrus burping in Sandler's face - NOT during a kissing scene. You can also revel in Rob Schneider's exposed "moon pies". As raucous and irreverent as you'd expect, 50 First Dates is worth staying in for on DVD.
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