Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are one of the best on-screen duos in modern-day cinema. The two comedic actors have such amazing chemistry and their friendship shines on screen. In 1998, the two paired up for their first movie together, The Wedding Singer; a tale about a wedding singer who falls in love with one of the waitresses at the reception hall he works at. Six years later, the two reunited for 50 First Dates; a tale about falling in love with a woman with Goldfield's Syndrome and can't remember anything after she wakes up.
Between these two cult favorites, which one comes out on top?
50 First Dates: The Epitome Of Love
When Henry (Sandler) meets Lucy (Barrymore) in the cafe, he's instantly connected to her free-spirit. This is why he's shocked when they meet again the following morning and she has no recollection of him. Learning that his crush has a rare form of amnesia where she thinks every day is October 13 (the day of her accident) was heartbreaking, but it forced Henry to step up for the name of love. Likewise, her father Marlin and brother Dougie also spend every day convincing her it's October 13th. It's endearing how loved Lucy is and the lengths they'd go to protect her. This very well could have been a well-done dramatic piece for Sandler.
The Wedding Singer: The Ultimate Co-Stars
The funny thing about Adam Sandler movies (especially when they're produced by his production company, Happy Maddison) is that fans tend to see the same familiar faces in them. The same can be said for The Wedding Singer.
Sandler's buddies Steve Buscemi, Allen Covert, Peter Dante, and Jonathan Loughran all made the roster for Wedding Singer. The movie also had stars like Christine Taylor, Matthew Glave, and Ellen Albertini Dow in it. 50 First Dates had an all-star crew but it all started with The Wedding Singer.
50 First Dates: Hawaii Is The Perfect Location For A Romantic Comedy
When it comes to romance, is there a more romantic destination than Hawaii? While The Wedding Singer took place in New Jersey, Barrymore and Sandler headed for the islands of Hawaii for 50 First Dates and it helped made the film the success that it was. Viewers got to see Lucy driving in the countryside to get a pineapple, amazing sea animals because of Henry's job as a vet, and gorgeous views in every scene. It doesn't get more romantic than winning over someone's heart in Hawaii.
The Wedding Singer: Everyone Loves A Good Guy Vs. Bad Guy Rivalry
As unique of a situation Henry finds himself in 50 First Dates with Lucy's condition, there's nothing like a good old fashioned rivalry like in The Wedding Singer. Robbie is engaged to Linda but finds himself falling in love with Julia. It gets trickier when Julia is also engaged to an egomaniac named Glenn. It's clear to viewers that Robbie and Julia are a better match than Julia and Glenn. In fact, Robbie and Julia should swap partners because Glenn and Linda would have been a better match.
Over time, both Robbie and Julia realize they've fallen for each other, which only makes things worse. Robbie becomes more protective of Julia when he finds out Glenn cheats on Julia regularly and doesn't treat her the way she should be. It's a very becoming role for Sandler.
50 First Dates: A Rush Against Time
Throughout 50 First Dates, it feels like Henry is rushing against time. How does he convince a woman to fall back in love with him every day for the rest of their lives? But before Lucy even began dating Henry, he had to convince her dad and brother that he wasn't taking advantage of her. It's a unique storyline that can be appreciated by all ages. it truly shows how love is measured and how far one would go to prove themselves to their partner.
The Wedding Singer: Robbie & Linda Are Relatable
As bad as a couple as Julia and Glenn are, Robbie and Linda aren't a prize to be had either. As a wedding singer, Robbie loved two things: music and weddings. His happiness died the day Linda admitted she didn't love him anymore; she loved the idea of him being a rockstar — not the idea of him singing at weddings and birthday parties. Robbie's career and self-esteem suffered after the breakup, which is something many viewers who have also suffered heartache can relate to. The constant back and forth between couples is more relatable than falling in love with someone who doesn't remember who they are. This cat and mouse game is one of the reasons why The Wedding Singer is one of Sandler's best movies.
50 First Dates: The Relationship Between Henry & Dougie
Sean Astin does a fantastic job as Lucy's brother Doug. He's totally into himself, wears mesh shirts, and loves showing off how strong is he. He acts like a tough guy around Henry because he's protective of his sister and doesn't trust his sarcastic attitude.
Like most of Sandler's movies, he's the star but he has iconic co-stars that help round out the movie, and that's what Astin does with Dougie. The Wedding Singer also has amazing co-stars but there's no character quite like Dougie.
The Wedding Singer: Mrs. Julia Gulia
Was there a greater scene in rom-com history than when Julia is putting on her wedding dress and cries at the fact that her name would be Julia Gulia?
Torn by her feelings for both Robbie and weirdo Glenn, Julia puts on her wedding dress and cries thinking about her new name and the thought of marrying Glenn. It's only when she starts thinking of Robbie that she begins to beam. While Julia is admiring herself in the mirror thinking about Robbie, he sees her through the window and thinks she's smiling thinking about Glenn. Robbie leaves in a sad hurry, only adding to the stress of the film.
50 First Dates: Lucy's Unknowing Love For Henry
It was painful for viewers to know that Lucy was never able to remember her friend/boyfriend/and future husband, Henry. How would this relationship work if she woke up afraid of the man beside her in bed every morning? Viewers find out later that Lucy becomes okay with Henry after trusting her own thoughts in her journal. She's written about him and his nice gestures before and continued to do so. She eventually rips out her pages about Henry when she doesn't think their relationship would work.
Feeling erased, Henry was heartbroken. But at the end of the movie, Henry visits her art class where she beautifully shares that she doesn't know who he is but he's been in her dreams every night. Talk about a tear-jerker!
The Wedding Singer: One Of The Best Endings In Rom-Com History
At the end of The Wedding Singer, Robbie finally realizes that he doesn't want Linda, he wants Julia. He knows in his heart that Julia feels the same way and shouldn't be with Glenn. After hearing that Julia and Glenn were on a plane heading for Vegas to get married, he buys a ticket on the same plane and thinks of a way to approach her. With the help of Billy Idol, Robbie sings a song he wrote for her over the speaker and the two of them finally have their moment. It doesn't get sweeter than that!