by Dov Kornits
Worth: $16.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Nadech Kugimiya, Minnie, Kiat Kitjaroen, Artit Somnoi, Tipagorn Chaiprasit, Simba
Intro:
... an unashamedly commercial romcom that embraces the silliness and delivers a fun escapist time at the cinema.
In this Thai remake of 2004 Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore starrer 50 First Dates – already remade in Türkiye, Japan and Mexico – the genders have been flipped of the affected love birds; specifically, Henry is the one who loses his short term memory whilst Lucy is forced to make him fall in love with her anew every day. It’s a clever reversal that still delivers the laughs, mainly through various supporting characters, a very cute Capybara, and an interesting rumination about the nature of falling in love.
Henry (Nadech Kugimiya) works at a family run hostel in Phuket where he meets Lucy (Minnie) when she’s doing a recce on the island for a hot air balloon business. He’s immediately smitten, but then the next day cannot remember her. Henry’s strange existence is propped up by his father and brother, who go to crazy lengths every day to maintain the charade that nothing is wrong in Henry’s life, until Lucy finds a solution and their relationship thrives. However, is it all about her and is Henry truly happy?
What’s interesting about this take on a familiar story is how seemingly appropriate the campy Thai humour is for an Adam Sandler film adaptation. What seemed like bordering on offensive business from Rob Schneider’s Ula and Sean Astin’s Doug in 50 First Dates is endearing coming from Henry’s brother and father in Henry’s First Dates.
And then there’s the locations and views. This film is literally sponsored by Thai Tourism, and it’s all for the better. Picture postcard scenes fill the frame, from the waterside hostel to air balloon rides, you will be considering making Thailand your next holiday destination after seeing the film.
Nadech Kugimiya is a handsome, goofy lead, whilst Thai pop star Minnie brings the cuteness, along with the Capybara – no idea what it’s doing in Thailand, but if you’re asking that question, then you’re watching the wrong film.
Henry’s First Dates is an unashamedly commercial romcom that embraces the silliness and delivers a fun escapist time at the cinema. What’s more, you may forget it in the morning and go again the next day, and still enjoy it just as much.
