Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures Adam Sandler struggles to make an impression, despite Drew BarrymoreÎs short-term memory loss, in "50 First Dates."

Poor misguided Adam Sandler. The turn of the century appears to be the turning point of Sandler's career. He moved from making movies that are funny to · well, not.

With the exception of "Punch-Drunk Love," which is a profound cinematic achievement, he has consistently disappointed audiences all over America. I was hoping this movie would be different. I was hoping this would be the movie that would let him start over.

We all know the premise. Henry (Sandler) falls for Lucy (Drew Barrymore), even though she has short-term memory loss and is in some sort of "Groundhog Day" situation, as she lives the same day of her life over and over. The only difference is she isn't aware of her disorder, and the world goes on without her. It's not the classic setup for a romantic comedy, but perhaps romantic mental-disorder comedy could be a new genre.

Anyway, Henry has to find a way to get Lucy to remember him, or at least, to prevent her from attacking him every morning. He tries several tactics to woo her, but she still wakes up every morning not knowing who he is. Sounds like most American marriages, no?

Throughout this romantic journey, there are entertaining supporting characters, most notably Ula, played by Rob Schneider. Schneider has a fluctuating Hawaiian/Brooklyn accent that is never really defined, and just adds to the ridiculousness of his character. He's entertaining as the guy who says random and raunchy things at inappropriate times. That seems to be his strong suit and perhaps his only suit.

The other comedic gem in this movie is Doug, Lucy's steroid-using, speech-impeded, fishnet-shirt-wearing brother, played by Sam Gamgee · damn, I mean Sean Astin. Pushing past his hobbit-sized pigeonhole, Astin struts his comedic stuff and successfully steals scenes from Sandler and Barrymore.

This movie has a little something for everyone. There are drug references, sexual references, an ambiguously sexual person, lots of slapstick comedy, a vomiting walrus, a penguin, a hobbit and nice scenery. Most importantly, Rob Schneider gets his ass kicked by a girl, just like in the previews!

Like all romantic comedies, the couple lives happily ever after, tears stream, kisses are exchanged, cheesy smiles follow, fade to black. The audience members leave with a smile on their faces. If that is what you seek, then this movie is for you. But don't expect more than that.

Personally, I left wanting more. I wanted Sandler to throw a golf club, sing about going back to school, throw a stick in front of Rollerbladers, chase an imaginary penguin or have an angry outburst that ends with him saying, "The price is wrong, bitch!"

I wanted anything that would pay homage to the good ol' days of Sandler comedy. I got nothing. His career has changed.

We have come to a fork in the road where we must decide if we are going to follow him along for the ride, or get off and ask for our money back.