About
two months ago, I reviewed Two Weeks Notice, a
dimwitted and clichéd romantic comedy with careless
characters. I gave it two buckets. Here comes How to
Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a hilarious romantic comedy with
original material. I give it two-and-a-half buckets. Why still
the negative rating, when it’s a miraculous improvement from
previous efforts? Pretentious moments which make the entire
film everything but laid-back demolish its potential. This
type of movie is supposed to be entertaining, and not so
incredibly vile. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days has
a good premise, with fun characters, but its execution is
questionable. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson exhibit
great chemistry, but each of their performances feels forced.
This material is just made to be rented, even though millions
of people still see it in theatrical release.
Andie
Anderson (Hudson)
is a smart and sexy publicist for a growing women’s magazine.
She strives to write about politics and meaningful issues that
are confronting the world, but is stuck with the lowly “how
to” column. When her fellow writer screws up yet another
relationship, their boss wants this unlucky woman to create a
column about all of her missed opportunities. This does not go
well with her, and she is most definitely not going to prepare
a piece on her personal life. In order to save her from
another episode of despair, Andie decides to make a
proposition. She will write a column for women that just never
win in relationships. This will replace the one her co-worker
was going to be forced to do. It will be called “How to Lose a
Guy in 10 Days.” All she needs to find is the lucky man who
will be tortured in a short and agonizing relationship.
Benjamin Berry (McConaughey) is an advertising executive in
the areas of sports and alcoholic beverages. He is the typical
ladies man, but can never seem to stay in a relationship for
more than a week. When at a party, discussing his new diamonds
sales campaign, he is dared to pick a girl, and stay with her
for ten days. Andie just so happens to be the bait that he
reels in, and they both believe they’ve got each other good.
When saying their goodbyes that night, Benjamin whispers to
himself: “Oh, she already loves me,” while Andie mutters: “I’m
going to make you wish you were dead.” Day by day, Andie
continues to annoy Benjamin, but he sticks with her, in fear
of losing the bet. Five disturbing dinners and one Celine Dion
concert later, the two actually begin to fall for each other.
Will true romance survive, or will they both abandon in it for
their careers?
Despite
the many pretentious moments, How to Lose a Guy in 10
Days is a full-fledged hoot. The endless pranks that
Hudson’s
character plays on the confidence of Benjamin are a romping
blast. I laughed at least a dozen times at the careless fun
going on onscreen, even though it was some of the cheapest
I’ve seen in recent years. They cover up for all of the major
errors that the screenplay has, wonderfully. This is one of
the only ”early bird” screenings of a film I’ve been too, with
such an involved audience. Almost everyone was grinning,
giggling, or just plain breaking out in laughter.
Hudson’s
girl-next-door charm is clearly evident in this film, and that
makes it all the more amusing. She is truly following in the
comedic footsteps of her mother, Goldie Hawn. All she needs to
learn now is how to pick a good script. And, with that skill,
she will have the full package.
With a
solid premise and some good performances, How to Lose
a Guy in 10 Days isn’t bad, but still needs a lot of work.
I am impressed by Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson’s
charming chemistry, and I would like to see them work together
again in the near future. This is one film that is spunky,
fun, and original, that I just can’t recommend; similar to
Miss Congeniality. This might be because of the
implausibility, though the cocky and unrealistic events that
take place are what ultimately get us going. I am at a real
dilemma trying to smack a grade on this one, because while I
was charmed, I did feel a little uncomfortable watching it. My
best recommendation is to rent it, though I do think that most
women will be inclined to get a taste of its delectable
material in theatres. For me, it needed more. But to most
viewers, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days will be a
charming trip to the cinema.
-Danny, Bucket Reviews