Conventional Tripe!!

Rating: Null/10 (30 September 2003)

Thank God for beautiful women. I especially thank God for my fiancÃ©. It's just too darn bad she has such conventional taste in movies. So of course I have gotten very used to the occasional chick flick. They make her laugh, even if I don't get it or care too. They fill her with glee but they fill me with loathing. But every once and while a chick flick comes along that is so conventional, and so silly. That I'm am filled with Apathy instead of loathing. So I guess that's the only way to describe HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS: a conventional film that filled with apathy.
Like every romantic comedy 10 DAYS tells the story of two beautiful people and how they get to know each other, falling in and out of love with each other, and then telling there less attractive friends about how happy they are.
In this film those two people are Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson, Almost Famous) and Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughy, EDTV), they are so adorable their first names have that same first letter as their last name (they might want to shoot their parents). They each meet under dubious circumstances, she has to write and article about the mistakes women make while dating, and he has to make her fall in love with him to win an advertising account. So of course in the process they both fall in love and wild comedic scenes take place.
What works in the film are Hudson and McConaughy, they have really nice chemistry together. They have a really sweet conversation when they first meet. It is constructed with just pithy little statements, and it is both silly and charming. Hudson also relishes torturing McConaughy with her silly dating games. The scene in which she breaks up the boy's poker game really enchanted me. Not a terribly inspired scene but it has a really nice comedic tone. So at least it worked for me.
I also liked the scene at Ben's parent's house. The game of B.S. was inspired. This scene works because for once the colorful family doesn't act like buffoons. This scene is also much too good for this movie.
I just hated that the film was so conventional. In the course of an hour and forty minutes, they meet, fall in love, fall out of love, and realize they both really love each other and live happily ever after. Its plot is constructed out of every romantic comedy cliche ever made.

What also bothered me was that our two star-crossed lovers are far to good for the material. The concept would work without sitcom jokes and witty one liners; but of course in Hollywood unconventional ... If you are looking for a good night out with your lady friend, 10 DAYS will make her smile. But may I recommend a better romantic comedy, Benny and Joon. It's just a suggestion.