Lose yourself in this film, for any viewing will take you away from your present cares

Rating: 7/10 (2 October 2007)

Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) has a master's degree in journalism but is, at present, working for a Cosmo-type rag called Composure. There, she writes a monthly column of "how-to", that is, how to talk your way out of a traffic ticket, how to feng shui your digs. But, she'd rather be writing on world hunger or something else equally important. One day, Andie helps a co-hort, with a recent broken heart, stop crying and make it to work on time. At the ensuing staff meeting, Andie's boss (Bebe Neuwirth) asks Andie about her next column. Having no concrete ideas, Andie decides to take up her fellow worker's dilemma that, perhaps, she drove her boyfriend away. How about a column called "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days"? Andie will pick out a nice guy and then drive him crazy, causing him to drop her like a stone. The boss lady likes, yes indeed. Later, at a couples bar, Andie sets her eyes on ad agent Ben (Matthew McConaghay). But, unknown to her, he has just taken a bet from his staff that he can make any woman fall for him in a week's time. As they draw each other in, the stage is set for an epic battle of affection between Andie and Ben. Who will win? This is a very cute movie with great-looking stars in Kate and Matthew. Supporting them is a nice cast, also, including a most funny combination of Adam Goldberg and Thomas Lennon as Ben's best friends. Lennon, especially, is a most underrated performer, for his dry wit is terrific and steals scenes easily. Neuwirth is always a hoot, too, with Robert Klein on hand to please the audience as well. As for the costumes, they are especially lovely, and the NY setting, production values, script, and direction are above average, also. In short, if you love comedic tales of love, get this one soon and lose yourself in its winning story of a loving competition of the sexes.