An Above-Average Romantic Comedy

Rating: 8/10 (15 September 2003)

First of all, I'll admit it: I'm a straight white guy who likes romantic comedies. Sue me.
"How To" is above-average for the genre. It's formulaic in many ways -- right down to the final rush to the airport (gosh, I hope no spoilers there... ) -- but it does a good job with the formula.
Kate Hudson, in particular, is wonderfully funny As Andie Anderson. (And she's as beutiful as ever.) I laughed out loud many, many times at her "girlfriend from hell" antics. Matt MCConnacoughcough does funny fairly well ... he's certainly better here than he was in "The Wedding Planner." Finally, Andie's friend Michelle (Kathryn Hahn) is hilarious in a supporting role ... during one very funny scene, she fakes being a couples therapist.
There were a number of subtle touches, such as the main characters noticing their alliterative names (Andie Anderson and Ben Barry) with amusement, but not pointing it out in neon letters for the audience.
As I said, it's above average. I'd read so many bad reviews I almost didn't watch the movie. I'm glad I did.
(Speaking of bad reviews ... some people actually said the plot and its culmination in the big party were "confusing." Wow.)