Hard to hate

Rating: 3/10 (7 May 2006)

I really thought I was going to hate this, and I tried hard to - unsuccessfully. The problem is the characters are so obnoxious you feel bad things should be happening to them. Instead it develops into a slushy, happy romance. McConaughey comes across as utterly arrogant and self-centred - impossible to like. Hudson just cannot convince as the manipulative columnist, or as a glamour girl. I loved her in 'Almost Famous', where her 'Penny Lane' was one of the most memorable characters of any movie I've ever seen. But I can't help feeling this needed a more extrovert player - someone like Brittany Murphy perhaps, who can tell a story just through facial expressions! Unfortunately I found myself being drawn into - and gradually developing an affection for this story. I still think it could have been done better, but after all's said and done I was quite impressed. Hudson definitely looks better - and more convincing - with curls and 'hippy' styling, so I'll forgive the occasional straight-hair and glamour relapses here. McConaughey however, always comes across as a bit too cocky to be likable, despite his accomplished performance.
The 'hard-to-like' feeling spreads through the supporting cast, with a host of unpleasant characters on show. The overall, uncomfortable effect is to repel the viewer, which can't be good! Yet somehow it doesn't seem to matter. Maybe it's Hudson's ability to light up the screen with her big smile and golden hair, or maybe it's just very clever directing. There are a few touching moments, even with McConaughey's character - maybe just enough to tip the scales in their favour.
I still can't quite make up my mind about this. The characters are all shallow, egotistical, and aloof. Yet I don't hate them as much as I feel I should. I won't be rushing to see it again, but I wouldn't avoid it if it were on TV. I do want to see more of Hudson and McConaughey, but in roles that exploit their strengths not their weaknesses. I'd definitely say give this film a go, but if you haven't seen it already, watch Hudson in 'Almost Famous' afterwards to see what sh'e really capable of.