For me, there have always been two types of motion pictures: films and movies. A film may or may not be entertaining as its redeeming quality lies in its artistic value. A movie, on the other hand, is specifically made to entertain and may or may not contain any artistic merit. Both good films and movies are difficult to make, and the often fine line between the two means many “films” and “movies” can possess characteristics of the other.
Undoubtedly a “movie” and sure to be a hit, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” does have its artistic moments. A charming but sometimes awkward romantic comedy directed by Donald Petrie (“Miss Congeniality”), “How to” stars Kate Hudson (“Almost Famous”) and Matthew McConaughey (“The Wedding Planner”).
As an ambitious journalist for the trendy Composure magazine, Andie Anderson (Hudson) uses Ben Berry (McConaughey) as a guinea pig for her latest article on “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Little does she know, the enterprising Ben has made a bet with his ad agency boss that he can make Andie fall in love with him in 10 days. Their careers keep them together during the trying 10 days, but once they (gasp!) fall in love, will their ambition tear them apart?
With an interesting and mostly satisfying plot, the script is still generally predictable. Most of these situations have been played out before (the overzealous girlfriend interrupting “boys night” a man’s undying devotion to sports), but the differences between men and women will forever delight audiences who are anxious and able to relate. Scenes involving just “the boys” or “the girls” prove especially laughable as one sex will discuss and strive to make sense of the other (and ultimately fail). When Andie “mistakenly” leaves her purse with Ben one evening, the boys ponder whether or not to look through it: “There are many dark and dangerous things (in a woman’s purse),” McConaughey said in the film.
Based on a book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long, the movie unfortunately can come off stereotypically and portray women (in relationships) in a negative light, as if everything that can go wrong in relationships is due to the woman driving the man away, but we’ll do our best to look past that.
The real draw of the movie is Hudson’s performance. Generally stealing every scene she appears in, Hudson is at once loveable as Andie and is able to perfectly capture her independence and spirit. As a comedic actress, Hudson displays immense talent and potential as well as impeccable timing, bringing to mind a certain spunky dancer-turned-actress made famous 30 years ago (Hudson’s mother Goldie Hawn). McConaughey offers a dependable performance as Ben, and the chemistry between the two incredibly beautiful leads (her smile; his ruggedness … grrrr) is undeniable and refreshing.
Notable supporting performances include that of Thomas Lennon (“A Guy Thing”), whose second appearance in a comedy this year hits all the right notes. Former “ER” actress Michael Michele, however, plays her weakly written, small part too safe and comes up short.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is no “Pretty Woman,” the quintessential specimen of the romantic comedy genre, but besides a few missteps the movie sure is entertaining. And that’s all a “movie” needs to be. (Anyway, do you really want to watch “Saving Private Ryan” every time you have a free evening? I don’t think so.) Take note how the movie manages to make an unconscious point about contemporary society’s obsession with “having it all” – but don’t put on your thinking cap if it’s gonna spoil the fun, because (overall) there definitely is fun to be had here.
—Review by Jennifer Clay
February 13, 2003
