Review: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

About two months ago, I reviewed Two Weeks Notice, a dimwitted and clichéd romantic comedy with careless characters. I gave it two buckets. Here comes How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a hilarious romantic comedy with original material. I give it two-and-a-half buckets. Why still the negative rating, when it’s a miraculous improvement from previous efforts? Pretentious moments which make the entire film everything but laid-back demolish its potential. This type of movie is supposed to be entertaining, and not so incredibly vile. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days has a good premise, with fun characters, but its execution is questionable. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson exhibit great chemistry, but each of their performances feels forced. This material is just made to be rented, even though millions of people still see it in theatrical release.

Andie Anderson (Hudson) is a smart and sexy publicist for a growing women’s magazine. She strives to write about politics and meaningful issues that are confronting the world, but is stuck with the lowly “how to” column. When her fellow writer screws up yet another relationship, their boss wants this unlucky woman to create a column about all of her missed opportunities. This does not go well with her, and she is most definitely not going to prepare a piece on her personal life. In order to save her from another episode of despair, Andie decides to make a proposition. She will write a column for women that just never win in relationships. This will replace the one her co-worker was going to be forced to do. It will be called “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” All she needs to find is the lucky man who will be tortured in a short and agonizing relationship.

Benjamin Berry (McConaughey) is an advertising executive in the areas of sports and alcoholic beverages. He is the typical ladies man, but can never seem to stay in a relationship for more than a week. When at a party, discussing his new diamonds sales campaign, he is dared to pick a girl, and stay with her for ten days. Andie just so happens to be the bait that he reels in, and they both believe they’ve got each other good. When saying their goodbyes that night, Benjamin whispers to himself: “Oh, she already loves me,” while Andie mutters: “I’m going to make you wish you were dead.” Day by day, Andie continues to annoy Benjamin, but he sticks with her, in fear of losing the bet. Five disturbing dinners and one Celine Dion concert later, the two actually begin to fall for each other. Will true romance survive, or will they both abandon in it for their careers?

Despite the many pretentious moments, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a full-fledged hoot. The endless pranks that Hudson’s character plays on the confidence of Benjamin are a romping blast. I laughed at least a dozen times at the careless fun going on onscreen, even though it was some of the cheapest I’ve seen in recent years. They cover up for all of the major errors that the screenplay has, wonderfully. This is one of the only ”early bird” screenings of a film I’ve been too, with such an involved audience. Almost everyone was grinning, giggling, or just plain breaking out in laughter. Hudson’s girl-next-door charm is clearly evident in this film, and that makes it all the more amusing. She is truly following in the comedic footsteps of her mother, Goldie Hawn. All she needs to learn now is how to pick a good script. And, with that skill, she will have the full package.

With a solid premise and some good performances, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days isn’t bad, but still needs a lot of work. I am impressed by Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson’s charming chemistry, and I would like to see them work together again in the near future. This is one film that is spunky, fun, and original, that I just can’t recommend; similar to Miss Congeniality. This might be because of the implausibility, though the cocky and unrealistic events that take place are what ultimately get us going. I am at a real dilemma trying to smack a grade on this one, because while I was charmed, I did feel a little uncomfortable watching it. My best recommendation is to rent it, though I do think that most women will be inclined to get a taste of its delectable material in theatres. For me, it needed more. But to most viewers, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days will be a charming trip to the cinema.

-Danny, Bucket Reviews