SNMR 7.23: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"

GREEN'S "I'M GONNA MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE DEAD" REVIEW:

Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is fashion magazine Composure's 'How to' girl, writing columns on such things as how to get a better bod in 5 days, how to talk your way out of a speeding ticket and how to feng shui your apartment, among other things. Her latest assignment, based on her best friend's dating failures, is to write a column on how to lose a guy in 10 days, using the common dating faux pas that many women commit which drive guys away.

Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) is Warren Advertising's star for selling alcohol and athletic equipment - beer and sneakers. But now he wants to break into diamonds and be the agency's pitch man for the company that controls 70% of the world's diamond market. But first he must convince Phillip Warren that he's the man for the job, much to the chagrin of the Judys, Ben's co-workers and friendly adversaries. In order to win the bet and the account, he must get a woman to fall in love with him in ten days.

Aside from being one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood these days, Kate Hudson (a raw 22 years old during filming) has her game on, more than a match for the boyish charm of Matthew McConaughey. That Hudson looks almost like a younger version of her mother, Goldie Hawn, is almost scary. McConaughey seems to play different versions of the same character in many of his movies, but he does it so well and brings a likable charm to each role. The supporting cast is excellent and play off of the lead actors brilliantly. Notable is the performance of Bebe Neuwirth, who is absolutely wonderful as the hard nosed magazine editor.

The script is well written and once cast, tailored to the personalities of Hudson and McConaughey, who have a natural on-screen chemistry. Some of the exchanges are hilarious and I couldn't help laughing at the silliness of the situations. It is evident that the actors had a good time filming this movie and it shines through in the performances. Donald Petrie does a good job directing and keeps the pace moving. The music soundtrack is upbeat and adds to the emotional core of the story.

The extras included on the DVD are very good. They include featurettes on choosing the various locations as well as cast and crew interviews. There are also some deleted scenes and a music video by Keith Urban.

This is one of the better romantic comedies to come out in the last ten years and I think you'll enjoy it. I bought my copy for under $10 and have watched it many times.

**** out of *****

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003, PG-13, 115 minutes), starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele, Shalom Harlow, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Parisse, Thomas Lennon, Robert Kline, and Bebe Neuwirth. Based on the book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. Screenplay by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan and Burr Steers. Directed by Donald Petrie.