I was in search of some light entertainment, and having read some positive reviews about the film How to lose a Guy in 10 Days, decided I would give it a try. I did try to persuade my husband to watch it with me, but after less than ten minutes we both realised that he would hate it and I would enjoy it more if he went off and did something else - which he did!
This film is extremely light and airy but I have to admit that sometimes that is just what I am looking for. I did think as I started watching that it might be a bit too light but I persevered and actually found myself being drawn into the story and enjoying it.
The main character is Andie Anderson (played by Kate Hudson). She is a successful journalist for Composure Magazine and has made a name for herself by writing a series of 'how to...' articles. Her latest assignment is to demonstrate how easy it is to lose a guy in ten days by committing all the cardinal sins that women often make at the start of a relationship that ultimately scare the guys away! In order to write thae article though she first has to find a guy and get him to dump her in the allotted timescale.
The man she chooses is Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) but unbeknown to her he is also on a mission. He has been challenged to persuade a woman to fall in love with him in ten days and if he does so he will be able to work on a lucrative advertising account at his work. It does sound very contrived but actually it is very funny. I loved watching Andie do lots of embarrassing things to put Ben off her and her ensuing frustration when nothing seems to put him off. Her exploits include calling him and some of his body parts, embarrasing pet names, talking about marriage and children and even going so far as to enhance some photos to show him what their future children would look like. Benjamin, on the other hand, is determined to grin and bear it and keeps telling himself that it is only ten days.
Of course it will be impossible for them both to achieve what they have set out to do, but the question is will either of them be able to? That's what actually makes this film so watchable especially as it seems that there might be a teeny chance that they actually like each other ('in real life' as my daughter would say!)
I very much enjoyed the performances of both main characters and a host of supporting characters too. There was a recognisable chemistry between the two so it was quite believeable that they might actually like each other. At first both characters seemed pretty two dimensional but they did develop throughout the film and became quite likeable human beings!
A lot of people might dismiss this film as being a bit too light and fluffy but I enjoyed it. The storyline seems to be original and the story moves along at a good pace. There are lots of very funny moments although I would have to say that there are a couple of quite cringeworthy ones too! It's a very easy way to spend a couple of hours on a sunday night though.
There are a few extras on this DVD. These include A commentary bt the director - Donald Petrie Mapping out the perfect movie Deleted scenes with director's commentary Mapping out the perfect location
I have only skimmed through these but I did find the director's commentary quite interesting and it's always fascinating to see what was left out and why.
The film was made in 2003 and has a 12 certificate. The DVD is currently available on Amazon for £4.48.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
I love this film for the odd occasions I want to watch something girly on my own, not sure I'd get away with it when my oh is about as he isnt a Kate Hudson fan.
silverstreak 11.04.2009 11:24
Perhaps your husband thought you might get some ideas!
djs89uk 04.04.2009 20:48
My sister loves the film, so i have been forced to watch this a few times. It helps that its got Kate Hudson though in!
Kate Hudson twinkles as the heroine ofHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. She's a magazine ... more
writer assigned to date a guy, make all the mistakes girls make that drive guys away (being clingy, talking in baby-talk and so on) and records the process like a soci...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Kate Hudson twinkles as the heroine ofHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. She's a magazine ... more
writer assigned to date a guy, make all the mistakes girls make that drive guys away (being clingy, talking in baby-talk and so on) and records the process like a soci...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in 10 days. Ben needs to prove he can win a girl ... more
in 10 days. Now the clock is ticking-and the year's most wildly entertaining comedy smash is off and running in this irresistible tale of sex lies and outrageous...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Oscar nominee Kate Hudson (Almost Famous) and Matthew McConaughey (A Time To Kill) give ... more
the battle of the sexes an outrageously unexpected twist in the runaway comedy hit.As the How to... columnist for trendy Composure Magazine, Andie Anderson (Hudson)...
Advantages: Hudson and McConaughey are charming and the film subverts a few romcom cliches Disadvantages: It falls into the trap of being formulaic and sexist
Advantages: Hudson and McConaughey are charming and the film subverts a few romcom cliches Disadvantages: It falls into the trap of being formulaic and sexist
Advantages: Kate Hudson's Lack of Consideration for Respectable Undergarments Disadvantages: Kate Hudson's Lack of Consideration for Respectable Movie Roles
![How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days [DVD] [2003]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78527540.jpg "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days [DVD] [2003]")
Mar 23rd, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
