Movie Review How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days | 2003 | 1h 56m
Genre: Feel-good Romance/Romantic Comedy/Comedy/Romance | Country: US/Germany
Director: Donald Petrie | Writers: Michele Alexander, Jeannie Long, Kristen Buckley
Cast: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg
IMDB: 6.5
My Rate: 10/10

Andie and Benjamin embark on a relationship with different intentions and goals, leading to a dilemma as love begins to bloom between them.

Warning:

Contains sensuality, strong language, smoking, and alcohol.

 

Synopsis:

Andie (Kate Hudson) works for Composure magazine and is assigned the "How to" column. She feels her writing has become limited and superficial, yearning to write about more substantial and diverse topics. However, this proves challenging.

One day, her friend Michelle (Kathryn Hahn) experiences another heartbreak. Inspired by this, Andie pitches an article titled "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" to her boss. Her boss agrees, promising her the freedom to write as she wishes if the article is successful. Andie accepts the challenge.

Andie and her friends attend a party to find a target for her experiment. This is where Andie meets Ben. Unbeknownst to her, their encounter is part of a plan orchestrated by the staff of one of her clients.

Ben (Matthew McConaughey) works in advertising, specializing in sports equipment commercials. He's been pursuing the diamond advertising account, but it's been awarded to a colleague.

Ben tries to convince his boss that he deserves the account. His colleague attempts to sabotage him by challenging Ben to win over a woman and bring her to a party in 10 days. Ben accepts the challenge, unaware of his colleague's manipulative intentions. His colleague deliberately chooses Andie as the target, knowing about Andie's project and believing it will lead to Ben's failure.

Andie and Ben agree to a relationship, and they start interacting frequently. Andie, with her project in mind, tries to make the relationship fail, while Ben, with his own goals, tries to make it succeed. Will their relationship end as one of them hopes?

 

Review:

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a film inspired by the illustrated book of the same name by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. While the storyline and plot are similar, the characters in the film are original. The story itself is simple and perhaps predictable, but the storytelling is engaging.

The film has a lighthearted and easy-to-understand style, making it suitable for viewers seeking a relaxing watch. The film is filled with absurd and humorous moments that provide entertainment. This prevents the film from becoming boring.

The acting is commendable, with natural performances from both the main and supporting cast. The interactions between the characters are excellent. Each actor delivers a performance that is appropriate for their role, without being excessive. The soundtrack and sound effects enhance each scene. The camera movement and color composition are also well-executed.

The story is well-founded, with each character's background and profile thoroughly developed. The narrative unfolds systematically, from the opening, through the conflicts, to the resolution. The conflicts are well-developed, and the film's ending is satisfying.

Overall, this film is one that might find its way back into your watchlist for a future rewatch, especially if you're looking for a lighthearted and entertaining film.

 

Memorable Scene:

After their relationship nearly ends, Ben invites Andie to meet his family, following advice from his "consultant." Andie is surprised to find herself falling for Ben's family. She feels guilty and no longer wants to end the relationship.

This scene demonstrates how sincerity can sway someone's heart. Although Andie initially wasn't serious about the relationship, seeing Ben's family embrace her makes her reconsider.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

"Cause you can't lose something you never had."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)