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"Composure" magazine writer Andie Anderson (Kate Hudon) a Masters in Journalism graduate wants
to work on politics or on something serious, other than on her assigned "How To..." column. Her editor Lana Long (Bebe Neuwirth) however, is not about to give in.
Andie reluctantly reconsiders and suddenly hits on the idea of "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days" as a topic.
She recalls how her friend Michelle has just lose her second boyfriend and has been in tears. Her editor thinks it is a brilliant choice and insists she carry on with it. The next thing is to pick a guy. Popular and rising advertising executive Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) has accepted a bet from his colleagues. They say that he will not be able to make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days. If he succeeds and brings her to their formal diamonds ads campaign dinner, he will receive a handsome payoff. He bites the bait. The next step is to find a woman. At a popular watering hole for the young working elite, Andie and Ben catch each other's eyes. Each has found her/his subject for the column/bet.
The two leading characters having designs on each other, makes for an interesting though
unbelievable plot. Although the movie is longer than necessary -- editing could heve been tighter -- the chemistry between Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, in
addition to their charm and acting make How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
interesting. Andie's efforts to make Benny reject her in the allocated time, and his extra patience with her -- her intruding, cloying and proprietary ways -- to make her fall for him, are at time unbelievable, but hilarious. Being a romantic-comedy, it is expected that Andie and Benny should be falling in love with each other some time in their relationship. Surprisingly this however, does not convincingly happen in the story.
Sometimes in the business world, it appears that it is okay to turn a blind eye on
questionable means to achieve an end. Sacrificing principles or values may be a choice, for instance, to make a sale, or clinch a contract, get published or promoted.
Here are two smart and likeable characters who set out to deceive each other -- abetted by their bosses and friends -- regarding their real motives in their interaction. In the process they are hurting each other. A true relationship cannot result from such a set-up. A view of Benny's family relationship is presented as a contrast. His family home is shown as a gathering place of grandparents, siblings and their families. While the elders chat and plat cards, the children are running all over the place playing their own games. It is an atmosphere of openness, warmth, love, and welcome.
(Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003)
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