http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_npggb3555sn2ap55zr1jtuva_bd9679b6-0b0a-4b5a-8fe9-05b85d93bc75_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:14:03 GMT 15 By Jessica Sanchez
A surprise of laughter at every scene along with the thrill of unpredictable scandals … you’re probably thinking I am talking about “Ghost of Girlfriends Past.” But, I’m not. In fact, what I just described is the exact opposite of the movie that stars Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner. Before the movie started I was given the impression that I was going there to watch something I had never seen before. I know, right? How crazy of me to want to see a new movie! But McConaughey’s character is similar to his previous movies like “Failure to Launch” and “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days .” The movie is similar in style with the 1988 film “Scrooged,” based on the classic 19 TH Century short story “A Christmas Carol.” That well known story revolves around ghosts changing the character’s evil core to a kind hearted soul.  “Ghost of Girlfrien ds Past” revives McConaughey’s natural role of being a player by the name of Connor Mead. He aspires to be like his deceased uncle Wayne, played by Michael Douglas, who was the ultimate bachelor until his death. He then goes to his brother’s wedding dinner rehearsal, and sulks in his bitterness.  While in the bathroom Mead sees his dead uncle who wants to give him advice so he does not die alone. Douglas tells him three ghosts are going to show the faults of the path he is currently on.  In the midst of it all, one of his ex-girlfriends named Jenny Perotti, played by Garner, appears at the dinner. Isn’t that so convenient? She was McConaughey’s first love, and is now a bridesmaid at his brother’s wedding.  Yes, this movie is conventional and predictable, but the viewer does manage to get a chuckle from Mead’s past hairdos and Sandra (Lacey Chaber), who is completely stressed over her wedding. McConaughey and Garner act like the typical characters they play in most movies they star in. McConaughey plays a bachelor not knowing true love well and Garner is, as always, perceived as the good girl who can mold any man into a better version of themselves. Douglas is surprisingly funny in his role as the trendy uncle as he uses slang and has a Hugh Hefner fashion sense. So while the acting was done well, the storyline did not do them as much justice. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 16:01:52 GMT