Ultimate ‘Bad Boy’ Finds His Way

Matthew McConaughey stars as Connor Mead in yet another romantic comedy alongside Jennifer Garner, Jenny and Michael Douglas as Uncle Wayne. This time around McConaughey plays the guy we all love to hate. He’s a handsome celebrity photographer that goes through girls like he does rolls of film. Don’t get me wrong, he loves women, he just doesn’t want to be ‘in love’ with any of them. We discover that Jennifer Garner is his childhood and HS sweetheart who at one time did break his heart. Michael Douglas plays his ghost Uncle whose selfish personality had a tremendous influence upon Connor growing up. Through a series of past girlfriends, we see why he has grown up the way he has and exactly why he has such an aversion to the concept of ‘love.’

The film's story line centers on Connor’s brother’s wedding and all of the festivities that are part of  that event. Connor’s parents are deceased; therefore he has the extra burden of representing the family. He’s basically a jerk and one that causes all kinds of trouble for his brother, his brother’s fiancé and the bridesmaids. His behavior is so deplorable he would be considered your worst relative nightmare on any given day. During all of these shenanigans, he is visited by his late Uncle Wayne who tries to set him straight. Together they begin a nostalgic journey and Connor sees the heart ache he causes his true love; Jenny. An old girlfriend from the 80’s (braces, scrunchies and really big frizzy hair) plays a ghost that accompanies him at times during these flashbacks.

Uncle Wayne, has some key lines as he describes to Connor during one flashback scene about his techniques with women. “I can’t teach you algebra, or camping, or even ethics, I only know about seduction techniques” says Uncle Wayne. These techniques are pretty lame as you can imagine and are meant for laughs. Although sadly, these flashback scenes are not the least bit comical.–They actually dragged in spots.

The wedding scenes as uncomfortable and shocking as they are supposed to be are actually the shining light in this film. The bride and groom are forced to re-evaluate their love for one another, Jenny discovers that she may give Connor another chance and good ole Uncle Wayne screams from the past that his life was indeed miserable and that he was a shumck.

As Rom/Com’s go, this one is entertaining and actually has lots to say about the notion of love and what that’s supposed to mean. Is this another venue for McConaughey to flash his million dollar smile and show his darling dimples? Yes. Is this another avenue for McConaughey to run around shirtless? No, not really. Are we sick and tired of seeing McConaughey in these silly Rom/Com’s? No, not yet. He’s still enjoyable and still has the star power to bring the girls to the theater, so I say fine just please continue to give him a fairly decent script and talented co-stars. I actually enjoyed Garner’s performance in this one, she’s fun to watch and I liked the pairing of both of them. Cute dimple couple.–They could almost be twins.

Sarah Adamson © 2009