FILM REVIEW: 'SOMETHING BORROWED'

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to March Down the Aisle...

May 5, 2011

(Warner Bros. Pictures) With not one but TWO wedding-themed movies opening a week apart -- one starring Kate Hudson, who's already done her tour of bridal duty in 2009's Bride Wars -- you have to wonder when audiences will tire of this whole nuptial mania. If this latest ensemble comedy, Something Borrowed, is any indication, probably not for a long time. Starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, and Steve Howey, this surprisingly hysterical romantic comedy hits all the marks with terrific writing and standout performances by an incredibly talented supporting cast. This is one march down the aisle you won't regret saying "I do" to.

Hudson plays a variation of the same character she's played many times before, with equal panache -- the flighty full-of-herself party girl who's best friends with a mousy, studious, and ever loyal Rachel (Goodwin). Even when Darcy throws Rachel a surprise 30th birthday party, things inevitably end up all about Darcy, with little opposition by perennial second-place Rachel. It just so happens Rachel is also Darcy's maid of honor for her upcoming wedding to Dex (Egglesfield), whom she's secretly had a crush on since law school.

When the unthinkable happens and Dex and Rachel end up in bed together, Rachel's world is turned upside down. As one thing leads to another in the frantic weeks leading up to Darcy's wedding, Rachel finds herself in an impossible situation, caught between a loyalty with Darcy and the potential love of her life. There to complicate things is Ethan (Krasinski), who serves as Rachel's best friend and personal nudge/conscience. Rounding off the cast is an obsessive love-struck friend (Ashley Williams) who has her sights set on Ethan, and Marcus (Steve Howey), who seems content bedding anything in a mini-dress.

Based upon the novel written by Emily Giffin, screenwriter Jennie Snyder and director Luke Greenfield do a fine job keeping things moving along swimmingly. With a plot-line involving a double infidelity, it's a testament to all involved that never once does the "ice" factor come into play. The key is through judiciously placed flashbacks that keep the audience involved and rooting for the film's heroes.

In what could have been a very simple paint-by-number chick flick, Greenfield wisely sprinkled in enough subplots and runners to hide every cinematic cliche. There pulling double duty is Krasinski and Howey, who both manage to steal almost every scene they're in. At times, Something Borrowed plays like a Hangover comedy in chick flick's clothing. Date night guys who are lucky to take their girlfriends to see this movie this weekend might be in for a big surprise.

For her part, Hudson continues to draw from an impish appeal half inherited by her mother, Goldie Hawn. In a strange way, she's the glue that keeps this crazy farce from ever falling flat. Hudson knows when to go over the top and when to play it real, and never once does it ever feel forced.

Egglesfield is perfectly cast as the object of desire. With GQ looks and just enough bookish awkwardness and sincerity, Dex serves as the virtual black velvet for everybody else to shine. He shares a terrific onscreen chemistry with Goodwin, although it does seem preposterous at times -- both characters' shyness and insecurity with one another. That said, a small flaw to overlook in an otherwise delightful little romp before the summer tent pole pictures start to arrive.