Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is a writer at "Composure Magazine," the fastest growing women's magazine in the country. Andie doesn't enjoy her spot as the magazine's "How-To" girl and wishes she could write about war, religion and politics. In an attempt to get her big break at writing what she wants, Andie proposes an article illustrating common dating mistakes. She'll find a guy, date him, and do everything wrong... bringing her on a collision course with Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey).
Like Andie, Ben wants a shot as something bigger. He's already the top ad agent for "guy things," but wants a shot at a diamond company the agency is currently courting. In order to steal the campaign from rival co-workers, Ben says he'll make a woman fall in love before the company's gala. Ben's boss agrees, but in a devious twist, his rivals knowingly set Ben up with Andie so he'll lose the bet.
Before I go any further, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days asks viewers to make a couple of really big logic jumps. This isn't something new to the genre, so it would be awkward if the movie decided to introduce logic into the mix. The difference with this film and others is the logic leaps are rewarded with a good story and genuine chemistry.
The entire set up is a bit formulaic - so there are no big surprises - but there's a little more going on under the hood. While the title and most of the plot elements would lead most viewers into believing this is Andie's story, Ben's story plays just as big a role. Both endgames are just as damaging, setting up an interesting conflict. If the two stories didn't mesh as well as they do, the film wouldn't be as enjoyable or successful.
Both the picture and sound are passable, but neither stands out. Again, this is a romantic comedy, so the most you're going to get as far as visual or audio "pop" is the Composure staff's bright outfits and a Knick's game.
Extras include "Girl's Night Out," a sit-down discussion with the authors of the book, deleted scenes and a "Making-of..." feature. Like the film's plot, most of the extras are pretty standard. The "Making-of..." and commentary both go a little overboard when discussing the film, but whatever. "Girl's Night Out" is interesting, but whoever decided to conduct the interview in a noisy bar should rethink the decision the next time they want to do it. Commentary is hard to hear and all the "noise" in the background is distracting - particularly in HD.
It's difficult to come down too hard on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This isn't a movie everyone will like. The stereotypes will probably turn off some girls, while the very notion of a romantic comedy, Kate Hudson or not, will send most guys screaming. However, for these groups the movie might be the best thing. For girls, it's a chance to think and for guys it's a trite, yet somewhat true glimpse into how a woman's mind works. It could even clue both sexes into why their last relationship blew up. Okay, so probably not... but if it made me think about it, I'm surely not alone.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Deluxe Edition is another of those "toss-up" Blu-ray purchases. If you already own it, you aren't gaining much, but if you don't, this is the version to buy. It is not a "must have" in any collection, but enjoyable enough so that you may watch it more than once.
