Review of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) by Christopher S — 11 May 2011

Ok, So what...I tend to be a sucker for romantic comedies. I admit it. So now that we got that out of the way. At first glance, "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" looks like it has the makings of a true dull, cornball comedy...Factor in the plot is a re-imagination loosely based on The Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol/Scrooge classic book. Throw in Matthew McConaughey and right there you can bet most won't give it a shot on sheer principal.

But the truth of the matter, "The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" is a fun movie that is grossly underrated. Some solid laughs and the movie breezes along. Sure you know where it's going all along, but who cares. Throw in some cuties like Christina Milian in lingerie, and you have a nice way of spending a couple hours.

Going into this movie I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting. The trailer looked like a mediocre version of Scrooge and personally I am not a fan of Jennifer Garner. The plot was predictable and the end was of course cheesy, but with these types of movies, you don't watch them for the plot's predictability or cheese factor. You know in the end, the guy will get the girl, so it's not really a shock. But I must admit despite Garner's performance and the plot's unoriginality, after watching it, I was very impressed overall with the movie.

Although McConaughey and Garner's chemistry was lacking and did not seem very convincing, the supporting cast really made the movie a success. I think it's safe to say that Emma Stone (who plays the ghost of girlfriend's past) is continuing to show how talented she is and what a bright future she will have in the industry. She was hilariously witty and kept the movie light and fun. Michael Douglas (who plays Uncle Wayne) also drops in for some comic relief and does it quite well. I'd say he stole the movie in my opinion.Although, I didn't understand the "Dutch" nickname thing, but it wasn't overall important. Lacy Chabert (who plays Sandra) is a complete nut case bridezilla and you have to some times question, "what was that all about", you have to laugh at her insanity. Also felt the performances by smoking hott Noureen DeWulf. The ageless Anne Archer and solid efforts from Daniel Sunjata and Breckin Meyer helped round and fill out the film.

Quick tidbit...It was a bit strange seeing the same girl playing the younger version of Garner's character in 13 Going on 30 and in Ghosts of Girlfriend's past (and both characters' names are similar: Jenna and Jenny). I guess they really liked her for the role the first time around, so why not make her play the younger version of Garner again (with similar horrible 80's clothes).

Overall, The story is incredibly cynical which is unlike most chick flicks. I feel as though this movie was refreshing and I understand that there will be a lot of people that disagree with me but I thoroughly enjoyed this film.