Review of Good Luck Chuck (2007) by Jim H — 12 Jun 2013

A man falls in love just as he realizes that all his exes immediately find happy relationships after they date him.

I find the premise of this film interesting and engaging. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. Rather than crafting a character who has some special insight or unique effect that allows his girlfriends to be emotionally prepared for a real relationship, the film resorts to some voodoo bullshit and devolves into a cliche sex comedy. There are a few moments when Charlie seems to have depth, but throughout most of the film his as plastic as Dane Cook's comedy act.

Cam's character also deserves comment. She serves as a vessel for male interest. And that's all. She has quirks, demonstrated by her klutziness, but she's only klutzy when there's a bit; at all other times, Jessica Alba plays her as cute girl with a confidence and charm that belies the rest of the character. So as often happens, women in romantic comedies are devoid of personality, reduced to objects of male desire.

Overall, this film could have been so good in the right hands, but it's not.