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. You're more there to watch a) McConaughey being shirtless and b) the journey it takes for the characters to get there which in this movie is quite a little funny one. But I must admit despite Garner's performance and the plot's unoriginality, after coming out of the theatre, 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 going to have a bright future in the movie industry. She was hilariously witty and kept the movie light and fun. She was a major comic relief to the horrible scenes of Garner and McConaughey. Michael Douglas (who plays Uncle Wayne) also drops in for some comic relief and does again quite a good job. 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 although you have to sometimes be like "what the heck?" you have to laugh at her insanity. Bridesmaids and ushers were nothing really special and just were there as place holders, but I got a laugh out of the one usher who reminded me of an older McLovin' just by appearance.
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, I thought this movie was a great movie you can sit down with friends and just thoroughly enjoy a good laugh. Don't expect too much romance with the unbearable chemistry between the two leads, but enjoy the supporting cast and what they have to offer.
