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GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Emma Stone, Michael Douglas, Breckin Meyer, Lacey Chabert and Robert Forster

Directed by: Mark Waters

Rated PG-13 for sexual content throughout, some language and a drug reference

By John Delia

Having seen the trailer for this chick flick I was expecting another bomb by McConaughey, but was pleasantly surprised by the storyline, acting and direction of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. The film is fun, sexy and entertaining.

The film centers on Connor Mead (McConaughey) a celebrity photographer who’s on top of the world when it comes to his job and love life. All his models fall at his feet and in bed. His brother Paul (Meyer), who he had to raise since childhood when their parents were killed, is just the opposite. Paul is getting married to his dream girl and much to her chagrin has invited the wild bachelor Connor to their wedding.

From the moment of his arrival on the night before the wedding Connor starts putting a damper on the festivities. His bachelor persona has taken him over and he tries to make a mockery of marriage. There is only one thing standing in his path to destroying his brothers wedding however, his childhood sweetheart, Jenny (Garner).

If you can get past the course the script takes which draws off the likes of Scrooge or The Christmas Story, then this very funny film becomes very enjoyable to watch. The story involves three ghosts, a ghost from Connor’s past, present and future. But what save the trite idea are the ghosts themselves. The Past is played by a hilarious Emma Stone who was Connor’s first coming of age experience. Stone pulls off a great performance taking Connor through some scary times when he was a nerd and reminding him that there was a time that he loved. The other two ghosts are fun as well and present Connor’s over zealous present and his possible depressing future.

Michael Douglas proves to be the right choice for Uncle Wayne the model for which Connor crafted his girl attracting skills. Uncle Wayne adds the right touch to the script with his dashing and debonair charm and wit.

There are some downsides to the film, one being some silliness involving the wedding cake, so it’s not the best comedy of the year thus far. But direction by Waters saves the film from going over the brink.

Although the film is rated PG-13 please note that it has sexual content throughout, some language and a drug reference so be cautious to this fact if you are bringing rug rats along.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A good flick for the chicks and some good fun for the guys. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)