| Review:
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Apparently, people do really stupid things when they
turn thirty. That's exactly what Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin),
a good girl attorney does in this attempt at a romantic
comedy, "Something Borrowed". After a drunken night partying
with her best friend since childhood, Darcy (Kate Hudson)
and Darcy's fiance, Dex (Colin Egglestfield), Rachel wakes
up to find herself sharing a bed with Dex. They share a
slightly sorted past as it is. Rachel was in love with Dex
in law school and accidentally encouraged him to ask out
Darcy. He did, despite his own feelings for Rachel. The
relationship then snowballed into a long engagement. For
years, Rachel kept her feelings secret, but as she learns
of Dex's feelings for her, the pair continue to fall into
bed behind Darcy's back. Will they end up together, eventually
breaking the heart of Darcy? Or will they swallow their
feelings like they've been for the past few years? ***
With that premise, one can't help but feel a sense of
deja vu. It's the basic plot to eight out of ten romantic
comedies released with a few addendums. Rachel is a whiny
doormat, who is incapable of standing up for herself throughout
the entire run of them film. Darcy is annoying, obnoxious,
and shallow. It is difficult to believe these girls were
able to remain friends over their lifetimes. In fact, aside
from the adorable dance scene in Rachel's apartment, I saw
no evidence of any real kind of friendship. Dex is so much
like Rachel, it's sad. We are expected to root for these
two people who are hurting their friend/fiance, and we are
expected to think it's okay because Darcy is such a horrible
person. But when they themselves, aren't likable, it's a
complete stretch to try and care.***
The writers missed a wonderful opportunity in Goodwin
and John Krasinski, who plays Rachel's best friend, Ethan,
and who really needs more screen time. The pair literally
light up the screen in the all too brief moments they share.
A film centering around the two of them would have been
incredible, instead of this cheating mess we are left with.
***
Image & Sound:
Not much to say here. The transfer was done well, managing
to avoid any marks, scratches, or bands. The colors are
vivid and while the contrast seems to shift a little, it
is barely noticeable. As for the audio quality, it isn't
extraordinary, but it serves the purpose well enough.***
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| Special
Features: |
"Something Borrowed" comes with a decent enough spread
of special features, none of which are extremely profound,
though, most of them are quite cleverly named. Depending
on the version one chooses to get, a digital copy of the
film and a DVD version may also be added to the list. "On
Location Tours" is a short featurette with Author Emily
Griffin. It is basically a book club on a bus that also
talks about that movie. "Inside 'Something Borrowed" is
a very, very short featurette that uses clips and a bit
of behind-the-scenes footage to talk about the film. The
most endearing feature offered is the too short "Something
Old?" where the cast and crew (including the oh-so-charming
John Krasinski) reflect on turning the big 3-0. "What is
'Something Borrowed'" is a lot like the featurette prior,
except instead of talking about getting old, the cast discuss
the meanings and such of the film's namesake. "Left of the
Guest List" is the aptly titled gathering of deleted scenes,
which make you super glad they were left off the guest list.
A gag reel and "Marcus' Guide to the Ladies" are also featured.
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