Some viewers think rom-coms are cheesy and overly romanticized, but there are some funny and iconic gems that are definitely worth watching. “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” which would be a perfect watch during this Valentine’s season or any time you’re looking for a hilarious classic film, is one of them.
Released in 2003, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” directed by Donald Petrie and starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, is a witty movie with a comical twist on the typical rom-com formula. The movie has a runtime of one hour and 50 minutes, and is available for streaming on Apple TV, Youtube/Youtube TV, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Set in New York City in the early 2000s, two young and career driven professionals come together, but with completely different motives and their own secrets.
Andie Anderson (Hudson), a writer and “how-to” girl for Composure Magazine, embarks on a new assignment inspired by her friend Jeannie, who is in a difficult relationship because she tends to be excessively clingy. To prove a point, Andie finds a guy to drive away by being needy and “only using the classic mistakes women make,” journaling her experiences and his reactions for a new funny article titled “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”
Meanwhile, Benjamin Barry (McConaughey) is a charming, yet arrogant advertising executive that makes a bet with his competitive coworkers that he can make a woman fall in love with him within ten days before his company’s exclusive and jewelry-filled diamond party, the “Frost Yourself” Gala. Ben, of course, randomly selects Andie at a bar as a part of the bet and the hijinx ensues.
Andie and Ben begin seeing each other and going on dates, with each trying to meet their own goals and neither truly looking for love. Andie progressively begins to intensify her clingy efforts, featuring key comical scenes like giving Ben a “love fern,” making a photoshopped “future family album” and crashing his boys’ poker night.
Through their intersecting motives –Andie’s ridiculous efforts to drive Ben away and be a “terrible girlfriend” for her article and Ben’s revealed patience and devotion to be a “good boyfriend” to secure his bet– their story creates tension and a well-rounded plot. The characters’ interactions are full of humour and sarcasm, but have great chemistry throughout the film.
The character development and chemistry are especially immaculate. The story ties into Ben and Andie’s professions, as they are both career-oriented individuals with career-based motives to be with each other, making the story intriguing and giving the characters more context and lore. In addition, their smoothly executed mutual manipulation adds drama and engagement to the story. All this builds to a dramatic climax, with Andie saying, “You can’t lose something you never had,” leaving viewers hooked on the intense scene.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” also has a flawless 2000’s “classic movie” vibe with a busy NYC setting and a focus on Ben and Andie’s work environments, which are also vastly different and distinct. Every scene is filled with bold 2000’s fashion: slip dresses, low-rise jeans, crop-tops and more. And of course, we can’t forget about Andie’s famously iconic yellow dress.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is one of the most iconic and famous rom-coms, but with its competition and manipulation, it adds an intentionally unique twist that goes against the typical grain. With the chemistry of the characters, the unique and well-rounded plot, the drama and time capsule of the classic 2000s vibe, this movie is definitely worth a watch or re-watch, getting a 8.5/10 from me. So, if you’re looking for a classic and amusing rom- com movie, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is an amazing choice!
Rating: 8.5/10
Running time: 1 hour and 56 minutes
