Today’s quick review: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Fashion photographer Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) has always looked out for one person in love: himself. His charms have gotten the better of countless women, and he has left just as many broken hearts behind. Now, on the weekend of his brother Paul’s (Brekin Meyer) wedding, the ghosts of his past relationships come to remind him how he lost the one woman he truly loved: Jenny (Jennifer Garner).
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is a romantic comedy about a man haunted by his callous choices in love. Matthew McConaughey stars as Connor, a suave player whose years of womanizing have robbed him of any deeper connections in life. The timely advice of his dead uncle (Michael Douglas) and an unwilling trip down memory lane give Connor the chance to change his ways. Light, consistent humor and a dash of fantasy make the movie a fun ride from start to finish.
Matthew McConaughey carries the movie. His performance walks the line between caddish and charming, a seemingly irredeemable jerk who has an undeniable way with people. This makes it easy to like Connor at any stage of his journey. His early cynicism is offset by his unshakable confidence, while his grudging transformation brings out his better qualities as a person. Connor also strikes a good balance comedically, giving as good as he gets.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past backs him up with a creative premise and solid overall execution. Jennifer Garner grounds out McConaughey nicely as Jenny, a childhood friend of Connor’s who calls him out on his bad behavior. Connor’s ghostly visitations lead to some fun humor as he revisits his greatest triumphs and failures. And to the movie’s credit, it resists the temptation to trash Connor completely, instead giving him his due for the virtues he has.
The catch is that Ghosts of Girlfriends Past will only appeal to viewers who like its specific combination of elements. The movie isn’t as sentimental as lots of romantic comedies, and Connor’s relationship with Jenny takes a back seat to his growth as an individual. The fantasy elements are arguably overkill for the lessons Connor needs to learn, sacrificing some of the movie’s emotional grounding for the sake of some more jokes.
Overall, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is a fun watch that makes good on its promises, but that may not scratch the romcom itch for some viewers. There’s nothing revolutionary about its premise, romance, or humor, but sound execution and a few creative ideas are enough to please those interested in what it has to offer. Those who dislike either of its leads or would prefer a more relationship-oriented romance may want to steer clear.
For a walk through a man’s romantic history, try High Fidelity. For another romantic comedy about a charmer falling in love, try Hitch. For another fantasy comedy about a rude man learning to change his ways, try Groundhog Day. For a more domestic movie about a man learning the benefits of monogamy, try The Family Man.
5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for light, simple entertainment.