Fool's Gold
Directed by Andy Tennant.
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson and Donald Sutherland.
Starting with the impact of its hilarious opening scenes, I was continuously surprised throughout this movie. I went expecting a cliché romantic comedy, with a dwindling story held together by the charisma of its lead actors. However, I found an easily enjoyable film with laugh-out-loud comedy and a surprisingly absorbing plotline.
Matthew McConaughey is Benjamin "Finn" Finnegan, a treasure hunter desperately searching for a sunken ship which he believes contains the 'Queen's dowry', a legendary treasure lost in the 18th century. He quickly and charismatically enlists the help of his recently divorced ex-wife Tess Finnegan, Kate Hudson, and her billionaire boss Nigel Honeycutt, played by Donald Sutherland. Aided by Honeycutt's funds, the treasure hunt begins. It becomes a race against time when the local crime lord 'Bigg Bunny', played by Kevin Hart, decides he also wants the treasure. Set in Miami, Florida, it was beautifully shot, with exquisite scenery on a remote tropical island and impressive underwater sequences.
As in their last film together (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson have great on-screen chemistry, which adds to the entertaining love/hate relationship between Finn and Tess. Donald Sutherland was another surprise; I didn't expect to see him in such a light comedic film, but he acted the part masterfully and definitely added to the overall enjoyment of the film.
Fool's Gold features a great cast, witty dialogue and gripping plot. Its mixture of adventure, comedy and romance will entertain a wide audience. I'm not claiming that it's the best movie of 2008, but if you take it with an easy-going attitude you'll probably be surprised how much you enjoy it.
I loved this movie, and I'm not ashamed to say it — Four Stars!
Nicola Dowland
