Movie Review: Something Borrowed

After weeks of high anticipation, the romantic comedy “Something Borrowed” finally made its premiere in theater this weekend. Based on the 2005 bestselling novel by Emily Griffin of the same title, the chick flick garnered the interest of female viewers who were either already fans of the book or just looking to watch an easy-going movie.

“Something Borrowed” generated buzz for boasting an A-list cast that include Kate Hudson (“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”), Colin Egglesfield (“Gilmore Girls”), Ginnifer Godwin (“Big Love”), and John Krasinski (“The Office”) with Hilary Swank (“Million Dollar Baby”) as producer.

Hudson and Godwin take on the role of two unlikely best friends with different personalities. Darcy (Hudson) is the typical have-everything bubbly girl about to get married to fiancé Dex (Egglesfield). Constantly living in her shadow is best friend Rachel (Godwin), playing the role of the ultimate good girl, frequently sacrificing herself to please the larger-than-life Darcy.

Things take a turn for the worse when after a night of drinking, Rachel and Dex, Rachel’s longtime crush sleep together which leads to an even bigger problem as both admit to liking each other. Adding to the drama is Ethan (Kraninski), Rachel’s confidante who also has a secret of his own.

Though possessing well known stars, the movie has not received raving praises with some critics seeing the rom-com as lacking substance. Posted on Rotten Tomatoes, Chris Hewitt of St. Paul Pioneer Press writes, “‘Something Borrowed’ asks the question, ‘Is it possible to pull off a romantic comedy in which you don’t want anyone to end up with anyone else?’ The answer is, ‘No.'”

Undoubtedly, the movie does not contain the intellectual factor or suspense that some movies provide, but that is clearly expected of a rom-com.   The flick however does provide comedic relief at needed points, and a set drama that is resolved in the end which, to some viewers, is all they want.