At the Movies with Fatwayne

This reminds me of Bill Murray’s movie Scrooged. Here we have a successful photographer, Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) who is up to his eyebrows in beautiful models and actresses who all want his “attention”. He is the kind of guy who wants to play the field and really doesn’t believe in love and settling down with one woman. In fact, he seems convinced that he is leading the perfect life.

His success with women comes partly from the influence and teachings of his now dead Uncle Wayne (Michael Douglas), who raised him from childhood. It would seem that Uncle Wayne doesn’t want Connor to end up old and lonely like he did. Uncle Wayne steps in and, with the help of other ghosts, gives him a tour of his life from the past, to the present and into the future. Does this sound vaguely familiar?

Aside from this familiarity, forget about Scrooged and other movies of this ilk. What saves this film is the story with offers a lot of humor and one of the most enjoyable ensemble cast ever put together.

Connor’s younger brother, Paul (Brecklin Meyer) is getting married and, despite his older brother’s reputation, wants him to stand as his best man. Connor is concerned that his brother is making a mistake getting married and at first tries to talk him out of it. In general, Connor makes a horrendous mess of things including the hilarious demolition of the wedding cake. His obvious male chauvinist pig attitude and the fact that he has been sexually involved with just about all of the bridesmaids make for some difficult times for the bride and groom to be. It is a  whole different story for us, however, as we watch Connor screw everything up.

Remember the ghosts I mentioned earlier? Well they pay Connor a visit and through their efforts, succeed in showing him the errors of his ways. Is it too late for Connor to save the wedding and win his one true love or has too much water passed under the bridge?

Let’s talk some more about the cast. Matthew McConaughey is totally convincing as the Lothario with his million dollar smile and smooth seductive voice. Michael Douglas is a hoot as Uncle Wayne and is fun to watch as he passes on his “gift” to Connor. One of my favorite actresses, Anne Archer,  is terrific as Vonda Volkom (mother of the bride). She can still steal a scene by her beauty alone not to mention her splendid acting skills. Her handling of Connor’s lecherous come ons are great. Robert Forster plays Sgt.Volkom, the brides father, who is still reliving his glory days in the Marine Corp. I had to laugh at his depiction of the wedding party at the rehearsal! Jennifer Garner (Jenny Perotti), Lacey Chabert (Sandra) and Emma Stone (Allison Vendermeersh) all add to the charm and humor of this movie.

I liked it and I hope that you give it a chance to entertain you also. To view a lot of funny and touching quotes go to     http://www.tvmoviequotes.com/ghostsofgirlfriendspast.htm

Rating  – PG13 -

Fatwayne’s rating  –  -