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Fool's Gold
In theaters February 8th 2008
action violence, some sexual material, brief nudity and
language
Run Time: 100 min
Matt's rating - 4 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
Diving into the new film from director Andy Tennant
(Hitch) I found that what lay below was much more
than the romantic comedy I was expecting. Fool's
Gold is as much and actually more an action filled
adventure with a little romance sprinkled in. A film that
could have just as easily been titled Sahara II it is
filled with hidden treasure and exploration on the deep
clear blue. Sure it doesn't have that Bruckheimer
touch that makes films like Pirates and National
Treasure colossal blockbusters. But when it comes to
wit, likeable characters, and exciting adventure, don't
be fooled into thinking Fool's Gold is anything short of
a grand ride. Still the fact that it is more adventure than
romance doesn't take it off the Valentine radar. This is
the perfect date movie for the cupid holiday season. I
just ask the wives to realize that we can't all look like
McConaughey at his age.
Matthew McConaughey (Ben 'Finn' Finnegan) and
Kate Hudson (Tess Finnegan) pair up as a couple on
the verge of divorce, her idea not his, who are thrown
together for one last shot at a treasure that has eluded
them for years. The problem is that Ben is broke and
Tess is tired of putting up with his surfer boy mentality
and presumed lack of responsibility. Ben has to
persuade Multi millionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald
Sutherland) to fund the exploration while staying a
step ahead of the last person he borrowed money
from. In this case a gangster rapper called BiggBunny
(Kevin Hart). Yet he still doesn't understand why Tess
would want a divorce. Throw in a few other hunters
who want the treasure and you have quite the fast
paced adventure.
In the vain of Hepburn and Tracy or Doris Day and
Rock Hudson; Kate and Matthew are the perfect
onscreen couple. They just look as if they belong
together. The camera loves them and for good
reason. Even when they argue on screen it seems as
if they have been doing it as husband and wife for
years. This comfortableness allows the viewer to relax
and enjoy the story. The entire cast works well in this
film. No one is there for filler and each brings a little
something to the script. The only issue I had was that
there were so many characters. At times you have to
regroup and figure out who is who. It is not largely
distracting but I did notice it. Alexis Dziena almost
steals the film as HoneyCutt's daughter Gemma. A
dingy socialite who grew up on shopping and leisure.
And from the looks of her, very little food. But she is
hilarious and adds an off the wall side character that
is unique and refreshing.
Fool's Gold is rated PG-13 for action violence, some
sexual material, brief nudity and language. The nudity
is less than brief and most will probably miss it. But it
is there. The violence is rougher than National
Treasure and you have quite a bit of gun play and fist
fights. But as with most action comedies no one can
hit anything no matter how many times they fire. The
main content problem I had was the language.
Though void of the one allowed F bomb there are
several expletives peppered through the entire script.
Still, a pretty tame and enjoyable film for anyone 14
and over. I must say I truly enjoyed this film. Again,
don't let the idea of another romantic comedy fool you.
Dive in and enjoy the ride. I give it 4 out of 5 spins
around the bay.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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