"Something Borrowed" 1/5 Pitchforks May 6
Though I consider myself to be a person who seeks out the good in things, "Something Borrowed" is a film in which little good can be sought out. Based on Emily Giffin’s novel and adapted by Jennie Snyder, Something Borrowed unravels as a comedy of errors in which miscommunications and shallow plot result in a waste of your time and money. There is an audience for it as a "girls’ night out" choice, but even then, it’s too long and most of the characters are too irritating.
Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a giving and dependable friend, and, discontentedly, still single — as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is incessantly pointing out. But after celebrating her 30th birthday, the always good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in the bedroom with the guy she's had a crush on since law school, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), who also just happens to be Darcy's fiancé. As things culminate and snowball in the hectic weeks leading up to Darcy's wedding, Rachel finds herself in the most difficult situation: choosing between her cherished friendship with Darcy and the love of her life. Meanwhile, Ethan (John Krasinski), Rachel's steady confidante and moral reminder, is actively evading the affectionate clutches of Darcy's desperately love-struck friend Claire (Ashley Williams) while he harbors his own secret crush of his own. Also, the charismatic and unruly Marcus (Steve Howey) has eyes for Rachel (and any other attractive woman).
To boil this down, Darcy loves Dex; Claire loves Ethan; Ethan loves Rachel; Rachel loves Dex. Obnoxiously complicated much? The dialogue is abundantly supplied with "OMG" and "Whatever" as well as some lines, such as "You are home to me." The characters did little for me, as well: Darcy is a twit and Rachel is a victim, while Dex is ineffective and Claire is brainless. The scene when secrets are exposed during beach volleyball has great comical potential, but it ends abruptly before it can get interesting.
Darcy and Dex are about to be married, but we are not shown any good reason for that development. In terms of their relationship, there isn't one. There is nothing to show them as a solid, compatible couple in any way. And then one night Rachel and Dex “reunite,” setting up the plot for a chick flick that is only for the least demanding or for those in an incredibly desperate craving for a rom-com.
As always, John Krasinski is lovable and humorous. Although the girls get most of the screen time, Krasinski as goofy, yet straightforward Ethan is the best and most thoroughly enjoyable part of the film. Rachel and Dex bothers Ethan, Rachel's real true friend, with their indecisive dithering around each other, and he's lucky enough to get to say it out loud. As the audience, we aren't given the chance to though we wish we were. The romantic troubles of the synthetic characters in synthetic situations quickly become uninteresting. Perhaps the novel works better.
Reach the reporter at mgrichar@asu.edu
