Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

UK Release: 1st May 2009

Watched on Recorded TV: Tuesday 1st November 2011

Rating: 12

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Runtime: 1hr 40mins

Tagline: You can't always run from your past

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Connor Mead, a successful fashion photographer and a Lothario keen on casual sex, goes to his younger brother's wedding to convince him not to marry. He arrives at his dead uncle's estate during the rehearsal the night before the wedding; he starts in, taking his brother aside, trashing marriage. Later in the men's room, his uncle, who taught Connor all he knows about women, appears to him, confesses to have been wrong, and tells Connor that three ghosts will visit him that night: the ghosts of girlfriends past, present, and future. Connor has already set the breakup in motion. Can he learn anything from his life and fix what he's broken?

My Review: As the sun sets on my last day of childhood, I’m leaving my review for Contagion for tomorrow as a birthday treat for myself. For now, let’s take a look at this romantic comedy mush which, as much as it can irritate me, I can’t help but love. Not that I love this film though, however. I liked the ‘fantasy’ element of the different ghosts and Emma Stone was fantastic as the ghost of Connor Mead’s past, wacky 16 year old Allison Vandermeersh. She gets a surprisingly amount of screen time and considering her small role she definitely stands out as being the naturally funniest character. Matthew McConaughey, the standard Rom-Com lead (who I adore in How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days), is a little tired here, perhaps getting to old to play the bachelor, although credit to the film trying, vaguely to explore that. It felt a bit of a cop-out of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but added exploring Connor’s past added depth to his character and, for a rom-com, he is actually quite a developed character. It’s a shame Jennifer Garner’s character, Connor’s ‘love of his life’ couldn’t be more likeable. She was a bit stiff and too predictable for my liking, but the film is all about character and his progression as a person which was quite refreshing to see. For a rom-com, there isn’t that much typical romance. The mushy stuff was provided by Connor’s brother played by Breckin Meyer and his fiancee played by Lacey Chabert, whose on-off romance was the catalyst for Connor’s life change. I must mention Michael Douglas guest role too as Connor’s bachelor uncle, who we see giving a few lessons to the young Connor. He, along with Emma Stone were mightily funny and the films worth watching just for them! However predictable the plot is and mediocre the acting, it was an interesting take on Dickens’ famous tale and an enjoyable watch for curling up in front of the fire with. 

Score: 6.5/10