Duo à trois

This is a pretty good example of a modern romantic comedy. It's less of a comedy but enjoyable nonetheless, made that way by the star, Ginnifer Goodwin.

I can say that this is the first film where I have decided to buy a ticket based solely on the presence in it of Ginnifer Goodwin. I wasn't disappointed. She is luminous in most of the scenes she's in - and there are a lot of them considering she's the central character. She's never looked more alluring, more beautiful. But it's her delivery of the material that's the most satisfying. She is just a truly wonderful actress and she breathes real life into the part of Rachel, making us truly her ally in helping her achieve success and happiness.

Goodwin is solidly backed by the lovely Kate Hudson as Darcy. Hudson is in perhaps her best performance as an over the top, somewhat obnoxious, intellectually challenged, manic blond filled with an almost mean-spirited, selfish self-interest. She is on the border of mercilessly taunting Goodwin's character in much of the film and Goodwin, playing ever the gracious friend, puts up with her friends excesses. The graciousness meets it's biggest challenge when her college study mate Dex, played by Colin Egglesfield, is swept out from under Rachel by the overbearing Darcy, who always gets what she wants.

The interplay between these two actresses is a definite cut above the usual silliness of romantic comedies and Goodwin comes off looking much the better of the two, but that may be partly due to the greater sympathetic nature of her character. If you really watch Hudson she's riveting in places.

The men in this offering, Egglesfield, John Krasinski and Steve Howey do their level best to provide counterpoint to the two leading ladies, but ultimately it's all about the girls. Krasinski is the most watchable, and likely the better actor but Howey adds some oddball charm that also makes it a better film. At one point Hudson refers to him as a caveman; that's an apt description.

Finally, there is a character named Claire played to a turn by the terminally cute Ashley Williams. She's fun to watch.

All-in-all it's a good movie to take your favorite girl to.

By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/

I have been a fan of romantic comedies ever since I could remember. I just love the feeling that I get when I see happy endings not only in movies but also in real life. So when this movie came out, I immediately grabbed my friend to watch this because I couldn't hold my curiosity any longer. Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski, and a Tom Cruise look alike that is Colin Egglesfield, very intimidating cast, yes? This is a very light romantic comedy, definitely not the most original one too cos its very predictable and like I said, very light. I love John Kransinski for the most part because he's the character that's in between everyone else, retaining the balance of the movie. I just find his sarcasm very charming, especially towards Darcy, although I'm not sure what started this sort of "feud" between the two (haven't read the book). What I don't get though is how Darcy doesn't notice this thing between Rachel and Dex, until towards the end of the movie. Anyway, I still think the movie is lovely and a must watch for those of you out there who are hopelessly romantic! Its such a feel good movie that will leave you with one thing on your face. A smile! :) Happy viewing!

Overall I can see why this movie got bad reviews and wasn't a hit. The story is more painful and unpleasant than entertaining. The characters are not interesting and you don't feel for any of them especially Ginnifer's character who isn't very endearing. She falls in love with her best friend's fiancé - what's to like? It is a waste of a good cast. Colin isn't that hot that he is so out of Ginnifer's league. Kate's character is slightly irritating. And John's is just plain lame. The missed opportunity is a bit of a silly thing to be a central story line. Don't bother with this one even if you are a fan of the actors - it's just a silly story about nothing much. It's a movie that didn't have to be made.

Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Darcy (Kate Hudson) are life long friends. Dex (Colin Egglesfield) was Rachel's college friend when Darcy budded in. Now Darcy and Dex are about to get married. But Rachel still has feelings for Dex and they sleep together.

This movie has 2 problems and 1 great positive.

Colin Egglesfield is a horribly bland lead. It's unbelievable that two great girls are battling over him. John Krasinski is an infinitely better lead. There are countless others that would be a vast improvement. Although Krasinski and Ashley Williams have some funny jokes.

Second problem is that Rachel jumped into bed with Dex so early. It puts her in a moral deficit right off the bat. It makes rooting for her next to impossible.

The one great positive is Ginnifer Goodwin. She pulls off the impossible by being such a sweetheart. I can't help but root for her no matter what. I don't think the movie people actually questioned the premise. At least, they could have given GG the moral high grounds.

I honestly really enjoyed this movie. It's probably the most morally conflicting romcom you'll ever watch. None of the characters are pure good or pure evil. You dislike and like all the characters (except Ethan, he's a charm). It deals with infidelity, lying, betrayal, etc. The friendship dynamic between Rachel and Darcy actually reminded me a lot of my own friendship in high school. So trust me when I say people like Darcy exist. And it's draining to be their friend. They're always there for you and praise you, but somehow it's also always about them. I saw so many people being irritated by Rachel, but guess WHAT? People like her EXIST. The character isn't written poorly or exaggerated. I guess I liked this movie so much because it IS reality. And I liked this movie because it's not a clear cut "she was wrong" or "he was wrong". It's about a girl who was always second to her best friend, basically wasted her twenties, and finally put herself first in the end. So, yeah. Don't watch this if you wanted a light hearted romcom. But I loved it because I felt like it accurately portrayed life.