“Something Borrowed” is just another cliche romantic comedy

By Juliana Hoft
Staff Writer

Another classic chick flick has found its way to theaters. “Something Borrowed,” directed by Luke Greenfield, is full of puzzling romances, hidden secrets and not much else. Acting and direction stand alone as the positive points in this disappointing film.

“Something Borrowed” is a romantic comedy about a thirty-year-old woman named Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), who has a crush on her best friend’s fiancé, Dex (Colin Egglesfield). Rachel confesses her love to Dex and, in return, he confesses his untold love to her, with only a few months before the wedding. To make things all the more complicated, Rachel’s best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is secretly cheating on Dex with Marcus (Steve Howey), while Dex is cheating on Darcy with Rachel.

“Something Borrowed” has little more to show for itself than cliché drama. Even its title hints at the unoriginal plot line of secret love affairs. Additionally, the complicated and tangled love affairs made the film very difficult to follow.

This movie does not live up to the book it was based on. Emily Giffin’s novel is better because it focuses on the pressure for single women in their thirties to get married instead of on the drama and cliché of secret romances.

Hudson’s performance was at least a minor saving grace for this film. Her portrayal of the wild, bubbly Darcy contrasted with Goodwin’s more reserved and serious depiction of Rachel, and both of these actresses were perfect choices for the roles they filled.

The directing of the movie was also excellent and unique. The movie would flash back from time to time to memories that Rachel had of her first time meeting Dex in college. These flashbacks added to the character development of Rachel and helped the viewer to better understand her true feelings for Dex.

“Something Borrowed” is perfect for those who love chick flicks, but others probably would not consider it worth the pricey cost of a theater ticket. “Something Borrowed” is rated PG-13 and is playing at the Arclight Theaters in El Segundo.