Genre: Comedy/Adventure
Director: Andy Tennant
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, Donald Sutherland, Ewen Bremner, Alexis Dziena, Kevin Hart, Ray Winstone
RunTime: 1 hr 52 mins
Released By: Warner Bros
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.onemissedcallmovie.com

Opening Day: 21 February 2008

Synopsis:

Ben “Finn” Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey) is an affable, modern-day treasure hunter who is obsessed with finding the legendary 18th century Queen’s Dowry—40 chests of priceless treasure that was lost at sea in 1715. In his quest, Finn has sunk everything he has, including his marriage to Tess Finnegan (Kate Hudson). Just as Tess has begun to rebuild her life, working aboard a mega-yacht owned by billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland), Finn discovers a vital clue to the treasure’s whereabouts. Much to Tess’ consternation, Finn maneuvers himself aboard Nigel’s yacht and, using his roguish charm, convinces the tycoon and his celebutante daughter, Gemma (Alexis Dziena), to join him in the pursuit of the Spanish treasure. But they are not the only ones after the prize. Finn’s one-time mentor, Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone), and a ruthless local gangster (Kevin Hart) are intent on beating Finn to the prize. Let the treasure hunt begin…

Movie Review:

I have only myself to blame – Instead of keeping fit by going to the gym to work out regularly, I spend most of my free time binging on tidbits, lazing around watching DVDs and choosing my comfortable bed over those running tracks near my residence. Which is why, whenever everybody’s favorite hot stud Matthew McConaughey appears topless in this movie, I can only feel very inferior and imagine my movie partner sniggering at my less-than-perfect built.

Before you accuse me of being unprofessional about my articles, I shall state that the above sentiments do not, in any way, contribute to why this romantic comedy won’t be getting a shining review from me. And we are not even talking about the gold which McConaughey and his screen partner is looking for throughout the movie.

Reuniting on celluloid with the very sporty looking actor is Kate Hudson, who previously starred in Donald Petrie’s How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003). This time, the duo plays a divorced couple who becomes reunited after a newfound clue to a lost treasure is resurfaced. Joining them on this adventure is Donald Sutherland’s (Pride and Prejudice) rich tycoon and his attractive but not-so-smart daughter played by Alexis Dziena (Broken Flowers). And so begins an adventure which stretches for almost two hours in runtime.

But do we really need all 112 minutes of it? So the girls will love McConaughey’s bronzed bod, and the guys will love Hudson’s curvaceous figure. And being a movie that involves treasure hunting on the high seas, expect lots of pretty shots where you see the beautiful waters of Australia. Once in a while, expect brainless jokes which will make you laugh, courtesy of Dziena’s bimbotic character. Unfortunately, these will not be exciting enough to keep you interested for the entire runtime of the movie.

When the plot tries to get serious by explaining a whole theory of how the treasures got into the water, instead of being thrillingly engaging, it became a yawn fest. When the movie gets into high energy mode towards the second half, you do not care so much for the characters that are chased after, kidnapped and bashed. And don’t even talk about the definitely exaggerated and almost ridiculous plot that sees the characters overcoming every other obstacle that comes along their way.

With a story by Daniel Zelman (They Nest) and John Claflin (Anacondas 2), who co-wrote the screen play with the director Andy Tennant (Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama), the movie doesn’t allow sparks to fly between the chemistry-less couple. This is an average date movie that fails to charm. The humorless banter between the McConaughey and Hudson does not perk up much interest. Audiences may be left restless by the one-hour mark. All that’s left is a parade of beautiful bodies amidst the sun-soaked backdrops of Down Under. And it’s just too bad I won’t be seeing myself in such a scenario anytime soon, with all the unfit daily activities I’m torturing my body with.

Movie Rating:

(The average date movie features little chemistry, humorless gags and a lack of focus – but oh, who wouldn’t envy McConaughey and Hudson’s perfect abs?)

Review by John Li