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The movie Fool's Gold stars Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Donald Sutherland, and a few lesser-known actors. It is a funny ~ if somewhat unrealistic ~ romantic comedy that is for the most part enjoyable.

The story begins with Ben and Tess about to finalize a divorce that neither of them really wants, but Tess has found necessary since Ben is unable to make ~ let alone keep ~ commitments. Their eight years of marriage have been filled with passion, both for each other and for diving lost wrecks. Tess's love of research and Ben's love of adventure have combined to form a mutual drive to find a particular long-lost wreck from the 1700's. What ensues after Ben attempts to win Tess back with his claims to more information regarding the wreck, is a humorous and even exciting adventure ~ even if it is a bit predictable.

The cast of characters leaves something to be desired, as the plot is, for all practical purposes, held together by Hudson and McConaughey. Sutherland, a well-seasoned veteran and all-around favorite, plays well his supporting role, but his part in the movie seems almost to be a plot on the side, a story happening independently of and with little relation to the main plot. Alexis Dziena convincingly portrays his spoiled and self-centered daughter, who, by the end of the story, learns at least the meaning and value of... something. But again, she is part of the little side story constructed around Sutherland's character.

Fool's Gold is getting, for the majority, very negative, crushing reviews. For this reason, I was somewhat hesitant to see the movie, but I couldn't resist another Hudson-McConaughey experience. I'm glad I went, and I'm equally glad I took with me the attitude that I did: one of an expectation of fun, relaxation, and some predictability. As long as one does not walk through the theatre doors expecting the next Citizen Kane, s/he will not be disappointed. This is a light comedy and sets the atmosphere for little more than a fun time away from the rest of the world.

And it must be mentioned that Hudson and McConaughey have an on-screen chemistry comparable to that of Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. This in itself makes the movie well worth the fifteen bucks for ticket, popcorn, and soda.

3 out of 5 stars

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