I really wanted to like this movie.  However, the bad writing stole my ability to overlook the cliches and bad directing.  It seemed like such a winning combination.  Matthew McConaughey has become a staple in the chick flick genre.  He’s got the looks, the cheeky smile and the comic timing to be the fixer upper lead man that every woman wants to love.  Jennifer Garner is the quintessential girl next door.  Even with Michael Douglas playing a pre-Catherine version of himself, the cast can’t save this film.

The premise is a good one.  A little like What Women Want combined with Failure to Launch. However the plot is rushed, and you’re never given a chance to believe that the relationship between the leads is enough to make this playboy change his spots.  Even the supporting actors seem to miss the mark.  The attempts at setting up tear jerker moments seem contrived and don’t add any credibility to the fact that Connor Mead is worth saving.  Adding to the lack of authenticity of the roles is the fact that Mead is the same last name as Ugly Betty’s lead men which, for those of us that watch a lot of film and television, adds further distraction.

Jennifer Garner is the only saving grace in this film.  It’s hard not to like her, despite the terrible script.  She brings a certain charm to her scenes and definitely upstages those around her.  It’s hard not to envy Ben Affleck his good fortune in calling this woman his wife.  Yet her performance alone is not enough to save this film.

Hollywood needs to stop insulting the romance lovers with this formulaic attempt to make money by trading on big names.  It takes a lot more then a great set of dimples to make an endearing chick flick.  If you can, wait till it comes to the small screen.  It’s easier to be more forgiving of this films failings when you’re not paying $18 for a ticket, plus $30 for a drink and popcorn!

(Those stars belong to Jennifer Garner!)