As the old saying goes, something old, something new, Something Borrowed, something blue. This film cleverly takes its name from the old wedding traditions. The conflict in this romantic comedy is the item that has been borrowed. It seems the bride (Kate Hudson) has borrowed the groom (Colin Egglesfield) from her best friend (Ginnifer Goodwin).
While this film does fit in the world of romantic comedies it is really more of a romantic dramedy. The film definitely has its funny moments but the real thrust is the drama caused by the situation rather than the comedy of it. Dex the groom and Rachel the best friend meet in college at NYU law school years earlier.
Dex and Rachel work together all through school and upon graduation comes a celebratory dinner. Clearly the couple like each other but neither has yet to make a clear move so their relationship is stuck in the "only friends" stage. Just when Dex is likely to make his move, Rachel's dominant, knows what she wants friend Darcy enters the fray.
Darcy puts Dex on the spot by telling him to ask Rachel out. Rachel jumps in to say they are only friends. Then without really giving them opportunity to think things through or react properly she tells him to ask her out instead. Fearful to go after what he really wants Dex falls in line with Darcy's overbearing manner and soon finds himself engaged to the wrong woman.
Cast Performance
Hudson, who seems to be type cast as a bride for the most part in recent films does a great job as usual. But she does come from solid stock, namely her mother Goldie Hawn. Ginnifer Goodwin is brilliant as the shy and reserved Rachel, an intelligent woman with a heart of gold who is trampled on by her selfish friend.
Colin Egglesfield gives a strong showing as the under confident groom. Rounding out the primary cast members is John Krasinski. He plays Ethan, Rachel and Darcy's boyhood friend. He is Rachel's true confidante and spends his time trying to get Rachel to stand up to Darcy and gain back the man that should be hers.
Final Analysis
Something Borrowed is a solidly made film with a clever title and a well executed classic plot. There was nothing that stood out technically, which is always good in that nothing was wrong from the standpoint of production value. Overall it was a believable film. If you like romantic comedies or are a Kate Hudson fan this is a good film for you to see.
Rated PG-13
Running Time: 112 mins
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