Something Borrowed
Ginnifer Goodwin, in typical unassuming and adorable fashion, is the heart of “Something Borrowed,” a romantic comedy based on the bestselling novel by Emily Giffin. Following a well used romantic comedy cliché, Rachel (Goodwin) falls in love with a man who’s unavailable. He also happens to be her former law school friend/crush, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), who is now engaged to her childhood BFF, Darcy (Kate Hudson). Sweet, thoughtful, and a borderline pushover, Rachel is no match for her exuberant and larger-than-life bestie. On the night of her 30th birthday, Rachel finds herself in a compromising situation with Dex bringing old feelings to the surface and inevitably causing complications to arise.
On various trips to the Hamptons, Darcy tries to set Rachel up with obnoxious, laid-back Marcus (Steve Howey) while Rachel tries to come to terms with what’s happening (or not happening) between her and Dex. Fortunately, Rachel and Darcy’s longtime friend, Ethan (John Krasinski) provides well-timed humor and insistent tough love while escaping the aggressive advances of a crazy girl, Claire (Ashley Williams) to make Rachel realize what is worth fighting for. Krasinski doesn’t stray far from his witty Jim character that he plays on NBC’s “The Office”. His bewildered looks and straight shooting advice adds an extra dose of comedy to prevent things from becoming too sappy. His bond with Rachel definitely draws more chemistry than Darcy’s betrothed relationship with Dex, but nothing beats the strong ties of friendship that ultimately hold the movie together.
Hudson, as always, sparkles in the leading/pretty girl role. Except this time it’s Goodwin who has more star power. The actress makes Rachel the girl to root for, hope for and want to hug at various moments in the movie. It’s easy to forget that by falling for her best friend’s man she is technically the other woman who is inching across a line of friendship. It’s easy because Darcy sucks up all the attention without a second thought about whose toes she might be stomping on or whose spirits she might be crushing.
The movie is a breath of fresh air among the most recent movies of the rom-com genre, which have relied heavily on the “grand gesture” moments left all too often to fall flat. “Something Borrowed” has filled the screen with characters to care about and a plot that keeps the story moving even as the final scenes play out. The premise may be recycled, but the message of friendship, honesty and holding out for what you want rings true.