Fool's Gold (2008)

Sluggish Treasure Hunting Adventure Romance

I know "Fool's Gold" is supposed to be mindless fun. The treasure-seeking story doesn't have to be believable as long as the film is fun to watch. I liked Matthew McConaughey's "Sahara" for what it was: good, clean fun of watching our hero doing what he is expected to do. I'm sorry to say this, but for me "Fool's Gold" turned out a disappointing entry from Matthew McConaughey who deserves a much better film.

Matthew McConaughey is a treasure hunter Finn, who is rather single-mindedly pursuing his dream - a Spanish ship loaded with gold, which has been lost for 300 years off the coast of Florida. Kate Hudson is his wife Tess, now divorcing him as she wants a new life in college. The story is all too familiar, but not bad. However, Andy Tennant, usually a competent director (whose CV includes "Hitch" and "Ever After") tells the story in an awfully slow and confusing way.

"Fool's Gold" tries to be an action-adventure-comedy-romance, but it becomes none of them. There really isn't much thrilling action to speak of, let alone thrilling adventures. To make matters worse, there isn't much comedy or romance either. The film suffers contrived situations, confusing subplots and lack of style. The action/adventures become abruptly violent as characters get shot in the foot or harpooned in the thigh. Romance or love-hate relationship of Tess and Finn doesn't convince as they talk a lot about treasures and love, but either character (with their long, boring dialogues) doesn't really look serious about what he or she is talking about.

Both stars look great, it is true, and they are clearly having a good time. But Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, formerly seen together as the leads of a romantic comedy "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," does not have enough on-screen chemistry together to make us really care. Probably they are not to be blamed, but the weak script is, as it contains so many detracting factors. Stereotypical characters--Ewen Bremmer as British sidekick; Donald Sutherland as eccentric billionaire and Kevin Hart as murderous gangster (or rap star), etc--do not help, nor lack of coherent storyline that goes on and on, not knowing where to go. And as to the annoying, bikini-clad "Gemma Honeycutt" character, what can I say?

"Fool's Gold" is a missed opportunity. It could have been more enjoyable like "Romancing the Stone," which was fun with two likable leads (and their charisma as stars), beautiful locations and story full of adventures. "Fool's Gold" has all these things, but still fails to be entertaining, which is the greatest flaw. November 22, 2008

Funny

This is a cute movie but has some scenes that are too explicit for me. Matt and Kate are funny and romantic at the same time. November 20, 2008

Disappointing.

I was very disappointed with this movie. Did not care for it at all. Tired old treasure hunt movie and the dialogue was very poor. November 16, 2008

Fool's Gold Synopsis

Fool's Gold (Widescreen Edition) This movie does what is was intended to do ENTERTAIN! Matthew McConaughey has charismatic charm that is appealing to the ladies and Kate Hudson has the seductive and witty magnetism much like her mother, although she is her own person. Brilliant pair!

Wonderfully, energetic, comical and the story line address how humans interact as the opposite sex share a battle of the wits. I so look forward to another entertaining romance comedy by Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in the near future. October 21, 2008

OK - Nothing Special

This movie was good - but nothing exceptional - disappointed with movie - the first by these stars I thought was great and this was below my expectations. Would watch once - but personally would not advise to buy it - just borrow or rent. October 17, 2008

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