The Timeless “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days” doesn't disappoint

By: Ava Coogan

April 28, 2021

Donald Petrie’s, “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” is quite ironic because what we’re really learning is how to get a guy in 10 days. It’s cheesy, it's romantic, and it’ll have you rolling in fits of laughter. It quite simply checks off all the boxes for a romantic comedy; Donald Petrie didn't need a “How To” for directing a rom com.

Grab some popcorn and admire the New York City fast paced setting that will have you reminiscing about pre-COVID life, and all the opportunities for love the city offers .Enjoy the trip down memory lane and follow the “How To” at your own discretion.

She works for Composure magazine. He works at an ad agency. In an effort to advance her career and cover for her crazy best friend who seems to never be able to keep a guy, Andie Anderson, played by Kate Hudson, pitches a “How To” story idea to her boss, “How to lose a guy in 10 days”. She will seduce a guy and then flip the switch to drive him away in 10 days. In an effort to advance his career, Ben Berry, played by Matthew McConaughey, makes a bet with his boss that he would be able to get any woman to fall in love with him in just 10 days. In return he will move up from advertising sports equipment to the diamond business. Ben and Andie meet later that day, both set on accomplishing their goals.

Andie Anderson works tirelessly to drive Ben Berry away, intruding on boys night, scaring him with baby talk, and making him miss the final minutes of the Knicks playoff game. Ben Berry can’t give up, he must keep coming back and not only try to make things work, but make her love him. From constantly apologizing, doing what she asks of him and even going to couples therapy, they each complete their 10 days. In the mix of it all, they fall in love, complicating their situation more and threatening their career advancements.

The craziness and unhinged behavior of Andie Anderson shows off Hudson’s incredible underrated acting skills. Hudson goes beyond the script and actually improvised a lot of the scenes in the movie. A lot of her iconic one liners she came up with herself. Along with Hudson’s creative freedom, the director, Donald Petrie, would also have both Hudson and McConaughey do things the other wasn't expecting. This really adds to the acting performance and comedic aspect of the film, because the director captured real reactions from each actor..

Beyond the acting, the storyline was unbeatable, even if it was predictable. Two people working to accomplish completely different tasks. One looking to drive the other away and the other working to make them fall in love not only calls for a romantic ending but also creates a comedic storyline. Along with this, the play on words used is fantastic. From Andie Anderson playing a card game of “bullshit” with Ben Berry’s family and stealing his title as all time champion, to Ben Berry using the same word “bullshit” in the final scene to call Andie Anderson out on not loving him. The word in both scenes carries romantic significance for the two as they realize their love for each other, making the movie go full circle.

The simple storyline of “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” will leave you laughing, blushing, and maybe even cringing. If you’re a rom com lover it will definitely satisfy your movie taste and leave you wanting a love of your own like Andie Anderson and Ben Berry. Released in 2003, this generation still appreciates a good rom com, making it timeless. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey never disappoint.

Running time: 116 minutes. Four stars out of four.