FOOL'S GOLD

REVIEWED BY RISSI C.

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: nudity, language

Rated:

Action adventure flicks seem to be making a splash in theaters right now with releases of National Treasure adventures and Sahara; it’s a popular genre. Despite critics putting down a lot of them, I have often found them enjoyable and don’t agree with them on their points. Such is the case with Fool’s Gold, a new romantic-adventure comedy that is surprisingly better than one might think.

Since a treasure brought them together it only seems fitting that Ben ‘Finn’ Finnegan (Matthew McConaughey) would find a vital piece of that treasure on the eve he is to finalize his divorce to his wife of eight years. Finn and his now ex-wife Tess (Kate Hudson) have been relentlessly searching for a treasure called The Queen’s Dowry for many years now, and Tess is fed up with it. With plans to attend school and make something of her life other then treasure hunting, Tess is dismayed when Finn tries to lure her yet again with another piece of the puzzle to their quest. Having run out of money and in debt (more than he cares to think of) to popular rapper Big Bunny D., Finn is desperate to find the Queen’s Dowry in order to pay off his loan to the unrelenting rapper, which is where millionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland) may be able to help. As it turns out, Tess also works for Nigel and through a series of events, Finn comes to be aboard the yacht they are currently staying on while awaiting Nigel’s daughter’s arrival, Gemma. 

Taking the opportunity of being aboard the yacht, Finn and Tess regale the Honeycutt’s about their searching and what is known about the location of the treasure. Nigel decides to be their source of money and transportation, so without further ado; they set out to find the treasure. Little are Finn, Tess, Nigel and company aware that they aren’t the only ones in search of the buried treasure and danger awaits them at every turn! What follows is pure entertainment and nothing more. We don’t have a brilliant screenplay or even anything remotely close to profound, just an enjoyable distraction for two hours. 

Director Andy Tennant hasn’t had much experience but he has had some hits in the romance genre; Hitch, Ever After and Sweet Home Alabama. In all of these he has also gotten big names to star in his films and this movie is no different. Hudson and McConaughey were teamed in the 2003 comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and clearly casting departments liked what they had together. While they seem to have a little more of a spark in the previous film, they are still well matched and both are well suited to this genre. Since a good portion of this film is spent on finding the treasure and not the romance between Finn and Tess, it didn’t seem to matter that the “great” chemistry wasn’t as prevalent. The comic material comes greatly from ditzy daughter Gemma (Alexis Dziena) who only seems capable of thinking about her next shopping spree. Her expressions and sudden exclamations are priceless; we almost forget the stereotyped character she plays. Many reviewers commented on her annoying personality, but it’s a great addition to the screenplay as she isn’t as “dumb” as she plays and her story’s end was cute. 

In the several films I’ve seen by Tennant, I’ve found myself really liking how each of his stories have unfolded. At the conclusion he shows that little extra “epilogue”, if you will that the viewer delights in seeing. The scenery is breathtaking too, having shot many of the scenes in Australia; the water is the most beautiful shade of blue/green and the beaches and palm trees add the finishing touch. This film has standard PG-13 content involved and really doesn’t overstep its bounds. Suffice to say that the two most bothersome things in this film are the profanity and a minor subplot that involves two gay chefs employed by Nigel. 

The subplot of the chefs wasn’t overly graphic and isn’t so offensive that one would want to fast forward the scenes involving them, but nonetheless the plot is there and is not a pleasant one. The only way you know about them is through mild insinuations, which is really too bad as they are likable enough characters. Profanity is running throughout this film uses of “sh**”, “b***h” and a few misuses of God’s name are in abundance. As for the sexual content, passing remarks are made about Finn being good in the bedroom. A few other “jokes” are made in reference to sex. There is very brief (blink and you may miss it!) nudity when two girls unsnap their swimsuit tops, exposing themselves to Finn; likewise when Finn strips off his diving suit we see his bare upper leg. Tess and Finn begin making out in a church before stumbling behind some boxes, we later learn they had sex by Tess exclaiming about it and wondering whether or not they’ll be hit by lightning. Various characters spend a great deal of time in bikinis although the main offender of inappropriate clothing comes from Gemma's constantly skimpy clothing. 

Violence is fairly limited as it is played for a comic aspect; Finn is constantly getting whacked in the head by whatever is at hand, resulting in numerous bumps and bruises. Tess gets banged around a bit in the end and various characters carry guns, often firing. Two people die, one is shot and another dies in a blow hole (we see blood shooting up with the water). Finn was supposed to be dead many times by the hand of his debtors’ men and fights back by shooting them in the foot and grazing another’s ear. A remark is made about Big Bunny killing people and being acquitted.

I really enjoyed this film. The characters are all likable, the acting good and while the story is at times predictable it was surprising with several touching, exciting moments. This does have an ultimately good message, including two characters who are still genuinely in love and are willing to work through their troubles, making us feel good about their choices. For those of you that may be wondering about seeing this, I would say that you have to take this film for what it is, a fluffy action/ romance tale that is purely for pleasure. This isn’t an epic miniseries by a classic author or an extraordinary true story that has principles, but a fun rainy day flick that engages some laughs. There are a few moments that seemed to be over dramatized, but for the most part everything is done really well for this type of tale. If you enjoyed Sahara or this couples previous pairing, check out Fool’s Gold it is really quite cute and has a decent conclusion that casts a positive light on repairing marriages and relationships.