Something Borrowed Movie Review

Okay for all of you that haven't seen it yet, I warn you right now...there WILL be spoilers. It's usually obvious but some people still don't get it so I just have to put that out there.

*** out of *****

I am one of those people who normally has to read the book before I see the movie because that's just how it is. I am a book worm at heart and I love to compare the differences between the two mediums. In most cases the book is ALWAYS better than the movie...maybe it's just me, but most times the writers of the movie just can't capture the essence the author does when they are writing the book. I mean yes there have been many amazing adaptations (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Social Network, just to name a few) but in most cases the movie is lacking - whether it be a character, a key moment left out of the movie that was in the book, or not enough depth.For the case of Something Borrowed, the book was definitely better than the movie...but the movie still got to me.

Something Borrowed is about Rachel, a just-turned-30 lawyer who's been unlucky in love. While back in her law school days she introduced her best friend Darcy to her friend (and obvious crush) Dex. Turns out that was a a bad idea because low and behold Darcy and Dex *gasp!* fall in love and become engaged! Forward ahead a few years and it's now Rachel's 30th birthday! While Darcy takes a hold of the party and get's completely wasted (and sent home) Dex and Rachel reconnect over a few late night drinks. And then every best friend's worst nightmare comes true: Rachael and Dex hook up.

The story line moves along smoothly from there providing your laughs and tears as every good romantic comedy should. There is love, heartbreak and the betrayal of a husband and wife but also between two best friends. But if the heart wants what the heart wants...who's to intervene? Kate Hudson is a perfect fit for the over-zealous, bubbly, attention-grabbing and self-absorbed Darcy. While she has only the best intentions for her closest friend Rachel, everything always manages to be about her. What Darcy wants, Darcy gets and Rachel is always seemingly left in the dust.

Throughout the movie you'll see the characters interact in a variety of different situations that will come to a final climax which will end the friendship between Darcy and Rachel. For example spending time on the beaches in the Hampton's where Rachel get's jealous of seeing Darcy and Dex interact, or the badminton game where Ethan almost "accidentally" lets out he knows about the affair going on (Darcy is still aloof), or the moment when Darcy realizes that Rachel and Dex had/have a fling (while inadvertently revealing her lover SHE cheated on Dex with.)

Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays the part of Rachel, definitely has that innocent, pushover, "I'd do anything for my best friend" appeal that makes her perfect for the role. Rachel is portrayed as an average looking lawyer who hates her job and is worried that her prime dating years are well behind her as she turns 30. She has the mentality that Darcy is the lucky one while she is just the opposite. Goodwin plays the role of the sweet, innocent woman who, on a whim betrays her best friend and has a sexual relationship with her fiance. While she is full of guilt the entire time, she begins to realize that being with Dex just feels right and she lets it continue to happen.

As for the character of Dex, I found him to be the most generic character in the book. He's portrayed as the "boy next door" type with a massive mind and kind heart. Played by Colin Egglesfield (yes, he's not that well known I know), Egglesfield definitely fits that generic good-looking, charming type. Although rather unknown, Egglesfield played his part as the cheater/lover as any guy would. Enjoyed his time with the mistress but refuses to leave the wife (or fiance in this case)...or does he?

The final key character in the movie is played by John Krasinski. Better known for his character on The Office, Krasinski plays the part of childhood friend Ethan. He's also the shoulder Goodwin leans on as there is nobody else she is able to talk to about her...issues. While the entire movie is rather funny, I felt that Krasinski made it that more enjoyable. His funny quirks, trying to hide from an extremely obsessive Claire (friend to both Darcy and Rachel), and blunt honesty towards Rachel's situation keeps the movie realistic and grounded.

I know I have to point out the differences from the movie and the book because that's what I do, but I am glad to say that besides a few changes, the movie relatively stayed on course with the book.

1) Darcy is a brunette in the book, while (as you well know) she's blond in the movie. And I'm fairly sure Rachel is blond (or is it a redhead...who knows...)

2) Rachel has a friend at work she can rely on to divulge all her juicy secrets too and is considered her best friend as well in the book. There was no such friend in the movie (which kind of sucks but it's not a MAJOR issue).

3) Ethan's primary residence is in London England for the entire duration of the book. He never once stepped foot on American soil. In the movie he's in NYC the entire time except for when he decides to move to London near the end. The only thing I regret about this is they left out a date scene between one of his London friends and Rachel but other than that I felt (like I said before) Ethan was a vital part as to why I enjoyed the movie. They originally had phone conversations but because Ethan was added to the script to be in person, he just added to the entirety of the movie.

Those are the three major things I can think of at the moment that were different. All in all I throughly enjoyed the movie and straight-up classify this as a girly chick-flick. Seeing as they are my weakness (as is a good Kate Hudson film) I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I may not be an expert film critique but I do know when I see a good movie, and can definitely admit when I've seen a bad one (*cough Twilight *cough).

Hope I didn't spoil it too much!

- Taryn