DVD Review: Fool's Gold
Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson Pair Up Again for Action Comedy
Aug 11, 2008
Written as a typical treasure hunt movie with the noble intent of providing as much "thrill of the chase" into the running time as possible , Fool's Gold plays like a quasi-offshoot in the manner of another similar genre film, namely National Treasure, except if Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger had been married then bitterly divorced.
Fool's Gold Storyline
The ever so jolly Matthew McConaughey plays Finn, a careless yet erudite adventurer. He is searching for a legendary treasure called the Queen's Dowry, a considerable loot promised for an 18th century royal British wedding, which sunk off the Caribbean coast. With the help of his recently divorced ex-wife (played by the numbers by Kate Hudson), a generous philanthopist (Donald Sutherland) and his clueless daughter (Alexis Dziena), the duo follow the clues leading to the possible loot's final resting place, while dodging the dangerous local hip-hop mogul (Kevin Hart) who happens to own the local island.
McConaughey is always fun to watch as most of the characters he portrays, turn out to be friendly yet laid back dudes, with the least amount of intensity or stressful bone in their body. His portrayal of Finn is no different, and he comes across as affable. As for Kate Hudson's portrayal of no-nonsense Tess, let's just say that her role in this film isn't as irritable as some of her bland past performances, when she was simply channeling real-life mother Goldie Hawn's goofy and aloof Laugh-In era behaviour.
Overall Analysis of Fool's Gold
The film isn't much to write home about, yet is still an enjoyable little escapade, if simply for the stunning locale where the film was shot. Interestingly enough, though the film is supposed to take place in the Bahamas, most of the scenes were shot in the Queensland region of Australia, logically to avoid most of the hurricane season.
The script, though again no doubt well intended, feels too rushed. Granted, this is fiction and elements of the story must come into play simultaneously for plot progression. That being said, the little research done by the characters (who would rather have impromptu romps in dark and dusty places), make it hard for the audience to truly expect they would piece together the clues so efficaciously. Once again here, one cannot avoid comparing these adventurers to National Treasure's Benjamin Franklin Gates, in the way he could suddenly recall the most obscure little tidbits of trivia, with upsetting ease, to make the audience wish they too could vomit chapter and verse from Encyclopedia Britannica with such gusto and effortlessness.
Problems with Fool's Gold
Another issue with the overall product presented in Fool's Gold, are the supporting players. For one thing, why would anyone cast passable screen veteran Donald Sutherland as a British multi-millionaire? His rough and muddled attempt at a British accent makes you wonder whether he's English, or Irish, or South African.
Furthermore, Scottish actor Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting and Death at a Funeral) fakes his way through a Lithuanian accent. Surely enough, there aren't many truckloads of Lithuanian actors working in Hollywood today, but finding British actors to play British roles, shouln't be too difficult.
To top it all off, Cosby Show alumnus Malcolm Jamal-Warner (he played only son Theo) appears in this film as a Jamaican henchman. Sadly, he sounds like so many non-natives who try to emulate said musical patois.
Fool's Gold DVD Extras
The extras on this disc are as light and brief as the suspense in the film. A gag reel is always appreciated, though mostly consists of pratfalls, and there is also a brief feature on how the chemistry between the screen couple has worked to their advantage, same as their previous film together.
This film is perfect for couples who had planned on going to see Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull , but for gentlemen who didn't want to offend their better halves' romantic sensitivities.
6.5 out of 10
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