Movie Review: Fool's Gold

Moviegoers sifted through the competition and found Warner Bros.’ “Fool’s Gold” to be quite a discovery as it topped the box office during its debut this past weekend.
The adventure romance starring Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson and Donald Sutherland was a treasure, at $22 million, over the last three days.
The film begins with Ben “Finn” Finnegan (McConaughey), a good-natured treasure hunter who is obsessed with finding the legendary 18th-century Queen’s Dowry, which is approximately 40 chests of exotic treasure that were lost at sea in 1715.
In his quest, Finn has lost everything he has, including his marriage to Tess Finnegan (Hudson and his barnacle barge of a boat, “Booty Calls.”
Finn and his sidekick Alfonz (Ewen Bremmer) are underwater when the boat comes sinking down towards them.
Unfazed by his boat’s demise, Finn becomes even more excited about finding a piece of treasure, which doesn’t thrill rap mogul Bigg Bunny (Kevin Hart), to whom Finn owes a bundle of money.
While Tess has begun to rebuild her life, working aboard a mega-yacht owned by billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (Sutherland), Finn discovers a vital clue
to the treasure’s whereabouts.
Determined that this is his lucky break, Finn finds a way to get himself onboard Nigel’s yacht. Using his gift for gab along with his good-natured charm, Finn entices the curiosity of Nigel and his estranged, celebutante daughter, Gemma (Alexis Dziena), to join him in the pursuit of the Spanish treasure.
Against Tess’ better judgment, the search rekindles her love of discovery, and possibly for Finn. The duo begins working together closely, which might or might not spark any interest.
However, they are not the only ones after the treasure. Finn’s mentor-turned-nemesis Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone) has also set out to claim the prize.
The race is on to find the treasure, and what sacrifices will be made along the way?
“Fool’s Gold” rekindles the chemistry between Hudson and McConaughey, who starred in the 2003 romantic comedy “How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days.”
The pairing of these two is simply magic again, although the plot of this film is rather thin. However, it’s still firm enough to build another adventure between them. They steal every scene they are in, in spite of the surrounding cast.
I’ve always wondered how come these two have never become a couple in real life. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up starring in yet another film of some other fashion.
While Sutherland is an accomplished actor, he’s simply wasted in this film as the tycoon. His daughter Gemma isn’t quite over the top as expected, but it is a strain, because the filmmaker attempts to reconcile this father and daughter.
I will say this, fellas, you’ll enjoy the scene where the flying ancient Spanish sword accidentally lands. Keep an eye out for that one, and you’ll thank me for that.
It was a nice surprise seeing Cosby kid Malcolm Jamal Warner as one of the henchmen in this film. It’s a shame his character doesn’t last the entire film.
So if you’re looking for a nice Valentine’s Day movie to see, “Fool’s Gold” is quite a gem at three out of four stars.
“Fool’s Gold” is rated PG-13 for action violence, some sexual material, brief nudity and language. Running time is 1 hour, 55 minutes.
For more information and show times, contact Regal Cinemas Marketplace 24, 180 Mill Road, Oaks, at 610-666-6697.

Posted by
Dennis J. Wright