'Something Borrowed'review: Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin's silly rom-com is simply empty-headed

WithGinnifer Goodwin,Kate Hudson. A bridesmaid falls for the groom. Director:Luke Greenfield(1:42). PG-13: Sexuality. At area theaters.

Given that it lacks any connection to reality, Luke Greenfield's"Something Borrowed"could technically be considered escapist entertainment. But even if you’ve got a soft spot for silly rom-coms, know that this one is as empty-headed as it gets.

The trouble begins immediately, when we're asked to accept Ginnifer Goodwin andJohn Krasinskias Rachel and Ethan, unattractive losers who’ve always wilted in the presence of their beautiful friend Darcy (Kate Hudson). Obscenely narcissistic, Darcy is now about to marry Rachel's crush, Dex (Colin Egglesfield).

Rather inconveniently, Rachel and Dex fall in love during the engagement, leading to a complicated pre-wedding affair. Meanwhile, Darcy is busy hiding secrets of her own.

In adaptingEmily Giffin's novel, Greenfield and writerJennie Snydercould have emphasized the human emotions that might inspire a tale of tangled hearts. Instead they take their title literally, relying on countless clichés—except, oddly, the most important: there’s barely a wedding detail to be found. 

As for the actors, they're as disposable as the script. Hudson has now surpassedJennifer Anistonfor poor taste in projects, while Goodwin succeeds only at turning herself into a generic starlet. And she and the dull Egglesfield have none of the urgent chemistry required to explain their actions.

Surely even a film that boasts of its laziness right up front should respect us enough to offset so much old with something new.

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