20th February, 2008

DAVID ADAMS

Fool's Gold (M)

In A Word: Lightweight

TREASURE HUNTERS: Matthew McConaughey plays Ben Finnegan and Kate Hudson his former wife Tess in Fool's Gold. "While the story is a little easier to come at than the flight of fantasy presented in National Treasure, this romantic comedy come action adventure remake is ultimately marred by the fact the leading characters never break from the mould of the caricatures they are designated."

It’s all about a quest for sunken Spanish treasure but unlike that other recent treasure hunt film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets , Fool’s Gold is more firmly grounded in reality. Or so one might expect.

While, for some, the story may be a little easier to come at than the fantasy presented in National Treasure: Book of Secrets, this romantic comedy come action adventure remake is ultimately marred by the fact the leading characters never break from the mould of the caricatures they are designated.

Matthew McConaughey plays treasure hunter Ben ‘Finn’ Finnegan who has a nose for gold but otherwise seems to spend his time being beaten up but always seems to end up without his shirt on.

Paired with him is Kate Hudson, who plays his former wife Tess. The two of them are about to part ways when Finn makes a discovery that leads them to embark on a hunt for Spanish treasure known as the Queen's Dowry that was in a ship which sunk off the coast of Florida in 1715.

They’re soon joined by billionaire Nigel Honeycutt (played by Donald Sutherland with a rather amusing English accent) and his tragic socialite daughter Gemma (Alexis Dziena) who provide the funds and supersized yacht they need to conduct their search.

No treasure hunt on film is ever complete without bad guys chasing the hunters and they’re here in spades, led by nasty rapper Bigg Bunny (Kevin Hart). He employ’s Finnegan’s old mentor Moe Fitch (Ray Winstone) to take him to the treasure and the two groups are soon locked in a deadly race to find the gold and jewels. There’s no need to worry about a spoiler - you already know how this is going to end.

Don’t expect any surprises. But if you’re looking for a couple of hours of mindless entertainment - and beautiful scenery - Fool’s Gold should do the trick.

~ foolsgoldmovie.warnerbros.com

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