Warner Bros. Pictures presents a PG-13 rated action, adventure, romantic comedy directed by Andy Tennant and starring Matthew McConaunghey (Ben 'Finn' Finnegan), Kate Hudson (Tess Finnegan), Donald Sutherland (Nigel Honeycutt), Alexis Dziena (Gemma Honeycutt) with Ewen Bremner (Alfonz), Ray Winstone (Moe Fitch), Kevin Hart (Bigg Bunny), Malcolm-Jamal Warner (Cordell), Brain Hooks (Curtis), David Roberts (Cyrus), Michael Mulheren (Eddie), Adam LeFevre (Gary), Rohan Nichol (Stefan) and Roger Sciberras (Andras).
Finn, the ultimate dreamer, down on his luck treasure hunter is finally one spark away from setting a fire leading to an ancient discovery of the Queen's Dowry from the year of 1715. Due to a hurricane centuries ago it was believed that the Aurella carrying over 60 million dollars worth of gold, jewelry and other treasures sank in shallow waters off the coast. Due to several mishaps in and out of the ocean waters, Finn ends up late for his own divorce to Tess, which leads the courts to honor everything from their marriage to her. Everything except his boat, the "Booty Call" which is now spending time with the beautiful sea turtles that flash upon the big screen during many of the gorgeous underwater scenes.
For eight years Tess has been following Finn's dream of treasure hunting and the search for the ultimate find, Aurella. Finn on the other hand would not follow Tess on her dream to move to Chicago and pursue a "normal" life. Personally, if I could, I'd rather follow Finn spending time in the oceans chasing lost treasures. Somehow, warm weather, beautiful oceans and underwater ecosystems versus loud noise, busy streets and the overall craziness of the big city sounds a bit more appealing! Based on the cinematography in this film I think everyone will be heading for fun in the sun the first chance they get!
Even though after eight years, boy loses girl, boy still loves girl and girl still carries a hidden torch for the irresponsible and throughout this film, half naked, in one scene fully naked, boy, does the relationship between the leads become more intense. When Finn explains to Tess who happens to be a steward on the seven hundred million dollar man, Nigel's yacht, that he found a plate bearing the crest from King Phillip's family, he believes he has discovered the Aurella. But loose lips sink ships and in this case Finn's has created a bit too many pirates after the same booty. Bigg Bunny, lover of bunnies, owner of the island and criminal by day and night, who Finn owes money too, with his two sidekicks are just one of the competitors along with Moe, an old friend and rival. Finn befriends Nigel and his airhead daughter, Gemma, with the eventual help of Tess, along with a passionate speech about Sebastian and the Aurella to help his cause in uncovering the hidden treasure. I must say Matthew truly has an exquisite passion on screen for story telling that draws you in like an ocean wave to a sandy beach, laced with beauty and intensity.
But all things are not truly as they appear to all the players as the treasure hunt continues, leading them not only to search by sea but also land throughout the Bahamas. Albeit in the end, it is the search amongst the dead that leads the seekers down the path to the whales blow hole and the jewels of the past now to be admired by millions at the Rich Finnegan Maritime Museum.
Even though the film got a bit lengthy in the middle and could have been about 20 minutes shaved, it still made for an enjoyable story that once again paired the dynamic duo of Hudson and McConaughey. Hudson, a mirror image of her mother Goldie Hawn, especially more so as she ages was once again a gem to watch in this role opposite the ever so passionate and easy to watch in whatever role he chooses, attractive and buff, McConaughey. The two of them together once again light up the screen with a glow sure to reflect in the box office bottom line. Sutherland was a breath of fresh air to watch in a role that showed his more tender and caring side especially in dealing with his on screen daughter, Gemma, of which he "unconsciously" named his yacht after, the "Precious Gem". Speaking of the "Gem" she was not so precious in this role and personally although she made it work, I think a better air-head could have been found for this role. Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan to name a few. That is if they aren't making bad films, in rehab or prison for that fact! The other supporting characters including the gay cooks on Nigel's yacht, Bigg Bunny and his side kicks, helped to add many moments of levity that were a compliment to the story.
The direction was superb except for a bit of off the cuff antics towards the end, the writing well executed to a beautiful island score that added even more to the breath-taking island photography above and below the water. Overall, I would not classify this film as a chick flick but rather a film that contains something for everyone. I expect it will do well at the theatres bringing out the romantics and adventurers out for a peek at Matthew's pecs and Hudson's smile along with an enjoyable quest for a happy ending full of love, success and the pursuit of one's dream.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.