Ghosts of Girlfriends Past: Review

This could have been a good, holiday movie. It has the classic Dickensian story behind it, and even had a good update concept, however, it falls pretty short, due in large part to the bland supporting cast. While I recognized most of them, I couldn't name any of them, and in their stereotypical roles, there was a lot of room for stand-out performances. The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is the story of Connor Meade (Matthew McConaughey), a womanizing photographer who is attending his brother's (Breckin Meyer?) wedding at their late uncle's (Michael Douglas) estate. The maid of honor, Jenny (Jennifer Garner) is the childhood love of Connor, though she tries to keep him in line, he rants against marriage at the rehersal dinner. He is visited by his deceased uncle (in the Jacob Marley role) who tells him he'll be visited by 3 ghosts that night, and that his life is not one to emulate as he died sad and alone. The first ghost (from his high school past, in all her '80s glory, including braces), the second, his current assistant, and then the silent ghost who shows him how awful his future will look. He realizes, of course, he loves Jenny and thinks love and marriage is wonderful. It's a funny movie most of the way through, but it would have been better had it been released at Christmas (it's set in winter) and possibly with a stronger cast. McConaughey and Garner are very good, but without much fun around them, it's hard to keep watching. 2/5 stars/Lambs