Fun, yet mostly predictable, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” is a good, fun story following the conventions of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a jerk (Matthew McConaughey as Connor Mead) visited by ghosts that change his outlook on life… er, dating.

This was a fun premise, a decent story, and a solid cast of mostly B and C-list stars that works… for the most part.
 ( My spoiler-free review )

McConaughey plays a relationship jerk, but women still flock to him… Jennifer Garner is the object of his affection… and Michael Douglas is his womanizing uncle/mentor… some of the details of the movie you can’t think about and just have to accept.  

For example:  If his uncle is a ghost, how does he drink a “beverage”?   If Garner is the girl of his dreams… why didn’t he try harder and have so many other relationships?   Why is there a ghost of someone who is still alive?   Where are Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim?

Because of the predictable pattern laid out by the three ghosts, this movie does little to try to not be predictable… in fact, the ending is anything but surprising… a little too predictable for my liking.

But I did like the way they brought the classic Dickens into modern times and twisted into a romantic comedy… other than that, I was not impressed with anything else, just your average romantic comedy.

There were some decent performances from supporting cast of Douglas, Emma Stone, Breckin Meyer, and Lacey Chabert.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

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Add “Felon” to Val Kilmer’s extensive and exciting filmography

In a tragic story of a family man (Dorff) who goes to prison for protecting his family and home… then just tries to survive amoung the inmates, Val Kilmer reluctantly… and triumphantly comes to the rescue!

“Felon” tackles 2 tough issues – defending yourself against an invader and the often brutal and twisted world inside prisons… and does it with eye-opening intensity.

“Felon” (on DVD)

(2008) (rated: R for brutal violence, pervasive language and brief nudity) (1 hr, 40 min)

Starring: Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Marisol Nichols, Harold Perrineau, Sam Shepard 

Genre: Drama/Crime/Prison

The Plot: A family man convicted of killing an intruder must cope with life afterward in the violent penal system.

MY TAKE (spoiler free):

Through Dorff’s character, we are put right in the middle of it all… as he goes through the justice system and lockups to the gripping and de-humanizing scenes inside the walls of the state prison.

In the lead role, Dorff is very good in one of his best roles (that I’ve seen) since “Blade”… taking himself and the audience through a transformation as the story unfolds.

It was no surprise that Kilmer was solid, with an excellent turn as (more…)