Millions of fans idolize a hunky movie star in
WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMLTON! And no wonder.
As played by Josh Duhamel, Tad is drop dead
gorgeous – just ask him. However,
America’s
favorite leading man needs some favorable press to
help save his reputation, and that’s why the “Win
a Date with Tad” contest materializes. Naturally,
the lucky winner turns out to be a wholesome girl
who makes the spoiled actor seem like a better
person than he really is. Who knew a big movie
star like Tad would fall for a small-town Piggly
Wiggly checker? Only everyone who saw the
previews. But never mind. This is a terrific
romantic comedy – funny, tender and filled with
sparkling performances.
With his chiseled features, buffed-up body and a
smile as big as all outdoors, Duhamel (TV’s
LAS VEGAS)
fits his role
like it was tailor-made for him. And Kate Bosworth
(BLUE CRUSH), who projects an almost
spiritual quality here, is totally endearing as
Rosalee, the contest winner. She’s just as
physically attractive as Duhamel, and her
beautiful smile matches his. (One of the film’s
most amusing scenes involves the two comparing
dental experiences.)
Rosalee may not be sophisticated like Tad, but she
knows enough to avoid spending the entire night
with him on their
Hollywood
date. After all, didn’t her best friend, Pete (Topher
Grace), warn her to guard her carnal treasure? Of
course, unbeknownst to our heroine, Pete loves
Rosalee deeply and feels threatened when Tad comes
after her. Grace, (TV’s THAT 70s SHOW)
displaying wonderful comic timing, earns the most
laughs during a sequence involving a milking and
wood-chopping competition between Pete and Tad.
Even though I felt sorry for Pete, I couldn’t help
chuckling at his misery.
Nathan Lane,
Sean Hayes, Ginnifer Goodwin and Gary Cole make
up the movie’s fine supporting cast. Lane (NICHOLAS
NICKLEBY) and Hayes (TVs WILL AND GRACE)
are hilarious in their few scenes as Tad’s worried
manager and agent – both named Richard Levy.
Playing one of Rosalee’s kooky friends, Goodwin is
much more believable here than in MONA LISA
SMILE. Not surprisingly, Cole (OFFICE SPACE)
emerges as the perfect star-struck dad who’s
trying to appear oh-so nonchalant about his
daughter’s new boyfriend.
In
addition to poking fun at the cult of celebrity,
WIN A DATE WITH TAD
HAMILTON!
also finds time
to remind us about the nature of true love and the
value of friendship. I enjoyed this entertaining
film almost as much as LOVE ACTUALLY –
which is quite a compliment coming from someone
who considers that movie among the ten best of
2003.
(Released by
DreamWorks and rated “PG-13” for sexual content,
some drug references and language.)
