How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: A Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Games
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a 2003 romantic comedy directed by Donald Petrie, based loosely on the picture book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. With a screenplay by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, and Burr Steers, the film stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in a story that blends humor with deception.
- While the film’s characters and plot are original, it draws inspiration from the book’s humorous take on dating faux pas.
- The film balances romantic tension with comedic scenarios driven by each character’s hidden agenda.
Box Office and Critical Reception
Released in the U.S. on February 7, 2003, the film became a commercial success, grossing over $177.5 million worldwide on a $50 million budget.
- Despite its success at the box office, critical response was mixed, with many praising the chemistry between the leads.
- However, critiques centered on the predictability of the plot and a script that lacked originality, though audiences generally responded more favorably.
Plot Summary
Andie Anderson, a writer for the fictional magazine Composure, handles the publication’s popular “How to” column but longs to tackle more serious journalism.
- When her friend Michelle suffers another breakup, Andie attributes it to needy behavior, not attractiveness.
- Inspired by this, Andie pitches a feature titled “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”, where she will intentionally drive a man away using behaviors that typically sabotage relationships.
At the same time, Benjamin Barry, an ambitious advertising executive, wants to lead a diamond campaign but is questioned about his understanding of romance and love.
- To prove himself, he bets his boss that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days, aiming to show he grasps the emotional element tied to diamond sales.
Through a twist of fate, Ben’s colleagues—who know about Andie’s article plan—suggest her as the target of his bet.
- Both enter the relationship with hidden motives, unaware that the other is also playing a game.
Comedy Through Chaos
Andie’s antics begin with classic “deal-breaker” behaviors, from making Ben miss a Knicks game for a soda run to talking during a movie, earning him a punch from an annoyed moviegoer.
- She then invades his apartment with girly décor, gifts him a fern plant symbolizing their love, buys a Chinese Crested Dog, and forces him to attend a Celine Dion concert.
- Despite her extreme behavior, she occasionally reveals her authentic self, which Ben finds himself genuinely drawn to.
When Andie crashes Ben’s poker night, her over-the-top actions nearly drive him away.
- Ben’s friends, Tony and Thayer, suggest couple’s therapy, which Andie agrees to—though it’s actually a ruse featuring her friend Michelle posing as a therapist.
To outmaneuver her, Ben invites Andie to meet his family in Staten Island, a move that backfires when Andie genuinely bonds with his relatives.
- His mother’s warmth and the family’s acceptance make Andie reconsider her original intention.
The Big Reveal and Fallout
As the couple grows closer, both are unaware that their ruse is about to unravel at the company ball.
- Ben’s boss Phillip, after meeting Andie, declares Ben has won the bet.
- Meanwhile, Andie is tipped off about the wager, just as Ben learns from her boss that she’s writing an article about how to lose a guy.
Feeling betrayed, Andie tries to expose Ben during the ball, only for him to respond in kind.
- Their argument escalates on stage, and they break up publicly.
Later, Tony shows Ben the published article, where Andie confesses she fell for him during the process and lost the man she never meant to love.
- Realizing her feelings were real, Ben rushes to stop her from leaving for a job interview in Washington, D.C., after she quits her position at Composure.
- In a dramatic street-side moment, Ben catches up with Andie, challenges her to stop running, and they finally admit their true feelings.
Cast and Characters
- Kate Hudson as Andie Anderson – A witty and determined magazine writer with aspirations for serious journalism.
- Matthew McConaughey as Benjamin Barry – A confident advertising executive seeking professional growth through a romantic bet.
- Adam Goldberg as Tony – Ben’s friend and confidant, involved in the wager.
- Kathryn Hahn as Michelle – Andie’s friend whose heartbreak inspires the article idea.
- Bebe Neuwirth as Lana Jang – The demanding editor-in-chief of Composure.
- Thomas Lennon as Thayer – Another of Ben’s friends who pushes him to continue the relationship.
- Michael Michele and Shalom Harlow as Judy Spears and Judy Green – Ben’s scheming coworkers who set him up with Andie.
- Robert Klein as Phillip Warren – Ben’s boss who proposes the bet.
- Celia Weston as Glenda – Ben’s caring and kind-hearted mother.
- Cameos by Marvin Hamlisch and Warner Wolf add brief moments of levity.
Final Thoughts
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days blends romantic charm, comedic antics, and emotional depth within a familiar rom-com framework.
- While predictable at times, the film thrives on the magnetic chemistry between its leads and their playful rivalry.
- It explores how genuine love can emerge from manipulation, and how truth eventually disarms even the most carefully constructed lies.
In the end, it’s a story about two people who tried to outsmart love, only to realize it had been outsmarting them all along.
