I went to see Fool’s Gold with low expectations. In the month of February, one can hardly expect many new releases, and those have to compete with re-releases of estimable films hoping for an Oscar. In February, Hollywood turns a serious face to the public, demanding of us a sober reflection of our times and their art in portraying them. It is not the best time to be entertained.

Then too, the previews for Fool’s Gold inspired little confidence. They advertised an incredibly silly film, showing again that Matthew McConaughey’s screen persona becomes more juvenile as he ages. Thus, I was surprised when the opening credits declared this to be an Andy Tennant film. Hope arose; I like Andy Tennant movies.

Matthew McConaughey plays Finn, a treasure hunter in desperate need of a haircut and some money. Kate Hudson is his ex-wife Tess, still in love with him and the history of sunken treasure but tired of being with a financial child. Treasure lures the wealthy Nigel (Donald Sutherland) and a murderous rapper named Bigg Bunny into the hunt, with Ray Winstone appearing all-too-briefly as treasure-hunter for the rapper. The history behind the treasure they hunt is cleverly plotted, the script giving characters an intelligence that saves them from being laughable.

The movie has not been getting good press, but I enjoy a movie that doesn’t make me squirm with embarrassment, offend my sensibilities, preach to me, or otherwise inspire regret for parting with my money. Though not a kid’s movie (the PG-13 alerts to some language, sex scenes that take place off-screen, nudity limited to one flash of breasts, and violence used more for comedic effect than to horrify), Fool’s Gold shot for entertainment, and I’d say it hit its mark.