Ghosts of Girlfriends Past is a cross between A Christmas Carol and Baywatch. A misguided soul needs to changes his ways, and the requisite three ghosts and oodles of luscious, jaw-dropping ladies emerge to set him on the right path.

Even with the novel premise, though, it’s a typical romantic comedy. It isn’t deep or profound, but it is a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes.

Matthew McConaughey stars as Connor Mead, a photographer who at the beginning of the film dumps three girls simultaneously via a conference call -- a real stand-up guy. At his brother’s wedding, he gets reacquainted with his childhood girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Garner) and generally wreaks havoc with the wedding preparations. That night, he is visited by ghosts who take him through his past, present and future, showing him the error of his philandering ways.

There are a number of genuinely funny moments in Ghosts, particularly the tongue-in-cheek nods to A Christmas Carol, and it does provide a fresh take on the usual guy meets girl, guy becomes a jerk, girl changes guy formula. McConaughey’s trip back to his early years, where we find out how he became such a womanizer, is a particular highlight. Emma Stone, who plays brash, spunky Allison Vandermeesh, Mead’s “first” and the first ghost to visit him, gives one of the best performances of the film. Some of the funniest moments happen during her scenes, and she raises the energy level of the film significantly.

Ladies may be able to drag their beaus to this chick-flick with the promise of lots of eye candy. From scantily clad models to elegant bridesmaids (including MuchMusic’s Amanda Walsh) to a never-ending hallway filled with all the women Connor Mead has ever slept with, your boyfriend won’t even realize there is dialogue.

Overall, the film is light-hearted and funny, even if the ending does drag. It doesn’t offer any profound insights into life, but, then again, these kind of films were never meant to. It’s pure escapism, which, frankly, is welcome these days.