Laws of Attraction film review

certificate_12A

LAWS OF ATTRACTION

The outcome of a romantic comedy is never in doubt, so making the journey as original as possible is critical. If that then involves the well-worn plot of two opposing lawyers tussling in the courtroom as well as the sheets, the couple better have good chemistry to keep things interesting. If they don't, the film's in trouble. Welcome to Laws Of Attraction. If not a downright failure, given its strong cast and director, the result is more than a little disappointing.

The film seems unsure which tone to strike. At times, some of the performances and antics verge on the farcical while at others it strives for a more sensitive feel. The term screwball comedy might be applicable if director Peter Howitt and writer Aline Brosh McKenna had possessed the balls to be more screwy. As it was, it was left to the ill paired Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore to provide the spark.

Moore is not exactly renowned as a light and fluffy comedienne, which is maybe why she chose the role. But her character, the uptight, straight-laced Audrey Woods, is so dull even Moore struggles to imbue her with any appeal. Brosnan is hardly goofy, but as the roguish romantic Daniel Rafferty, his effortless charm is more evident.

Both Woods and Rafferty are successful New York divorce lawyers. Neither has lost a case when they are pitted against one another. For Woods, who lives under the shadow of her glamorous mum (Frances Fisher) and spends her time watching the Weather Channel, the more laid-back unorthodox Rafferty is beyond her realm of comprehension. "I can't tell if he's lucky or just really good."

It's not altogether clear exactly what it is about Woods that attracts Rafferty. Her constant moaning and rejections would certainly be enough to put off most advances but Rafferty is convinced their destinies are entwined. Their professional careers certainly are as they find themselves embroiled in what appears to be every high profile divorce case in town. This includes one involving crude rock star Thorne Jamison (Michael Sheen) and his clothes-designing wife Serena (Parker Posey). Their over the top presence, though adding some much needed energy, seems to have come from another movie.