Review: The Bounty Hunter (12A) (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Review: The Bounty Hunter (12A)

12:19pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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Running time: 110 mins. Starring: Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston, Christine Baranski, Jeff Garlin, Jason Sudeikis, Neal Moritz. Director: Andy Tennant.

Andy Tennant, the director of Sweet Home Alabama and Hitch, offers much more than a romantic comedy with this action chase caper.

It stars Gerard Butler as a New York bounty hunter who is given the task of bringing in his bail jumping ex-wife, JenniferAniston.

While the tender moments of reminiscence that crop up between the bickering pair are predictable, there are plenty of surprises from the off, as Nicole jumps bail to chase a lead on an exclusive news story.

Her ex is hot on her clacking high-heels, both managing to pick up a string of motley characters along the way.

The car chases and gun slinging through the sordid underbelly of Atlantic City give this film a suspense twist that is reminiscent of The Hangover, to balance out the cheesy moments where Butler and Aniston pause for breath and end up gazing longingly into one another’s eyes.

You may not find yourself crossing your fingers that the pair see sense and fall into each other’s arms at the end of the film.

It is inevitable, but there are plenty of thrills from the action-packed plot, and both stars impressively did all their own stunts, Aniston in heels.

Despite the rumours that the two are now dating behind the scenes, sparks between them don’t light up too much on-screen.

However, that does nothing to dull the excitement offered in the racy plot, thanks also to an excellent supporting cast.

There are glittering appearances from Mamma Mia!’s Christine Baranski, as Nicole’s cougar of a mother, and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin as Sid, Milo’s boss, while Saturday Night Live’s Jason Sudeikis desperately tries to steal Nicole’s heart and the spotlight as hapless hack Stewart.

Aside from the frustration that Jen’s hair remains flawless throughout three days on the run, her performance as a feisty, but funny leading lady is also lustrous.

Friends fans can expect the classic bossy, talkative Rachel performance, with added “pow” factor, as her character fights to get her scoop and dodge her ex-husband.

She dazzles almost as much as her glossy locks.