Say romantic comedy and you probably think of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan or Doris Day and Rock Hudson in something light, fluffy and funny that leaves you with a nice warm glow inside you.

Writer-director Bart Freundlich is aiming for something sharper, more honest, more Woody Allen even (he's an admitted fan of the bespectacled film-maker).

Although Trust The Man has its moments, is appealing acted and nicely observed, the finished product has a slightly smug, self-satisfied air that makes it difficult to like or care anyone in it.

The story follows the love and professional lives of two couples in Manhattan. Moore's actress Rebecca has a stay-at-home husband, Tom (Duchovny) who looks after their children and has a play-away-from-home eye for the ladies.

Her younger brother Tobey (Crudup) and his would-be novelist girlfriend Elaine (Gyllenhaal) are the other pair.

As film actress Rebecca dips her toe into New York theatre, Tom neglects his childcare duties in favour of afternoon delights with a woman he meets on the school run.

Elaine feels her biological clock ticking, although Tobey's only interested in having a good time without any ties.

Freundlich has cast well with real life wife Moore showing a funny side for a change, while Duchovny effortlessly raises laughs as Tom juggles his libido and his children.

It's just a pity that the characters aren't more likeable enough to attract our sympathy.

Steve Pratt