“THE ONLY CHEMISTRY HERE IS SO2”
Starring: Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston
Directed by: Andrew Tennent
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence
Genre: Comedy
Release date: March 19, 2010
By John Delia
Although this run of the mill comedy sucks, it will probably do well at the box-office due to it’s actors popularity. The Bounty Hunter is one of those films where in order to pull off the comedy, the two main actors must have good chemistry to make the audience believe in their relationship and unfortunately it was MIA. If the trailer peaked your interest to see The Bounty Hunter, be warned that there is nothing more to be added at the cinema.
The film finds ex-police officer Milo Boyd (Butler) taking on the job of bounty hunter only to realize that it’s not easy to get your prey. Very few gigs have paid off and he keeps begging for more punishment. His alienated ex-wife Nicole (Aniston) has not had a good run of luck as a reporter on a popular newspaper either finding herself behind the proverbial eight ball after assaulting a four-legged cop. The two seem to be in there own world but that is about to end. When Nicole doesn’t show up for her court date because of a hot lead on a case that would get the biggest story of her career she becomes listed missing. In a stroke of ‘luck’ Milo gets the assignment to bring her in and that’s only the beginning.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the film happens to be the best part. It is funny, creative and even a little charming. But predictability and over acting steps in and the film takes a downward slide into boredom and the ridiculous. Other than some cool shots of Aniston looking as lovely as ever and Butler showing off his muscle tone left over from 300, there’s nothing to keep you in your seat for the end credits.
Of course I will admit I am not a big fan of Andrew Tennent who made a film I really loathe called Fools Gold. Much like that dog that depicted Key West with mountains, had ridiculous chase scenes, unrealistic mob bosses and a lot of hooey, The Bounty Hunter sinks into similar mire. If you can’t burn up the screen with a love scene between Aniston and Butler, then it’s time to return to remakes like Anna and the King and Ever After.
The film is rated PG-13 for sexual content including suggestive comments, language and some violence, but don’t be surprised that the most flesh showing is Aniston’s shoulders and Butler’s biceps.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This hunter looses its quarry early on and sinks into boredom. (1.5 of 5 Palm Trees)