All set for 'a romantic comedy about the things we do for love'? The estimable Jean Reno (Godzilla, Mission Impossible) tries to liven up a dark-hued, oddball romantic comedy as a doltish Italian trattoria boss who tries to keep his town's pensioners in good health to ensure a place for his terminally ill wife Roseanna (Mercedes Ruehl) in the overcrowded cemetery. This is one of those ideas critics dream about - that is, it's an original one - but the TV-movie style script is lowish on wit, style and confidence, while director Paul Weiland makes it more dreary and macabre than whimsical, when what's really needed is the Ealing Studios touch. Still, this pretty-looking film does have its bright moments, breezy black comedy (how about a crook stashed in the freezer? ) and lots of jolly Italian cliches, and it's certainly worth a look for zesty performances by Reno and Ruehl.

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