The story of a slightly gauche yet pretty American schoolgirl doesn't seem the sort of subject from which great movies are made.

Yet, largely thanks to a winning performance from Hilary Duff, this lightweight romantic comedy is rather a pleasant affair.

Lizzie (Duff) finds herself away from home for the first time ever when she joins a school trip to the Eternal City.

While she is living la dolce vita she is spotted by teenage pop star Paolo (Gellman) - a sort of Donny Osmond type (but you can't see his teeth from space).

He convinces her to join him at an awards ceremony after his partner Isabella, who is the spit of Lizzie, drops out, leaving him in the lurch.

OK, so it's not exactly Pride and Prejudice but the strengths don't lie in the plotting but in the performances.

Duff comes across as a likeable version Britney Spears, whose fallibility and lack of confidence ensure she doesn't fall into the stereotypical bracket of American brat.

There's some sterling support from comedienne Borstein as Ms Ungermeyer, the draconian teacher in charge of the trip, and Ashlie Brillault as Lizzie's bitchy nemesis.

It also helps that the dialogue is sharp: "Tell me what you know," Lizzie's dad asks her sneaky brother Matt. "It's only a 14 hours flight," comes the reply.

Teen movies with a broad appeal are about as rare as wedding bells for Jordan and Gareth "MC Stammer" Gates, so savour it.

Tim Evans