Kate & Leopold

New York ad exec Kate (Ryan) is lovelorn; her last boyfriend, Stuart (Schreiber), was more interested in time travel than commitment. He inadvertently introduces her, however, to yummy Leopold (Jackman), a 19th century duke. She assumes Leo's delusional, but realises his brand of old world charm will work well on TV. It does, and together they impress her ruthless boss, who hints she may be promoted. But, disgusted by the hollow values of corporate life, Leopold begs her to return with him to the 1800s. This film wants to have its cake and gorge on it. Jackman's the product being promoted here. Bored with Mel Gibson? Missing Hugh Grant? Come on in. Ironically, what jeopardises the transaction is Ryan. Normally a by-word for formular fun, here she simply cannot make us believe Leopold is the answer to Kate's problems, always seeming on the verge of tears even when she's grinning. Or maybe director Mangold is stuck in Girl, Interrupted mode.