[AimeeMarie]

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/200...YLE17/911110342

Even with its flaws, 'Accidental Husband' amuses
By JOANNE THORNBOROUGH, Staff Writer
Article Launched: November 11, 2009

Despite its poster being plastered at movie theaters for months, "The Accidental Husband" (now available on DVD) never quite made it to a cinema near you. However it's now finally ready for its close-up.

Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman) is a relationship expert with a radio show and a devoted fanbase. She also has a devoted fiancé, Richard (Colin Firth), whom she regards as her ideal mate.

Then, one day, the love doctor takes a call from a woman who's unhappy with her boyfriend. Emma encourages the woman to cut her losses and move on with her life. What neither of them realizes is the boyfriend, firefighter Patrick Sullivan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), is hearing the whole thing -- live. On the radio. His co-workers right there listening.

Pride justifiably wounded, Patrick has his tech-savvy young neighbor work his magic in order to get revenge on the radio shrink. The result? Emma and Richard find out she's already married while trying to get their own marriage license.

This leaves Emma no choice but to track down her alleged husband.

The film travels down a well-worn (some may say worn out) path others have managed to breathe some fresh life into. Not so much here. Two supposed opposites bicker to no end only to fall head over heels in love with each other. As one's life spins out of control as a result of said falling, the other finally gains control of theirs. And finally, once they're in sync, they make a go of it -- and live happily ever after. Been there. Done that.

To its credit, the flat story gets some much-needed resuscitation thanks to a ridiculously charming (and, yes, at times, sexy) turn by Morgan.

In one particular scene set at a soccer field, he holds his own with the always captivating Firth, who is sadly underused (and, at times, misused) here.

This scene is possibly one of the film's strongest and makes one hope the two find a way to star opposite each other again with a strong script to guide them.

Thurman always seems uncomfortable in lighter projects. Even in her best comedy, "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" with Janeane Garafolo, she seems awkward and ill at ease. Here's no different.

Every once in a while, you almost think she's going to apologize for her lack of comedy skill or gracelessness. She's by no means horrible in the role; if anything, her humility makes you like her more.

Despite its flaws -- or perhaps in spite of them -- "The Accidental Husband" manages to coax a smile and a few laughs even though you know with a different set of leads you would have given up on the film a lot sooner.

View the trailer: http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/accidenta..._640x360_wm.wmv

View a film clip: http://www.sonypictures.com/sphe/accidenta..._640x480_wm.wmv