by Gill Branca

Architectural engineer Bob Rueland (Duchovny) has the perfect life - great wife, great job, great house, great dog. He even looks great in a hard hat. Then Bob's wife Elizabeth dies - and a sick Grace (Driver) receives her heart.

Bob and Grace fall in love (of course) and the news of her op throws a scalpel in the works (naturally), but don't let the plot's predictability put you off. Duchovny and Driver make a likeable pair in this enjoyable, fluffy rom-com.

After a briefly unbecoming spell in hospital garb, Minnie soon exerts her winsome, curly-haired charm over the role of sweetly innocent Grace.

And who is Duchovny to refuse? He warms to the part as Bob warms to Grace and her eccentric extended family. Like her grandpa's ravioli and cabbage, its quirkiness is the film's strength.

Return to Me marks the directorial debut of actress Bonnie Hunt, who also co-wrote the movie and plays Grace's likeable, down-to-earth chum Megan. She directs her cast of friends with a light, comic touch that is proof of her background in improvisational theatre.

Formulaic possibly, reminiscent of "Sleepless in Seattle" definately, but if your cockles aren't just the teensiest bit warmed, I'll eat my hard hat.