Return to Me

***stars

[4 color photos: DD kisses MD, BH and baby, DD, DD and the cast]

It's a simple yet daft tale, this. Bob (Duchovny) loses his wife in a tragic car accident, and only begins to recover from his grief when, a year later, he falls in love with another woman. There's a twist, though - unbeknownst to him, Grace (Driver) was the recipient of his dead wife's heart.

Cue, you might expect, some kind of supernatural comedy, as the spirit of the ex-wife is brought into the mix. But no. Despite the occasional hint that Grace's heart literally leaps whenever Bob is near - although she may just be suffering from indigestion, it's hard to tell - there's nothing otherworldly about the film at all. It's really just a gentle story about a man finding new love after his loss, and a woman whose illness has prevented her enjoying life, finally learning to embrace it. The heart business is nothing more than a high concept, marketing-driven hook - something to put on the poster -and the film would be better without it.

Which is not to say that it's a bad film. Driver's perfectly pleasant as the leading lady, again sporting the American accent she's by now perfected, and Duchovny's emotional performance shows that there's more to him than Agent Mulder. Although, frankly, not *that* much more.

The film's real strength lies in its supporting cast. Hunt - who also directs - is delightful as Grace's best friend with her rowdy collection of kids and slobbish yet loveable cop husband - a career-best Belushi. And then there's Grace's collection of Italian and Irish elderly relatives - horrible cliches all, but undeniably charming nonetheless.

The film's not without its flaws. It all peters out a bit towards the end, losing momentum after Grace and Bob get together. It reveals itself to be rather a slight affair, raising issues it never quite deals with, and seldom conjuring up more than a wry smile. Still, if you want your heart warmed, this will be the one for you. --Rebecca Levene