By Jordan Berry

Every so often, a film comes along that defies all expectations. “Star Wars” and “Avatar” ruled the box office despite their sci-fi themes. “Slumdog Millionaire” dominated the Academy Awards.

Now, I must admit my expectations for “The Bounty Hunter” were rather weak. I was hoping only for some shimmer of originality and that maybe the script would limit the number of romantic comedy or action clichés.

No dice, my friends. “The Bounty Hunter” goes above and beyond the call of duty to include everything we have seen in the way of genre clichés. The characters are caricatures, and the plot is absurd.

The film stars Gerard Butler as Milo Boyd, a struggling bounty hunter, and Jennifer Aniston as Nicole Hurly, his bail-jumping reporter ex-wife. Much to his delight, Milo learns that Nicole is his next target and begins his assignment with enthusiasm. He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, they find themselves on the run for their lives.

And that is all there is to it. Naturally, there is the bit about whether or not they wind up getting back together. Oddly enough, though, this is the only part of the movie that had any redeeming value, despite its predictability. One reason would be the tremendous chemistry between Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston.

One scene that really worked for me was their time spent at Cupid’s Cabin, a type of romantic bed and breakfast. They share a nice candlelight dinner, eventually expressing their true feelings for one another and admitting to making mistakes.

It was a very honest scene, made effective by its writing and the work of the actors. Even their subsequent return to the honeymoon suite was an enjoyable and funny moment. Together, these two scenes combine to make the highlight of the film.

The film and its script work when things slow down. But that’s the problem:  the film rarely does.

Instead, we are treated to all of the improbable and CGI-laden action, ridiculous car chase sequences and plenty of shots of Nicole running around in her tight skirt and high heels. They even have the classic handcuffed-to-a-bed moment. But none of this amounts to anything. The action rarely leads to advancement of the story.

Most of the advancement of the plot and the resolution of the murder cover-up are accounted for by expository dialogue. This would be acceptable in a novel.  But in a movie, why waste our time with the other unnecessary moments and clichés? Characters should drive plot, not the other way around.

I knew what I was getting into with this movie, so I promise I am not being unfair. I enjoy most romantic comedies, but this one was stale for the most part. The film’s advantage lies in the chemistry of its leads, and the only superlative this film has on the other films at this weekend’s box office would be  “Most Attractive Couple.”

This film offered me little, and in turn I was able to invest nothing in it. I am not sure what movies owe us, if anything.  But I always find myself asking, “What did this film bring to the table?”  In short, “The Bounty Hunter” offers nothing we haven’t seen before.

Bottom Line: A strong, attractive pair of leads with good chemistry might have redeemed “The Bounty Hunter” if their performances weren’t drowned in a sea of clichés. The film offers nothing fans of action and romantic comedy haven’t seen before.

** of ****  (2 Stars out of 4)