Hype aside, this is an okay film, but nothing to write home about

Rating: 6/10 (10 February 2004)

I'm flabbergasted by the hype surrounding this film. It does indeed have some charm and the opening shots of Tokyo remind one of Woody Allen's 'Manhattan, but as a love story? Not! It's easy to see that the camera loves Scarlett Johanssen, and she is lovable, but the plot goes nowhere and the blood of this film is thin and watery, rather than red and robust. Bill Murray's acting as a sour old codger doesn't remind me of anything but someone wandering around on tranquilizers. The screenplay is not exceptional, but the director does show promise and some genuine talent that is really her own. I give this film a 6 for effort.