The Bounty Hunter (12A).

Action comedy. Gerard Butler, Jennifer Aniston, Christine Baranski, Jeff Garlin, Jason Sudeikis, Neal Moritz. Director: Andy Tennant.

Andy Tennant, director of Sweet Home Alabama and Hitch, offers much more than a romantic comedy with this action chase caper starring Gerard Butler as New York bounty hunter Milo Boyd, tasked with bringing in his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurley (Aniston).

While the tender moments that crop up between the bickering pair are predictable, there are plenty of surprises from the off, as Nicole jumps bail to chase a lead on an exclusive news story.

The car chases and gun slinging through the sordid underbelly of Atlantic City give this film a suspense twist reminiscent of The Hangover, balancing out the cheesy moments where Butler and Aniston pause for breath and end up gazing longingly into one another’s eyes.

You may not find yourself crossing your fingers that the pair see sense and fall into each other’s arms at the end of the film.

Despite rumours the two – who did all their own stunts, Aniston in heels – are dating behind the scenes, sparks between them don’t light up too much on-screen.

However, that does nothing to dull the excitement offered in the racy plot, thanks also to an excellent supporting cast.

There are glittering appearances from Mamma Mia!’s Christine Baranski, as Nicole’s cougar of a mother, and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Jeff Garlin as Sid, Milo’s boss, while Saturday Night Live’s Jason Sudeikis desperately tries to steal Nicole’s heart and the spotlight as hapless hack Stewart.

The comedian plays Aniston’s sleazy co-worker who is keen to share her byline, and her bed, so he’ll follow her anywhere, no matter how many times she tells him to get lost.

Butler’s character is a booze-loving, gambling big lump of an ex-cop and he doesn’t offer too much more in his performance, but Aniston and her glossy caramel locks make up for everything.

Aside from the frustration that Jen’s hair remains flawless throughout three days on the run, her performance as a feisty, but funny leading lady is also lustrous.

Friends fans can expect the classic bossy, talkative Rachel performance, with added “pow” factor, as her character fights to get her scoop and dodge her ex-husband.

She dazzles almost as much as her glossy locks.

And thank goodness, because with fellow rom-com queen Sandra Bullock taking up Oscar-winning serious acting, it’s nice to know Aniston is not giving up her crown anytime soon.

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