Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Peter Mayle, A Good Year is a sun-dappled yarn set in leafy Provence about a middle-aged man's self-awakening.

Ridley Scott's film has all the ingredients for a fine vintage, including a starry international cast, picturesque locales and breathtaking cinematography.

Unfortunately, leading man Russell Crowe looks ill at ease with the physical comedy, such as slip-sliding around in mud at the bottom of an empty swimming pool or working up a sweat in a gladiatorial tennis match.

His comic timing is a little slow throughout the film. However, he does bring an appealing awkwardness to his role as a man who has lost touch with his roots.

Screenwriter Marc Klein's adaptation of Mayle's novel, which is more like a travelogue than a traditionally structured narrative, is unfocused and lacks the dramatic momentum needed to last more than two hours. When we first meet Max Skinner (Crowe), he's an arrogant and selfish London banker. After netting a mid-seven figure sum, Max receives news that his estranged Uncle Henry (Finney) has passed away.

As the old man's only surviving blood relative, Max inherits a sizeable chateau and vineyard in Provence, which he hopes to sell for a huge profit with pal Charlie Willis (Hollander).

Max reacquaints himself with the estate's bubbly housekeeper Ludivine (Candelier) and her husband Francis (Bourdon), who has tended the vines for more than three decades. Breathing in the warm air, Max recalls the golden summers he spent with Uncle Henry and he develops a crush on local restaurant owner, Fanny (Cotillard).

Complications arise when Californian 20-something Christie Roberts (Cornish) turns up at La Siroque, claiming to be Henry's illegitimate daughter; a claim which, if proved true, would nullify Max's inheritance of the estate.

Cotillard looks ravishing and embraces her role as the sex bomb, who is the key to Max's re-awakening.

Finney chews scenery and guzzles vino with gusto in the various flashbacks, while Hollander is an excellent comic foil.

The scenery and gentle pace make for easy viewing, but A Good Year isn't really a film to savour. Like a cheap house wine, it's palatable - but quickly forgotten.