Writer: Low Yuen Yim

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Effects: NA
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Watch this if you liked: “The Ugly Truth”, “Marley & Me”

The ugly truth is, without Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, this movie isn't worth the watch. As with most rom-coms, the director understands that the actors sell the movie and not the plot. Therefore, Andy Tennant and Sarah Thorp decide to take a leaf out of "Midnight Run" (1988) for the plot of "The Bounty Hunter". Thankfully, the storyline isn't as thin as it looks with Nicole (Jennifer Aniston) investigating a murder mystery that involves the police force.

Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler) is an ex cop turned bounty hunter who is ecstatic when his next job was to capture his ex wife, Nicole Hurley (Aniston) back to jail. Knowing his ex wife so well, he has no problem tracking her down but keeping her from running away is the hard part. It was funny seeing both of them bicker throughout their journey but when they both sat down for a dinner at Cupid's Inn, the atmosphere turned awkward. Shot up close, the chemistry between Aniston and Butler whenever they fight and throw sarcastic remarks was great, but whenever the heat died, there wasn't much to look forward to.

Having Gerard Butler ("Law Abiding Citizen", "Gamer") in this movie, viewers would surely expect some action even though this is a romantic comedy. Unfortunately, the action scenes are nothing to be wowed about. Instead, Gerard Butler went from I want to save my wife in "Gamer" to I want to send my ex wife to jail here.

There is nothing surprising about Aniston's acting as well. It's like ordering a banana split and knowing very well how it looks and taste like. She delivers her role as a hotshot reporter dressed in a tight skirt, but sadly without any depth. Butler on the other hand still has those rippling muscles and audiences can catch a glimpse of it when he steps out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. As sexy as he looks, nevertheless we should gently steer him out of this genre.

Comparing to "The Ugly Truth" where viewers would find humour in the dialogue, "The Bounty Hunter" would derive laughter from the character's wacky actions. All in all, this is a must watch for Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler fans.

Cinema Online, 14 May 2010