MOVIE: THE BOUNTY HUNTER

The Bounty Hunter is an action-comedy-caper the likes of which have not been seen since the 1980s. Indeed, the film takes its cues from genre classics 48 hours (Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte) and Midnight Run (Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin) with leads Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston affectionately aping the aforementioned films’ iconicly mismatched duos (but with a decidedly romantic flair). When a feckless bounty hunter tracks down his fugitive reporter ex-wife, the two become entangled in a police corruption conspiracy. Perfunctory plot aside, this silly but playful offering works best when the leads are given enough space to chew the scenery. Bottom line: the 80s buddy comedy is back and this time girlfriends are invited along for the ride. (JH)