THE WEDDING PLANNER (PG)

William Shakespeare knew it, Meg Ryan knows it, and every Hollywood director knows it.

And what they all know is that the traditional romantic comedy is something which is more often than not well liked.

Which is why after spending two weeks at the top of the US Box Office, Jennifer Lopez and 'The Wedding Planner' is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Meg Ryan's 'Sleepless in Seattle', or indeed Shakespeare's, 'The Taming of The Shrew'!

Jennifer plays the part of Mary Fiore or, you guessed it, The Wedding Planner, who while being unlucky in love herself, delights in designing the perfect big day for couples everywhere.

The simple enough plot follows Mary's preparations for the big day of Dr Steven Edison (Matthew McConaughey) and Francine Donolly, (Bridgette Wilson-Sampras).

However, the complications begin to develop as Mary is on the brink of falling for Dr Steve and vice versa, all the while the sought after wedding planner is also fighting off the affections of Massimo, a lifelong admirer.

As a rather untraditional love triangle/quadrangle begins to develop the Rom Com totters along nicely combining light humour, with some sickly romantic moments and some heartwarming romantic moments as well.

The film has all the hallmarks of being a hit with the couples/mothers and with a PG rating is one all the family should enjoy.

Lopez, not renowned for her acting, surprises us all with a performance which is sincere, touching in places and very easy to watch.

And McConaughey follows the same tac as he aims for the cute, likeable, target and hits it full on.

The story does not pull you into its grasp fully and with the number of possible perfect endings available some are going to be disappointed, but the leading performances hold their own making the overall 103 minutes good enough.

Verdict: Wedded Bliss?

Rating: 6/10

WIN A FREE FAMILY FILM TICKET

CONTINUING our weekly Cinema Competition, we have another family ticket for the film of your choice at the Odeon in Festival Park, Hanley.

The four tickets, worth £20, are valid from Monday until Thursday.

To enter answer the following question about this week's review and send the answer along with a daytime telephone number to The Cinema Comp, Crewe Guardian, 42 High Street, Crewe, CW2 7BN or e-mail crewe@guardiangrp.co.uk.

Just tell us the name of the Romantic Comedy in which Tom Hanks starred alongside Meg Ryan. Have your answers in by April 19. The winner for the Men of Honour competition is Mrs Jean Morris.