MUSIC/LATEST FILMS: TOO RUN OF THE MILLER

THE STARS: Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin, Oliver Platt, Lauren Cohan.

THE STORY: Set in 1753 in Venice, with the notorious womaniser Casanova (Ledger) busy dodging the authorities while indulging in as much debauchery as possible.

Despite being forced into an engagement to the virgin Victoria (Natalie Dormer), he finds himself falling in love with the forthright Francesca (Miller), who despises everything he stands for.

He sets about impersonating the man Francesca is about to marry, lard-dealer Paprizzio (Platt), and sets off on a series of misadventures and misunderstandings before love can eventually win the day.

WHAT'S GOOD? Sienna Miller shines in this romping comedy of errors - Casanova is a beautifully presented and frothy romance involving mistaken identities, unrequited love, seduction and the obligatory sword duel.

Heath Ledger (Oscar-nominated this year for his role in Brokeback Mountain) certainly looks the part, though it is Sienna in her first big-starring role, who steals the show. Broader comedy comes from the brilliant Oliver Platt as bumbling and lisping Paprizzio and Lena Olin as Francesca's elegant mother. Jeremy Irons even offers a rare comedy turn as the hiss-worthy inquisitor Pucci, who is foiled at every turn as he attempts to get a noose around Casanova's neck.

WHAT'S BAD? Sadly, Casanova is flabby and dull when it should be erotic and seductive, and frantic and heavy-handed when it should be amusing and witty.

Though it looks terrific, Lasse Hallstrom's film lacks a really smart and clever script and veers unnecessarily into Carry on Casanova territory when it could have been so much more. At times Ledger looks plain embarrassed about the whole affair - broad comedy really isn't his thing - and lacks the sense of vava- voom to convince as the great seducer.

Odd (and quite sad really) that a big-budget film about Casanova can't even deliver the bawdiness such a film really needs. Frankly, the recent BBC series starring new Dr Who star David Tennant was so much better.

HOW LONG IS IT? A romping 112 mins.

FINAL VERDICT: Canals, carnal delights and a cool Casanova. Modest romantic fun.

Opens Friday, February 17 ( previews on Valentine's Day, Tuesday).

POPCORN RATING

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