The film's first act is charming: old adorable womanizer (Richard Gere) meets young adorable innocent (Winona Ryder). The chemistry is viscous and stays that way all film, but the light bubbly dialogue is somewhat of a first half phenomenon.

Example:
Gere, "I'm too old for you!"
Ryder, "I like Antiques."
Gere (with that winning smile), "We appreciate."

It's a love story formula with an excellent first half. Somewhere in the middle, however, the picture looses its delightfulness and never quite regains momentum.

On average it's pleasant enough, filmed beautifully and directed carefully as well. If you've seen it already or simply don't mind knowing too much, click below to see how I would have re-written it.

Ross Anthony's Revision Notes:
Danger: Ending information given ... read at your own risk.