My Super Ex-Girlfriend (12A)

Aug 4 2006 By Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

HOT ON the cape of Superman Returns, along comes Uma Thurman with her own high-flying capability to knock out a villain or two.

The film is equally high-concept but, alas, like some supermarket breads, it soon feels only part-baked.

Legally Blonde star Luke Wilson - the less successful brother of big-nosed Owen - plays a cocky New Yorker called Matt. He thinks he's found the perfect girlfriend in Jenny.

Especially as she's played by Kill Bill star Thurman, back in romantic comedy territory. But, just like Jamie Lee Curtis in Schwarzenegger's True Lies, Matt doesn't know the half about his other half.

Her trips to the ladies during dinner, for example, are something else.

They're not so much face powdering opportunities, but full-blown, whirlwind rescue missions as G-Girl.

So far, so good - until Matt begins to tire of her seemingly possessive nature.

Trying to dump her and falling for co-worker Hannah (Anna Faris/Brokeback Mountain) only creates more problems than he solves...

My Super Ex could have been a decent comedy had it gone for broke after those early scenes. But searching for the elusive

'Ex' factor creates complications which director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters/Twins) fails to negotiate.

Still, in a year when there has been no consensus over which has been the best blockbuster - Superman Returns is my favourite - this is at least short enough at 96 minutes to ensure it's nothing more than a throwaway, instantly forgettable comedy with above-average special effects.

For those who seek nothing more than an entertaining Saturday night out at the movies which doesn't feel like a half-day marathon adventure, G-Girl should just hit the spot which Miami Vice misses by a mile.