Killers

The title "Killers" does not refer to Ashton Kutcher's character, a young man who has a license to kill and the resume to prove it. Killers refers to all the professionals and amateurs who are enchanted by a $20,000 bounty fee if they kill him.

We start by introducing Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl in a meet-cute situation in Nice, where he's almost naked and she's been dumped by her ex-boyfriend. Her accompanying parents -- Tom Selleck and the wonderful Catherine O'Hara -- complicate matters, but we fast-forward to idyllic life between the two young marrieds, a simple life since he's decided to give up on his killing lifestyle. However, some lifestyles are just hard to quit.

The movie doesn't offer a great deal of anything new -- until the end, that is, where everything I thought was happening really was but with odd twists. That and the beautiful French scenery -- plus the beauty of these young stars -- almost make up for the fact that it's a pretty boring, pretty predictable movie in the middle hour-and-a-half. Almost.

Part of the film's problem is that it's a comedy wrapped up in action-suspense clothing. It can't really decide which way to turn. Go with the comedy bent, though. It's much easier even though some of the action scenes are quite well done.

It's a great way to spend a mindless afternoon if you choose. You'll be amused by the ending, hopefully not enough to curse this reviewer for two hours you'll never get back.

Thumb's Up for the actors and the screenwriting surprises.