A very odd romance spools out in the movie The Love Punch.  Not very conceivable, the cast finds themselves trying to save millions in a James Bond like caper that has shades of early jaunts by the star of this film Pierce Brosnan. While it’s not really that over the top, chances are you’ll walk away humming the theme from the Bond franchise as you leave the theater.

The film centers on Richard (Brosnan), a divorcee who after taking his British company to the top of the business world, decides to sell it off. He finds what he thinks is a reputable French company that will keep it functioning just like he had.  On the last day of his leadership he walks into a nightmare.  The company purchasing all the stock has put it out of business in order to settle personal debts.

Kate (Emma Thompson) and Richard (Pierce Brosnan) in THE LOVE PUNCH

With his loyal former employees losing all their pensions, Richard wants answers. He solicits the help of his wife Kate (Emma Thompson) who has equal value to lose and the two go off to Paris to confront the guy who took his company to the ‘cleaners’. Writer and director Joel Hopkins uses the ploy to create a re-romance between Richard and Kate, spy style, in a stab at being creative.  Although his story has some nice moments with Thompson and Brosnan in a romantic role together, the plot gets very predictable, illogical and silly.  Not a great choice for the two British Icons’ first role together and I hope they find another project where they can really show some acting ability.

Celia Imrie as Penelope and Timothy Spall as Jerry meet up with Kate and Richard

Unfortunately there’s not much more I can say about the movie unless your interest is cinematography, actors and production values.  Yes, the shots of Paris are very cool if you can get past a scene of National Lampoon’s European Vacation and a shot or two of quaint courtyard dining does look inviting.  It was nice seeing Celia Imrie as Penelope and Timothy Spall as Jerry who add some quirky comedy to the movie.  Oh yes, one of the plot points comes right out of The Pink Panther, but that’s even hard to swallow.

The Love Punch has been rated PG-13 for some sexual content, language and rude humor. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Not a bad film for dinner and a movie, providing you wait for the DVD. (C-)

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Emma Thompson, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, Louise Bourgoin and Laurent Lafitte
Written and directed by: Joel Hopkins
Genre: Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content, language and rude humor
Running Time: 1 hr 34 min
Release Date: May 23, 2014
Distributed by: Ketchup Entertainment