OPA! — ★★1/2 — Matthew Modine, Agni Scott, Richard Griffiths; with subtitles (Greek dialects); rated PG-13 (profanity, brief nudity, vulgarity, slurs); in general release
"Opa!" has to overcome several serious obstacles, not the least of which is its overly familiar, predictable plot and a less-than-convincing, less-than-charismatic leading man (Matthew Modine).
Yet the romantic comedy-drama succeeds in other, nearly-as-important aspects.
The film's fresh-faced leading lady — cable television actress Agni Scott (HBO's "House of Saddam") — has enough spark and charm to make up for those deficiencies as well as sell us on the critical romantic story elements.
And it also features picture-postcard glimpses of Grecian settings, which means it's passable eye candy if nothing else.
Modine stars as Eric, an archeologist and amateur treasure hunter who's recently arrived on the Grecian island of Patmos.
Using high-tech equipment, Eric hopes to find valuable, historically significant artifacts that evaded his late, fortune-hunting father. Instead, he finds himself entranced by a beautiful local cafe owner, Katerina (Scott).
Unfortunately, he keeps his true intentions and motives for being there hidden from Katerina.
Again, it's not exactly perfect in terms of storytelling, which may help explain why the film has taken so long to be released (it was actually filmed five years ago).
But there are a few things to like here. The Grecian characters are not quite the stereotypical buffoons that were seen in this summer's awful, like-minded "My Life in Ruins."
Also, the "Greek Chorus" of three old women is a pretty funny bit. And character actor Richard Griffiths (the "Harry Potter" movies) is a welcome, reassuring presence.
As far as Modine is concerned, he seems too tentative and blase to work as the film's lead. Especially since he's paired with the vibrant Scott. She definitely deserves a chance to work again, with someone as committed to film chemistry as she clearly was.
"Opa!" is rated PG-13 and features scattered strong profanity, brief female and male nudity, some suggestive talk and references, and derogatory language and slurs. Running time: 100 minutes.
e-mail: jeff@desnews.com