It's one of the oldest tricks in the movies: If you've got a tired story, hide it under some gorgeous scenery by setting the film in an exotic locale. Tahiti, Paris, Niagara Falls. In this case, it's the most cliched of exotic locales: Tuscany. Why, entire films have been made about the joys of Tuscany (Under the Tuscan Sun, anyone?), with only the slightest of nods toward anything resembling a plot.

Shadows in the Sun isn't as bad as that monstrosity, though it's clear why this film merited a direct-to-DVD release. The whole thing's been done before, a lot: Slick, ambitious book editor (there's such a thing?) is tasked with luring a recluse into writing another manuscript. Naturally he falls in love with the daughter of the crusty writer. Joshua Jackson is the editor, Harvey Keitel is ingeniously cast as the writer, and Claire Forlani is the love interest. And there you have it. Of course our editor will learn a thing or two about life ("Take it easy, bro!") and the editor will exorcise his copious demons.

It might be a fine film if it wasn't all such a mushy cliche. The principals get by reasonably well, though Jackson puts on his best Jerry Maguire game face and Keitel mainly relies on a lack of grooming in lieu of acting. Not that you're supposed to pay attention to any of that: There's a bellissimo sunset you're supposed to be checking out.

The DVD includes a making-of featurette.

Aka The Shadow Dancer.



Oh Pacey, how'd we end up in this mess again?