Catch and Release is no work of art, and the filmmakers know it. In one scene, a character flat out remarks that mainstream flicks today provide more gimmicks and cheap thrills than commercials. Ironically, in a blatant display of product placement, Cuisinart and KitchenAid boxes prominently stand out in a scene - blurring the line between cinema and advertisement.
Even though Catch is a self-proclaimed work of cheap entertainment, it starts out surprisingly well, only to lose momentum halfway through. The film opens with the funeral of Gray Wheeler's (Jennifer Garner) fianc‚e on what was supposed to be their wedding day. Shortly thereafter, she discovers that he had been supporting the illegitimate child of a Los Angeles massage therapist. An interesting set-up, yet when Wheeler falls in love with a little-known director (Timothy Olyphant), the movie turns into a predictable romantic comedy.
As something of a surprise, Kevin Smith (better known as Silent Bob) plays Sam, the mildly amusing roommate to Jennifer Garner's now-dead fianc‚e. Mostly, Smith acts like himself -- a fat, lazy sidekick spouting off the occasional pseudo-intellectual reference to Greek mythology.
For those seeking a generic date movie, Catch and Release is acceptably entertaining. Audiences in search of the fresh and inspired should look elsewhere.
