You can't help but like a movie in which the small-town heroine charms the big Hollywood hunk with the simple act of delicately removing her dental retainer before chowing down at a chichi L.A. restaurant. That's what Rosalee Futch (Bosworth), a checkout clerk at a Piggly Wiggly in West Virginia, does when she sits down to dine with movie star Tad Hamilton (Duhamel) after winning a contest to have a date with him.
Like the sudden appearance of that pink retainer, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! is full of unexpected small surprises. In addition to winning performances by a youthful cast, this appealing comedy keeps slipping in lines and scenes that are smarter than they have to be. One doesn't want to over-praise Tad, but as fluff goes, it's fun fluff.
Battling it out for who has the deeper dimple in his chin, Bosworth and Duhamel prove themselves engaging performers with an appropriately light touch. And Grace shines as Rosalee's smart but shy would-be hometown suitor. (PG-13)
ROMANTIC COMEDY
