The Love Punch

Cringe-worthy comedy more suited to the 1970s

Even if you really love Emma Thompson or Pierce Brosnan, and who doesn't, you will be hard pressed to squeeze much fun from The Love Punch, a witless, idiotic comedy that makes you cringe.

Review: Witless film that can only be blamed on writer

At no stage did I believe for a second in these characters or their story, and since that can't be the fault of four such beloved actors, the culprit can only be the writer-director, Joel Hopkins.

If real on-screen charm was enough to make an entertaining crime caper then there's no doubt that Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson have it in spades.

Attractive French locations add a pleasant background for an undernourished script that finds Brosnan and his ex-wife Thompson joining forces to steal a precious diamond from the businessman crook who has left them flat broke.

Brosnan and Thompson, and Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie as their happy go-lucky-accomplices all give writer-director John Hopkins much more than he deserves but in the end they, and the audience, are let down.

The Love Punch is a kind of grey-pound comedy, which is a little insulting for stars Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson, neither of whom are old enough to sign up for a TV funeral payment scam and free Parker pen. If only we could say the same about the prehistoric one-liners.

The Love Punch (12A) - review

Thompson and Brosnan are an attractive pairing and they bring a veneer of class to proceedings, which is otherwise lacking in the writing and direction.

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Joel Hopkins guides us around The Lover Punch's setting

Discover the beautiful filming locations of Emma Thompson and Pierce Brosnan's new rom-com.

Dignity is in short supply in feeble heist comedy

"What do we have to lose? one character asks in this good-natured but feeble heist comedy. "Our dignity," is the answer. The Love Punch plays like a corny 1970s sitcom and trades shamelessly in clichés about the French.

The Love Punch, review: 'coarse and desperate'

A cast of national institutions gamely play the fool but the result isn't that fun, says Tim Robey.

Review: The Love Punch (12A)

Bringing new meaning to the word 'light comedy', The Love Punch is a film where you know what happens before you decide to see it. There's bickering, sharp remarks between the separated pair, and various reaction shots when a 'funny' moment happens. Yes, the cast have enough charm to prevent you from tearing your hair out, but with so little to surprise you the film will do little more than provide wish-fulfilment for cinemagoers of a certain age.