The major draw in this totally harmless and formulaic romantic comedy is the absolutely effervescent Agni Scott as the female lead.
Her strong, independent character, charming allure and healthy beauty are reminiscent of '80s actress Diane Franklin, who unfortunately was never given the opportunity to carry a film such as this.
The plot, which is inconsequential in these kinds of films, concerns an American archaeologist who travels to an unnamed Greek island in search of the biblical cup of poison rejected by St. John the Evangelist (who appears to be some kind of patron saint in this community).
Romance and complications arise when he falls for a local widow whose popular restaurant apparently sits just above the ruins where the artifact may lay buried.
It's an inane premise that only serves to justify the romantic story, and it mostly works, thanks to an almost alchemically charming turn by Scott.
Unfortunately, as he does in almost every movie he's in, Matthew Modine practically ruins it with his whiny schlub schtick that's grown more tiresome and annoying ever since it kind of worked for him that one time in "Married to the Mob." Even if his character weren't written as a selfish jerk that even his colleagues don't like, it's hard to picture anyone falling for this nasally-voiced, hair-dyed pill.
But if you can overlook that – close your eyes and picture, say, Tim Matheson in the part, instead – the rest of the movie is a pleasant, albeit familiar, delight.
The Greek isles backdrop is a beautiful picture-postcard of a country that really only exists in movies like this and yogurt commercials. The running gag of the three nuns making facetious observations about the story is reminiscent of a '60s Audrey Hepburnish romcom. And the incidental Greek characters are suitably bombastic caricatures.
The late Richard Griffiths is unfortunately unsettling as Modine's fellow scholar. You'll recognize him as Uncle Vernon Dursley from the "Harry Potter" movies. As depicted here, it's not hard to surmise why this talented actor died at the relatively young age of 65. He's positively elephantine, and it's sad to see him uncomfortably moving about, climbing stairs and hobbling along a dock. It's too bad, because his character is delightful and his portrayal quite charming. You'll want to like him, but all you'll feel is pity.
But all that's neither here nor there, because this is totally Agni Scott's show, and she lights up every frame she's in. When she's Greek- dancing on her birthday, you'll wish her hand was on your shoulder instead of on that goofball Modine's. When she's cruising down a Greek country mile on her bicycle, lifts her arms from the handlebars and cries "Opa!" as the wind blows her curly hair behind her, you'll wish it were you sitting behind her, your arms around her waist, instead of that goofball Modine's.
Why this gal isn't in all the movies is a puzzle to me, and will be to you, too, once you watch it.
