Born Romantic

Six mostly oddball singles (three guys, three gals) try to hook up in this predictable but mildly enjoyable British romantic comedy, mostly set in a salsa nightclub serving as the principal meeting place for all concerned. While the cast's amorous activities are a bit too frantically edited to really establish much of a narrative rhythm, the dialogue is a cut above average, with some of the repartee quite clever. Jane Horrocks, Catherine McCormack, Olivia Williams, Craig Ferguson, David Morrissey, and Jimi Mistry acquit themselves well as the would-be couples, while Adrian Lester plays a cabbie who dispenses advice as he drives them around London--opinions that are counterbalanced by fellow taxi driver Ian Hart, who holds court in a cafe, offering his unique views on life, love, and earthy matters. A strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)