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Review

It's not often that Steve Martin is associated with bland, but that is what's often on display in his sincere but unexciting adaptation of his novella about the May-September romance between a salesgirl and a doctcom millionaire. Mirabelle Butterfield (Danes) is a twentysomething clerk at Saks Fifth Avenue in L.A., having moved there from Vermont. She begins an affair with young artist Jeremy (Schwartzman), but proves to be too immature for her tastes -- besides, he's decided to take a road trip with a rock band. Maturity enters her life in the guise of Ray Porter (Martin), a computer exec who has made a fortune on the internet. In his 50s, Ray pursues Mirabelle with charm and style, but is looking for a committment-free relationship. They discuss this one evening, but each hears only what they want to as Ray assumes he is free to see others and Mirabelle thinks the opposite. Writer Martin is exploring romantic expectations between the sexes, and occasionally hits just the right note as Ray and Mirabelle's romance has its ups and downs. However, the film is in need of an adrenaline shot due to director Tucker's laborious pacing, making even the usually animated Martin appear somnambulant. The best performance comes from Schwartzman, who brings a spontaniety to Jeremy missing in Ray and Mirabelle, though he is gone for long intervals. More of a serious-minded romance with promises of comedic moments rather than a romantic comedy as advertised, Shopgirl is a mixed blessing as it presents Martin in an unusual dramatic role but doesn't give him a chance to fully experience the drama.

 -- David Bleiler