"Romance isn't dead - it's just not very well." So runs the tagline for "Born Romantic", the latest film from writer-director David Kane. Two years ago Kane brought us "This Year's Love", and his new flick reprises that comedy's winning formula, right down to the London setting and its strong cast of rising British stars.

At first glance, there's not much that connects Liverpudlian musician Fergus (David Morrissey) with petty thief Eddie (Jimi Mistry), or ditzy hypochondriac Jocelyn (Catherine McCormack) with hard-as-nails Eleanor (Olivia Williams). And you couldn't get two more different people than Sinatra addict Frankie (Craig Ferguson) and good-time-girl Mo (Jane Horrocks).

Gradually, however, we realise they have lots in common. They're all searching for lasting love in a world of one night stands; they all get lifts from sympathetic cabbie Jimmy (Adrian Lester); and they all frequent El Corazon, a salsa club whose Latin rhythms persuade them to forget their inhibitions - if only for one night.

The popularity of TV shows like "This Life" and "Big Bad World" lend Kane's film an air of familiarity it could well do without, while the sheer number of TV actors involved (John Thomson and Hermione Norris from "Cold Feet", "Smack the Pony" 's Sally Phillips) strengthen one's suspicions that it might be better suited to the small screen.

But while "Born Romantic" won't win any prizes for originality, it's still a charming diversion whose acerbic edge provides a welcome antidote to the chocolate box excesses of St Valentine's Day.

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