‘Just Married’ barely escapes just boring

Getting married at a young age can be exciting, fun and even a little scary. Unfortunately, sitting through “Just Married” is a less exciting and potentially scarier proposition than following through with the hallowed nuptials.

Ashton Kutcher (“That ’70s Show”) plays Tom Leezak, a young blue-collar worker aspiring to be a radio sportscaster. The hand of fate causes him to instantly fall in love with high society blonde bombshell Sarah McNerney played by Brittany Murphy (“8 Mile”). Her father just happens to be the owner of professional sports teams. After nine months of living together, the two decide to get married despite the best intentions of the unwilling McNerney family.

Some aspects of the film were predictable, but there were also many issues couples deal with on a daily basis. It’s just too bad the filmmakers couldn’t make them funnier. There is a fair bit of humor in the movie, but no one will bust a gut seeing “Just Married.” Not even one part turns laughter to tears.

Murphy’s character lacked depth within the range of melancholy emotions. Her timing and reactions in the comic scenes are believable, however her crying over a broken heart was forced. As the tears flowed, her facial expressions did not match. It was surprising to see Murphy portray a character that wasn’t a dirty slut or a mentally ill misfit.

Kutcher was well cast. His not-so-smart yet good-looking portrayal of Leezak perfectly depicted a 20-something male – self centered, arrogant, brutish but in the end kind-hearted. His hilarious over-reactions to Murphy fit like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. But like Murphy, Kutcher’s ability to show a range of emotions could use some work.

Although the movie has its funny points, it is hard to care about the characters. Everyone’s been in relationship quarrels; unlike the Leezaks, we can’t all hurl marble ashtrays at our boyfriend’s head or ram an airport cart into our girlfriend’s shins. It wouldn’t be funny; it would be aggravated assault.

The underlying message of the film is uplifting and the only truth in the script. Marriage isn’t all happiness and sex. It takes work. Too bad it took just as much work to stay awake though the film. In a day of slapstick romantic comedies, “Just Married” resides as an average date movie that will be easily forgotten.