2000, 1 hr 45 min., Rated PG-13 for some language and sensuality.�Dir: Don Roos. Cast: Ben Affleck (Buddy), Gwyneth Paltrow (Abby Janello), Tony Goldwyn (Greg Janello), Natasha Henstridge (Mimi), Jennifer Grey (Infinity flight attendant), Joe Morton (Affleck's boss), Johnny Galecki (Affleck's assistant), Alex D. Linz (Scott Janello).

This November's official date movie (read: chick flick) has some bounce to it, but viewers may be wary that it could get away from them if they don't latch on. Bounce may be better known for its stars, Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow, and those who want to see just how much chemistry the pair has on screen, compared to real life.

PLOT: Buddy (Affleck) is a hotshot ad exec and the epitome of selfishness, who thinks that he's on top of the world, who quickly learns that his actions affect others in serious ways. Buddy gives a stranger his boarding pass on a flight that crashes, and finds out that the guy had a wife, Abby (Paltrow) and two young sons. Buddy feels the need to seek out the widow after a bout with alcoholism which, he suffered through due to despair following the crash.

I was glad that director Don Roos didn't feel the need to rush into the main relationship, taking his time in setting up the attitudes and personality of the characters. The pair doesn't even meet until a half-hour into the film, and even then have to dance around each other, as one might expect in real life as well.

Affleck and Paltrow are the two reasons to see Bounce, and as it should be they carry it throughout, keeping it somewhat real and believable. Good performances by each.

However, how come Hollywood insists that in order to show that two characters have fallen for each other, they have to engage in the act of sex? The scene in Bounce feels thrown in, and is thus unnecessary. I believed the connection without the sex. No need for a spoiler here, since you guys have seen the previews and know that it is a dramedy involving Affleck and Paltrow.

Some decent supporting roles provide a lift to Bounce, especially Johnny Galecki as Affleck's gay assistant, who doesn't feel the need to kiss his boss's tush. He sprays brutally honest advice during Affleck's alcohol recovery, and forces Affleck's hand during his relationship with Paltrow.

But the reason I can't give this film a rave review was because it didn't make me glow. The film missed that spark which would have given me reason to become involved, truly needing the couple to live happily ever after.

There were several times that I felt manipulated as the filmmakers pushed the relationship on the characters and the audience. These were moments that almost felt real to begin with, yet didn't finish strong. For example, when Scott, Paltrow's eight-year-old son, catches the pair kissing, and even though we're told he holds a lot of anger from his father's death and has a look of scorn when he sees them, just seconds later he's playing tickle with his mom as if nothing happened.

Come on, Roos, even classic TV fare like "Full House" wouldn't buy that one! I'm thinking that Stephanie would stew for days on it, until Uncle Joey led her down the path to peace and comfort over her Dad's new fling.