Writer: Lorraine Tan

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Watch this if you liked: “The Hangover” and “Ocean’s Eleven”

This remake of the 1960's film, after being delayed for several years with not many takers willing to commit, has finally seen the light, but it is clear why no one thought it would be a success.

"Gambit", starring Colin Firth and Cameron Diaz, is a light-hearted comedy about a British art curator Harry Deane (Firth) who struggles with dignity issues caused by his boss's abusive attitude, and decides to seek revenge by conning him into buying a fake "Monet" painting. With the help of The Major (Tom Rickman), a professional forger, and PJ Puznowski (Diaz), this quirky team tries their very best to make their plan a successful one.

Firth, who was also the lead for award-winning films such as "Mamma Mia!" and "The King's Speech", takes on the role of a British art expert who was constantly abused by his egoistic boss, Lord Lionel Shabandar (Alan Rickman). Firth did not have it easy during the filming process. Some of the daring scenes include coming face-to-face with a full grown lion, separated with just some strategically placed wires and walking around one of London's most famous hotel, the Savoy, in a smart suit, sans pants. Deane's journey to redeem his manhood his one that most of us can relate with, but the execution is so poorly done that we couldn't give two hoots.

Diaz plays an eccentric cowgirl who is fascinated with city life who becomes Firth's partner-in-crime. Here, the "Charlie's Angels" star delivers her lines with a heavy Texas accent and signature goofy nature. It was entertaining every time Ms. Puznoski pops up on screen and blurred out a random, unpredictable line, which almost without fail, gets the entire theatre laughing.

However, Diaz's slapstick jokes are the only plus for the show, as despite big names, it fails to live up to expectations due to a poorly written story plot and cheesy lines. Even so, the humorous scenes are hardly sufficient to make it into a decent comedy film.

Only watch "Gambit" if you are a fan of the actors, or are just bored out of your mind for a light-hearted show to spend the time away. Art geeks and historians will have a great time looking at the famous paintings; look out for a famous painting being "re-created" by the Major.

Cinema Online, 18 March 2013