Grade: C

Verdict: All romance; no substance.

Details: Starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz. Directed by John Madden. Rated R for some violence, sexuality and language. Two hours, 7 minutes.

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Review: Greece sure looks good in “Captain Corelli's Mandolin.”

It should. Based on Louis de Bernières' World War II novel of romance and war (and an extremely popular book in England), the setting is the picturesque isle of Cephalonia. Blue, blue water. White, white stones.

It is here that Italian troops came during the WWII occupation. It is here that Greek partisans fought back. And, naturally, it is here that some Greek women felt their hearts go pitter-patter as the fun-loving Italian forces delved into the local culture.

“Mandolin,” directed by Oscar nominee John Madden (“Shakespeare in Love”) and starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz, was supposed to be an Academy Award contender. It shouldn't be. It's already been released in England with a reception that amounted to an astoundingly loud thud. Critics there were often less than impressed.

They had good reason. Cage, with sweet-music mandolin in hand to charm the local girl Pelagia, and leader of a gaggle of wannabe opera singers, is dumbfoundingly miscast, overplaying the Italian Capt. Corelli with sweeping gestures and an overbearing accent. As Pelagia, Cruz, of course, has the fine look of an island peasant goddess, but, as in her recent turn in “All the Pretty Horses,” shows none of the chops to spice up a relationship drama.

Their love story is like a cut-glass candy dish filled with glistening gumdrops. Most of the time, the harshness of the era, the local political turmoil and the danger of local women consorting with occupation forces are given basic lip service. The awkwardly filmed war scenes near movie's end (the actors sometimes do look like they're running through a movie set as opposed to a battle) hardly register.

Ultimately, very little about “Mandolin” is not in some way disappointing. It's lone saving grace: John Hurt as Pelagia's father, Dr. Iannis. His subtle performance and weathered face bring the most dignity to the screen.

— Bob Longino, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution