Grade: B-

Verdict: Definitely likeable.

Details: Starring Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei and Greg Kinnear. Directed by Tony Goldwyn. Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language. One hour, 30 minutes.

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Review: Text Jane Goodale (Ashley Judd), the protagonist of the new romantic comedy, “Someone Like You,” has one thing in common with with similarly named animal behaviorist Jane Goodall. The latter finds human traits in animals. The former finds animal traits in humans. Specifically, male humans.

Jane has a theory she calls “The New Cow Theory.” To wit, bulls aren't interested in cows they've already been with. They want new cows. Some of us would call that the one-night-stand theory.

Jane, a talent booker at a talk show hosted by smoothly self-centered Diane Roberts (Ellen Barkin), has made a few too many rounds of the Manhattan singles scene. So when sparks fly between her and the show's new producer, Ray (Greg Kinnear), who's coming off a break-up, she's ready and willing to be his new cow.

There are complications. Needing a new place to live, she reluctantly moves in with her womanizing co-worker, Eddie (Hugh Jackman). Meanwhile, Jane's best friend (Marisa Tomei) wants her to write a “New Cow Theory” column for her magazine. If nothing else, living with Eddie will give her a chance to study the predatory male up close.

“Someone Like You” is neither as complex as the novel (“Animal Husbandry”) on which it's based, nor as effervescent as the movie it intends to be. The picture's major problem is that it occasionally seems to be trying too hard. The strain is the most noticeable when the annoying soundtrack becomes more intrusive.

Still, it's a pleasant, always watchable film with a touch of “Sex and the City” hipness and a neat true-love spin. There's even some “Ally McBeal” pignant flakiness (Jane blowing the dust off her diaphragm).

Judd isn't a natural at playing a neurotic New Yorker (she's a Judd, after all). But she makes a credible move into Meg Ryan territory. Kinnear does his usual charming-weasel bit and does it well. And Tomei is turning into a terrific character comedian, along the lines of Eve Arden or Joan Cusack. However, the real reason to see “Someone Like You” is Jackman. Shed of his “X-Men” Wolverine mutton-chops and Elvis hair, he's incredibly sexy. He's also a fine actor who can do romantic comedy as well as the macho superhero stuff. Sort of like a young Clint Eastwood with more versatility and a lighter touch. Russell Crowe may have to watch his back.

— Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution