★★★ (out of four)

A mild Lasse Hallstrom film that luckily doesn't aim too high, making it easier for it to reach its target. It does dissolve a bit towards the end into typical Hallstrom dramatics, however. It's a good thing that it doesn't quite blow it enough to drown the picture.

Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor are quite good. Their relationship and respect doesn't feel forced and is well earned. Their chemistry helps a lot, especially when the plotline takes a predicatble stride.

McGregor plays Fred. He is assigned a huge task of finding a way to accomodate a Shiek's request to introduce salmon fishing in the desert of Yemen. He is partnered with Harriet (Blunt). They become close to each other as their current relationships begin to unravel.

It's a fairly nice movie as long as it isn't analyzed too closely and is enjoyed for its quiet pleasures.