by JOANNE LATIMER

Doesn't it look like fun to be Kate Hudson? Now imagine being Hudson filming a movie in Paris: director James Ivory counts on her buoyancy in his new film Le Divorce, based on Diane Johnson's popular novel. Merchant's film, however, wants it both ways; it wants to be a breezy romp through Paris, and a melodrama about an unfolding devastating domestic crisis. Something is not on. It isn't quite caustic enough, nor is it light enough to let us enjoy the thrill of vicarious living.

Hudson flies to Paris to visit her pregnant sister (Naomi Watts), just as her French brother-in-law leaves the marriage. He falls for a Russian ditz and stammers out some garbage about free love. Lawyers get involved in the division of assets, including a painting that may be worth a fortune. The painting, which belongs to the sisters' side of the family, depicts St. Ursula, the patron saint of young girls.

If only Saint Ursula were the patron saint of this film. Instead, the director aims his prayers at Hermes, the French couture house. Their famous Kelly bag is a visual and emotional red flag in the film, until Hudson learns that expensive gifts from old guys come at a cost. You don't say. So, our two American sisters learn that French men are letches. Where does this leave us? Subject to a lot of man hating and cheap shots at the French: all French men are dogs; French women are vain enablers hung-up on comportment; Americans may lack poise, but they've got spunk - that sort of easy tagging of national traits.

Despite one heavy-handed moment of revenge, Le Divorce has nothing of the book's bite. Leslie Caron is marvellous as the evil mother-in-law, but her American counterpart, Stockard Channing, is disappointingly low on venom. Alas, the fur never flies.

We cannot forget this is a Merchant Ivory production, so there's a level of visual satisfaction. And this is Paris. We're treated to orgies of fine dining, lingerie shopping, period furniture and elegant rain gear. If that's enough, fine, see the film. If not, read the book.

Le Divorce opens Friday, Aug. 15

>> Movie Listings