Country Life

An offbeat adaptation of Russian playwright Anton Chekov's classic play "Uncle Vanya," "Country Life" isn't anywhere near as fulfilling as last year's "Vanya on 42nd Street." But it does boast an attractive cast and some twists on the concept that are, at least initially, rather intriguing.

Writer/director Michael Blakemore has adapted the play to take place on a sheep farm in Australia's outback, shortly after the close of World War I. Blakemore also co-stars as Alexander Voysey, who returns to the farm from London, where he has purportedly been a big-time theater critic. With him is his new, much younger wife Deborah (Greta Scacchi).

Meanwhile, the farm has been run for some 22 years by hard-working — and equally hard-drinking — Uncle Jack (John Har-greaves), along with his independent and spirited niece Sally (Kerry Fox).

Sally is in love with outsider Dr. Max (Sam Neill), who also spends a fair amount of time at the farm — especially when he becomes attracted to Voysey's wife.

Australian-born/London-bred theater director Blakemore obviously has a deep understanding of the characters and their conflicts, which are so moving in Chekov's play. And he has managed to adapt it cleverly and with occasional insight.

But he has not given this film version much passion, and the result is a piece that moves unevenly, from witty repartee and interesting characters to dull, plodding plotting — in just about equal balance.

In the end, what the film lacks most is emotional weight — though it must be said that the excellent cast certainly gives its best.

The result is an oddity that is mildly entertaining — but seldom much more than that.

"Country Life" is rated PG-13 for sexuality.