If "Sweet November" is any indication , Keanu Reeves the Singer is at least somewhat more talented than Keanu Reeves the Actor.

Mind you, that's not saying a whole lot about Reeves' musical skills, except that he can perhaps carry a tune and not embarrass himself too much. As for his acting skills, his wooden performance here can't even come close to carrying what turns out to be a fairly routine, weepie romantic drama.

In fact, it's lucky for him and the film that co-star Charlize Theron is involved. Her performance would be sufficient for two actors — even though it's not enough to salvage the picture.

But thanks to her, "Sweet November" isn't as insufferable as two similarly themed movies that came out last year — the adult snoozer "Autumn in New York" and the teen yawn-fest "Here on Earth" — though just barely.

"Sweet November" is a remake of the 1968 drama starring Anthony Newley and Sandy Dennis, though the location (originally Greenwich Village) and at least one character have been changed.

In this version, the central character is Nelson Moss (Reeves), a workaholic advertising executive with no time for anything in his life except for his job.

Sure, he's got a girlfriend (Lauren Graham, from TV's "Gilmore Girls") and a great apartment in downtown San Francisco. But even though he doesn't realize it, he's coming close to career (and lifestyle) burnout.

That's why he's fortunate to meet Sara Deever (Theron), a free-spirited animal trainer who quickly decides to make him her "improvement project" for the month of November. She persuades Nelson to live with her for the month, forgetting his materialistic tendencies and embracing a simpler, sweeter way of life.

However, there a few unforeseen problems with the plan. Despite his reservations, Nelson finds himself falling for the sweet-natured eccentric — though their relationship is supposed to end after a month. And there's a secret she's hiding from him that could jeopardize everything.

If you've seen the trailers, it's pretty clear where this is going, which is why the film seems like such an odd choice of material for director Pat O'Connor (whose inconsistent canon includes the gentle "Circle of Friends" as well as the boring drama "Inventing the Abbotts").

Needless to say, this sluggish drama isn't his best work, and first-time screenwriter Kurt Voelker's heavy-handed screenplay doesn't help.

Speaking of heavy-handed, the film also features a sledgehammer musical score that should qualify for at least one award — Most Gratuitous Use of Enya Songs.

As far as the actors are concerned, as warm and sweet a presence as Theron is, you'd think she could coax something resembling a performance out of Reeves. But even when his character is supposed to be brightening, he still delivers his lines in the most comatose, monotone fashion possible.

"Sweet November" is rated PG-13 for scattered profanity, simulated sex and some brief sexual fumblings, brief use of crude sexual slang and some suggestive advertisements and brief partial female nudity, as well as glimpses of nude photos. Running time: 124 minutes.

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