This really is nothing new in the cinematic world, but "Out of Time" is a considerably different movie than what the trailers and TV spots make it out to be.

Not that it's necessarily a better movie than audiences might be expecting. In fact, in some ways it may be even more disappointing — especially in light of how much potential is missed.

This dramatic thriller wastes some good performances, some snappy dialogue and some surprisingly tense pacing by falling back on some conveniently convoluted plotting and unlikely character development. And by too easily clearing up some of the film's initial moral ambiguity, the filmmakers make those characters less interesting. In addition, the oddly cheery ending leaves a lingering bad taste; it's simply unjustified and makes little sense.

The film might be better titled "One Step Ahead," when you consider that the story is about a cop, Matt Whitlock (Denzel Washington), who finds himself scrambling to erase a trail of evidence that links him to two mysterious deaths. And there's quite a bit of evidence. It turns out Matt and the dead man, Chris Harrison (Dean Cain), weren't exactly on good terms. Worse, he was carrying on an affair with the female victim (Sanaa Lathan), the dead man's wife.

Matt does have one thing going for him, though. As chief of police in a tiny Florida town, Matt does have access to all the evidence. However, the investigating detective is his soon-to-be ex-wife (Eva Mendes), who's quickly closing in on a suspect: him.

It probably would have made a better story if we weren't told right off that Washington's character is not guilty. And the fact that we're put in the position of rooting for someone who's committing a crime (concealing and tampering with evidence in a murder case) doesn't help.

Still, thanks to skilled director Carl Franklin, the material comes off a little better than it should. There are a few tense scenes, and the occasional injection of humor is a wise move.

Washington seems a little unsure about whether his character is supposed to be a good guy, and his performance is a bit tentative. Mendes, on the other hand, begs for more screen time than she gets. The same came be said of supporting performer John Billingsley, who nearly steals the show as the town's wisecracking medical examiner.

"Out of Time" is rated PG-13 for violence (gunplay, some brawling, peril and some evident domestic abuse), strong scenes of simulated sex (discreet but intense), scattered use of strong profanity (including one use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word) and some vulgar sex talk and references. Running time: 108 minutes.

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