A GOOD YEAR — ** — Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Abbie Cornish; with English subtitles (European dialects); rated PG-13 (profanity, vulgarity, violence, brief partial nudity, brief sex, ethnic slurs).

On the surface, Russell Crowe would appear to mix with light comedy about the same way oil mixes with water. Which is to say, not at all.

So far, the New Zealand-born actor is known more for taking himself too seriously than for being able to poke fun at himself. But a smile crosses his lips in the comedy-drama "A Good Year," which is nice to see.

As for this adaptation of Peter Mayle's best-selling novel, it's definitely a mixed bag.

At times, Crowe seems to be straining and out of sorts, despite the film's nice light tone and just enough European charm to help it get by.

Crowe stars as Max Skinner, an ethically shady stock trader who has just inherited a French estate and vineyard from his late Uncle Henry (Albert Finney). To Max, who's just been suspended from his job, it's more of an annoyance than a gift.

So he reluctantly travels to Provence, hoping to find a way to profit from this modest inheritance, and finds himself bewitched by Fanny (Marion Cotillard), a brusque restaurateur he nearly runs down in his rented vehicle.

Then there's Christie (Abbie Cornish, from "Somersault"), a young American tourist claiming to be Henry's illegitimate daughter. And if that's the case, Max may not be able to sell the property as planned.

In addition to the handsome scenery, the film's strongest asset may be the always-watchable Finney, who's featured in a handful of flashback sequences — along with young British actor Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), who plays Crowe's character as a child.

Strangely, Crowe seems a little tentative with his performance, though he appears to be having a good time for a change, which may be attributed to his reuniting here with his "Gladiator" director, Ridley Scott. And maybe also because he gets to romance French superstar Cotillard onscreen.

"A Good Year" is rated PG-13 for strong sexual language (including use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word and other suggestive talk), slapstick-style violence (including an auto mishap), brief, partial female nudity, a brief sex scene and use of slurs based on nationality. Running time: 118 minutes.

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