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Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and the groom from The Hangover (Justin Bartha), The Rebound is about a 40-something divorcee with two young children who ends up dating a 20-something coffee-shop worker.

The Welsh wonder really doesn’t cut the mustard in this and it is cringy to watch at times. Yes, age-gap relationships can and do happen, but this seems unrealistic. The usually glamorous CZJ (Sandy) frumps it up for the role she plays but this doesn’t do her any favours. It is clear that she is trying to fit in with Aram’s (Bartha) friends, but it is difficult to watch.

Both have been wronged by their partners and we see the relationship develop as Sandy asks Aram to become her babysitter. Not only is it about an age-gap relationship, but one in which Aram takes on the responsibilities of someone else’s children.

This is endearing and it also demonstrates the conflict these types of relationships experience. For example, Aram’s mother and Sandy are often battling each other, and especially so when it is his birthday.

The film continues to explore the trials and tribulations of the pair’s ongoing romance through a montage of life progression. This is distracting and I felt that spending more time on these life changes would have been beneficial to the continuity of the story. Career changes and unexpected occurrences are littered throughout and at times, I was left wondering what the anchor of the film was.

Did it truly depict the complicated nature of relationships? No. Was it clear what the film was about? To some extent. If more time was spent on explaining the circumstances to their singledom, this would have given the story more weight. As a result, it felt rushed, and if you miss the start, then you will be left wondering why the pair are so unsure of their romance and what led them to each other.

If you’re thinking about seeing this film, don’t expect too much from it. It’s an easy watch without much thought and in places, often awkward. One minute you’re laughing hard, the next, complete silence, and it just doesn’t feel right.

It’s a shame this didn’t quite cut it. The actors themselves are good, but this isn’t a great film for Bartha. As for CZJ, stick to being a an OAP’s wife.