Fizzy ‘Shooting Fish’ So Light It’S Weightless

The recipe for “Shooting Fish” is one part danger, five parts goofing around.

It’s a scam movie, in which two likable rogues - a fast-talking American (Dan Futterman) and a techno-geek Brit (Stuart Townsend) - pull cons in an effort to raise enough money to buy a mansion and live happily ever after. Things get complicated when they hire an assistant (the captivating Kate Beckinsale) who is so clever and beautiful that both guys can’t help falling for her.

“Shooting Fish” has the bouncy, romantic feel of a Burt Bacharach song, such as “Say a Little Prayer” (several Bacharach songs are woven into the action). Seemingly inspired by such ‘60s romps as “Help” and “Darling,” it’s not just lightweight; it’s weightless. No matter how many complications are introduced, there’s always something there to remind you that you’re heading toward a happy ending.

It’s gratifying to sit through a movie that is entirely dedicated to pleasing us, but I found myself wishing “Shooting Fish” had a little more on its mind. Director/co-writer Stefan Schwartz is so hell-bent on getting happy with it that he gets sloppy. The con games, for instance, are fun only if we understand them, but an insulation-installation swindle is so poorly edited that you can’t tell what’s going on. And, toward the end, a series of confusing developments (What happened to all that money? Why was Beckinsale attracted to her fiancee and why isn’t she attracted anymore?) pop some of the bubbles in this fizzy brew.

The upshot is that “Shooting Fish” has to rely on the charms of its performers, which are considerable, to carry it through. And, by the way, creature lovers will be pleased by a message in the credits, that “no animals, especially fish, were harmed during the making of this film.”

“Shooting Fish” Location: Lincoln Heights Cinema Art Credits: Directed by Stefan Schwartz; starring Dan Futterman, Stuart Townsend, Kate Beckinsale Running time: 1:30 Rating: PG