Conning becomes an art that forms a staple of daily life for a mother-daughter duo in the new film Heartbreakers.

The film opens with the wedding of Dean Cumanno (Ray Liotta) and Max (Sigourney Weaver). After a fruitless wedding night, a very frustrated Liotta heads off for a short workday before the honeymoon. At work he is seduced by Page (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and is caught in the act by his new bride.

Weaver immediately files for a divorce settlement to the tune of $300,000. When the settlement is reached, the mother-daughter combo meet up to decide where to go for their next score.

After much contemplation, they decide to head to Palm Beach to earn their final big divorce settlement and be set for life. This is where everything starts to go wrong.

Despite a decent story idea and a few comedic events, the film is drawn-out and so shallow that a wading pool might represent the Mariana Trench by comparison.

The plotline of the film doesn’t require much, if any, thought and ventures away from the tried-and-true 90-minute formula Hollywood has worked out for the comedy genre.

Even more disappointing is Hewitt’s performance. She should seek out some more meaningful roles instead of playing her usual cutesy good girl.

Hewitt seems to have some talent, but often hides in this type of depthless character. Perhaps this film will serve to offer some valuable experience as she matures as an actress.

Weaver is fairly decent but should also seek out roles more befitting her talent as an actress.

However, Liotta is actually perfect for the role he plays.

The film is light on plot and character, but can still deliver a couple of good laughs.

Heartbreakers is currently playing at the Regal Knoxville Center 10, Carmike Wynnsong 16 and Halls Cinema 7.

Rating: C-