Meryl Streep outshines her co-stars, including Steve Martin, in this romantic comedy Courtesy of Boscaiola

Romantic comedy, USA. Dir. Nancy Meyers with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin
It may be a chick-flick, but “It’s Complicated” has at least a chuckle or two for even the manliest of men harangued into the cinema to see it. Nancy Meyers’ latest film is saccharine-sweet and largely predictable, but still enjoyable. Expect something along the lines of “Something’s Gotta Give” part II.

Then again, Meryl Streep is a much more versatile leading lady than Diane Keaton (of “Something’s Gotta Give”), which perhaps lends this film more credibility than Meyers’ previous effort, no matter how flat the plot line. Indeed, the massive success of “Mamma Mia” is a testament to Streep’s ability to make something preposterous into something commercially viable.

Streep’s character in “It’s Complicated” is Jane, a successful bakery owner 10-years divorced from Jake (Alec Baldwin). Although Jake has since re-married a younger, prettier woman, Streep’s heart and wit help to re-kindle an old flame and she embarks on an affair with her ex. The situation gets even more muddled when Adam (Steve Martin) arrives on the scene and starts falling for Jane.

Baldwin, who’s honed his comic timing on the hit American TV series “30 Rock,” is warm and funny, even beating Steve Martin to the punchline at times as they vie for Jane’s attentions. In fact, Martin’s bland expression often reduces his character to little more than an annoyance. Matched against Baldwin’s macho exuberance, he comes off as a whiny old bore.

The plot naturally careens further off-track as Jane and Jake go to great lengths to keep their children and significant others from discovering that things are heating up between them once again. There’s no danger of this film appearing at any awards ceremonies, but it’s good for a night out and a laugh or two.