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Owen Wilson plays gooseberry, firmly planted on the sofa of newlyweds played by Matt Dillon and Kate Hudson in comedy You, Me & Dupree. It’s another role capitalising on Wilson’s ruffled charm and there are predictable gags about blocked toilets and strippers on the doorstep. But added to the clichés is a cleverly orchestrated reversal of fortunes where hubbie becomes interloper. Co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo overcomplicate matters towards the end, but the leading threesome still make for enjoyable company.

There are few big laughs, however the teaming of Wilson and an uptight Dillon keep the chuckles coming. As the put-upon Molly, Hudson has less to do but her button-nosed appeal means she stays sympathetic even while nagging Carl about using her best silver to serve nachos. Adding to the strain of their marriage is Molly’s demanding father - and Carl’s boss - played by Michael Douglas, who flashes the pearly whites even while asking Carl to get a vasectomy...

"BALANCE OF WARMTH AND MISCHIEF"

Dupree’s troubled romance with an off-screen librarian adds a more surprising dimension to the story. Previously hidden layers of the character are peeled away to make him more engaging as Carl becomes more agitated. A scene where Carl mistakenly thinks Dupree is ogling his wife’s bottom encapsulates the balance of warmth and mischief. Unfortunately, like their 2002 comedy Welcome To Collinwood, the Russos get tangled in the loose ends. In a drawn-out finale, Dupree scrabbles through air vents like a cut-price Tom Cruise for no good reason. It’s not seamless, but Wilson fans can safely roll out the welcome mat.