Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves reunite for the first time since their hellish 1994 bus ride, Speed, in this time-travelling romance that succeeds in spite of its loopy, illogical premise and drizzles of emotional syrup.

The Lake House is a remake of a South Korean romance called Siworae (Il Mare), which revolves around two strangers who fall in love across space and time.

Impossible physics don't trouble screenwriter David Auburn he simply avoids any attempts at a rational explanation, including making sense of the presence of the same dog in parallel timelines.

Director Alejandro Agresti relies heavily on the natural charm and likeability of his leads two actors who are frequently much better than their material especially since their star-crossed characters must be kept apart for almost the entire film.

Once you ignore the obvious holes in the premise, and the occasional abandonment of commonsense for the sake of keeping Alex and Kate apart that little bit longer, The Lake House is quite a charming affair. Admittedly, the twist is signposted far too early, but Agresti's film casts a spell.

Bullock tempers her usual perkiness with an air of sadness and desperation while Reeves brings steeliness to his prodigal son, including a moving breakdown scene complete with real tears.

The denouement is a little hurried but since the rest of the film plays loose and fast with time, why should the closing minutes be any different?