When you walk into a Merchant Ivory film, you have a general idea of what you're going to get. From "A Room With A View" to "Howards End" and "The Remains of the Day," the films are all well-acted and lavishly produced affairs that transport the viewer to another world.

"The Golden Bowl," the latest from writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, producer Ismail Merchant and director James Ivory," has all the same strengths and weaknesses. Despite being well-acted and easy on the eyes, it feels too familiar and, in the end, is too predictable.

Based on the novel by Henry James, "The Golden Bowl," set in the early 1900s, revolves around an American named Adam Verver (Nick Nolte), the world's first billionaire.

Verver, a widower, lives in England with his daughter Maggie (Kate Beckinsale of "Pearl Harbor"). She is engaged to be married to Amerigo (Jeremy Northam), an Italian prince.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, Amerigo had a past relationship with her best friend, Charlotte (Uma Thurman). Charlotte is still very much in love with Amerigo and wishes him to marry her. But he is poor, and though he loves her, will not.

Charlotte, who is poor as well, ends up a guest in Verver's massive home. While his daughter and Amerigo are away he courts Charlotte and they, too, are going to get married. Soon both couples are joined in the sacred union of marriage.

Amerigo and Charlotte spend a lot of time alone together. Adam and Maggie prefer to be with each other and are always going places. Adam is building a museum back in America and must travel there often, and his daughter sometimes goes with him.

Although they resist for as long as they can, Amerigo and Charlotte eventually cave in to temptation and fall into each other's arms. This can only lead to trouble for all involved.

"The Golden Bowl" has a lot going for it. By now Jhabvala, Merchant and Ivory are old pros when it comes to this type of film. They do a fine job of adapting what some feel is James' most difficult novel.

In addition to that, all four of the leads give good performances, especially the radiant Thurman. They work well together and create vivid characters. Plus, the movie looks great, as they always do.

Unfortunately, the weaknesses are just as hard to ignore. You can't help but feel like you've seen this all before and at times it's painfully slow. And it's never hard to figure out how it's going to play out.

"The Golden Bowl" is a mixed bag. However, you could do a lot worse right now. It might not blow you away but you probably won't be tempted to ask for your money back.

Grade: B-

"The Golden Bowl" starts Fri., May 25 at the Downer Theater.