`FORCES OF NATURE' A BIT FORCED.

Byline: Glenn Whipp Daily News Film Critic

Anyone who ever blanched at the prospect of `` 'till death do you part'' will be able to relate to ``Forces of Nature,'' a romantic comedy with a decidedly pragmatic edge to it. The film certainly seems to reflect these modern times where infidelity pops up everywhere (even, and especially, the Oval Office) and the concept of monogamy has become murkier and more old-fashioned than ever.

At least, that's how it seems to Ben (Ben Affleck), a buttoned-down copywriter (he composes book-jacket blurbs) soon to be married to the love of his life, a fresh, funny, earthy Southern belle named Bridget (Maura Tierney). Problem is, the forces of nature, not to mention some of Ben's closest friends and family members, seem to be conspiring to keep him from getting to the church on time. (``Marriage is a prison,'' Ben's grandfather direly warns him at one point.)

In a plot turn neatly borrowed (sometimes a little too obviously) from ``Planes, Trains and Automobiles,'' Ben must overcome obstacle after obstacle when he attempts to travel from New York to Savannah, Ga., where Bridget's family is planning an elaborate outdoor wedding.

The biggest impediment (even more dangerous than a looming hurricane) turns out to be a free-spirited beauty named Sarah, whose playful spontaneity completely contradicts Ben's cautious nature. This pairing soon turns into ``The Odd Couple'' with sexual chemistry, prompting Ben to think he may not have put enough thought into his marriage plans, much less his own staid life.

Though rife with comic possibilities, ``Forces of Nature'' too often plays it safe. You know, for example, when Ben poses as a doctor on a tour bus full of seniors that some old-timer is going to keel over with a heart attack and Ben will be pressed into service. In fact, heart attacks seem to be the plot device of choice here; there are two in the movie.

But just when the film starts to become a little insufferable, the filmmakers will inject a neat twist that keeps things interesting. (Audience favorite: A strip bar scene where nothing - the bar or the participants - is as it seems.)

The female roles have a depth uncommon to this type of screwball comedy. Bullock pulls off the most vibrant performance of her career, playing a woman whose willingness to embrace change masks deep insecurities about how she has led her life. Tierney, in what is typically a thankless role, creates an intelligent, appealing woman who is every bit as charming as Bullock's Sarah. Both characters have epiphanies during a finale that is satisfying in the way it dares to be true.

While the simmering sexual attraction between Affleck and Bullock is enjoyable and often quite believable, it is somewhat negated by the solemn dorkiness of Affleck's character. Affleck seems to be alternately channeling David Schwimmer and Adam Sandler during the movie, a performance that is every bit as irritating as it sounds. Faring better are David Strickland as Bridget's old Savannah boyfriend and the always wonderful Steve Zahn, playing Ben's party-loving best friend.

In the end, ``Forces of Nature'' leaves you feeling the same ambivalence that the film's characters express toward marriage. Just a long as you go into it with your eyes open and understand what you're getting into (a flawed, but somewhat enjoyable road comedy with sexy, romantic undercurrents), that need not be an entirely bad thing.

The facts

The film: ``Forces of Nature'' (PG-13; sensuality, language, drug use).

The stars: Sandra Bullock, Ben Affleck, Maura Tierney, Steve Zahn, David Strickland.

Behind the scenes: Directed by Bronwen Hughes. Screenplay by Marc Lawrence. Released by DreamWorks Pictures.

Running time: One hour, 44 minutes.

Playing: Citywide.

Our rating: two and a half stars

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PHOTO Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck star in ``Forces of Nature.''