Chemistry lessons

Katie Holmes

TV hit: “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)

Rom-com debut: “First Daughter” (2004)

Hot or not: Not. Holmes is at her best working for a strong director like Ang Lee (“The Ice Storm”) or Curtis Hanson (“Wonder Boys”). “First Daughter” director Forest Whitaker is an admirable actor, but as a filmmaker his work is too often flavorless. Just like Holmes’ star turn.

Up next: January’s “Mad Money” is a comedy but don’t look for Holmes to romance co-stars Diane Keaton or Queen Latifah. Instead, the media spotlight remains squarely on her off screen relationship with, oh, what’s his name again?