Tyler Perry apologists may find pleasurable qualities in Sergio Navarretta’s The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship.  Then again, even those movie goers have seen this sort of romantic peril too many times by now (the Why Did I Get Married? series).

Right out of the gate, this dramedy fixates on flawed lovers.  Cat (Krista Bridges) is having a steamy affair with Richard (David Cubitt) behind her husband’s back.  The oblivious man, Freddy (Enrico Colantoni), is too wrapped up in his own labour as a food critic to notice, and a surprise trip to wine country only distracts him further.  Cat, feeling guilt, travels by Freddy’s side for a happy escape, but life stands still when Cat finds out that a.) Richard is Freddy’s boss and b.) her side fling will also travel with them along with his girlfriend Amy (Brooke Palsson).

The problems, the repercussions, and the reactions are all very convenient, but then again, these coincidences are expected given the territory.  The problem is the filmmaker hasn’t bothered to breathe new life into this stale premise nor has he inspired his actors to give enjoyable performances.  The whole cast practically underplay their parts, while Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars, Servitude) interprets his role in a way that’s faithful to the genre, but clashes with anyone who shares the screen with him.  This Canadian indie is also gifted gorgeous scenery of Niagara’s vineyards.  In fact, there’s so much lovely footage, you would think cinematographer Peter Benson frequently took over directorial rights.

Just like a lush who has had too many glasses of pinot noir, The Colossal Failure of the Modern Relationship drags out its stay and leans on safeties for support.  The movie thinks its coordinated, but the audience believes otherwise.

**********

Do You Tweet? Follow These Tweeple:

Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie