eCupid (U.S. 2011)

The Gist:

In a fairy tale for a social media age, we have Marshall, a man about to turn 30 who is unfulfilled by his job, and uncertain about his seven year relationship that has settled into being comfortable. Bored one night, he downloads an app, "eCupid," which promises to find him true love. The apparently omnipotent app proceeds to give Marshall exactly what he desired, life as a single man, with a string of hot men vying for his attention. Given everything he wants, why can he only think of his now ex-boyfriend Gabe?

Comments (with unimportant spoilers):

The answer to why he can only think of his boyfriend Gabe is obvious of course. It's because this is a moral lesson teaching romantic comedy with fairy tale overtones and a mobile phone app in place of an ornery genie granting your every wish to disaster. 

It is a perfectly adequate, perfunctory, "gay flick," that does exactly what it promises to do, be cute. No more, no less.

Which oddly is the worst problem with it. This feels like it was aimed squarely for average and having achieved that, "they" have ended up up with a fast food meal of a movie. Neither good nor bad, not surprising, and oddly lacking. 

General comments aside and focusing on the story, It's a bit strange that when the boyfriend Gabe receives a text saying Marshall was bored with the relationship, instead of getting mad, or having a fight, or just talking about it, Gabe immediately breaks up with him ending their seven year relationship over momentary boredom. 

Issues of 'adequacy' aside, the movie is what is. A gay flick that is cute if you watch it, but is not a loss if you don't.

Women:

One. Morgan Fairchild as, well, a mysterious and possibly powerful someone who knows a thing or two about love. Actually, considering the movie's name is eCUPID, it may have made more sense if her role was cast with a man instead. Likely the first and last time I ever argue that a gay flick would had been better with fewer women, which in this case would mean no women. 

People of color:

None

Gratuitous nudity:

None

• Director: J.C. Calciano
• Writer: J.C. Calciano
• Houston Rhines, Noah Schuffman
• 95 min
• IMDB