eCupid (2011)

This is a boring, shallow, tiresome, "Look how cute I am!" movie about boring, shallow, tiresome, "Look how cute I am!" West Hollywood types.Someday somebody is going to make a movie about real gay people. Real gay people are not obsessed with their gym bodies and other guys' gym bodies. Real gay people don't look like fashion models. Real gay people get older than 23, eventually. Real gay people do not have blinding white teeth. Real gay people do not have perfect tans 365 days of the year, or even ONE day of the year. Real gay people have no idea what an "app" is, don't care what an "app" is, and got tired of the word the third time they heard it.Whoever made this tiresome movie, and whomever they made it for - those are people I hope I never have to meet.

This sweet, unpretentious movie is great date night entertainment. The performances are strong, the story engaging and there are some absurdly silly and hilarious moments. In a way, eCupid is a throwback to Disney movies where a nutty professor invents flubber or a VW Beatle sprouts a personality. While the premise is agreeably totally unbelievable, if you're in a mood to be entertained, you can sit back and have a lot of fun on this ride. Not really just fluff, the premise does have a go at a problem most of us face. Using a bit of fantasy, Calciano tells a story of how technology can step in the middle of relationships, and here the movie has a bit of resonance. Whether it's online dating or just being tied to the hip to a cell phone or laptop by work - who's in control? The movie's production values are solid, photography, editing, score and art direction all work in concert to bring the glossy world of LA to the screen successfully - and where better to set a modern day fantasy, eh? And as icing on the cake, it's great to see Morgan Fairchild in a magical cameo appearance. Worth a watch for sure!

Writer/Director JC Calciano's previous film, Is It Just Me, is one of my favorites, so this film had a high bar to meet. I'm happy to say that it does. eCupid is a romantic fantasy in the style of 80s flicks like Splash and Big. It's a breezy and charming story brought to life by a talented and good-looking cast. The fantastical element that runs through eCupid is clever and smart. I really like the way the film explores the evolving role that technology plays in our lives...as a force for both good and bad. Blaine (adorable Houston Rhines) is turning 30 and his life is stuck in a rut. He's in a stale relationship and a dead-end job (soap star John Callahan plays his boss). Looking for help, Blaine downloads an app to help him find love...and it turns his life completely upside down. Morgan Fairchild makes a great cameo as a mysterious and wise waitress. High marks across the board for this funny, sweet comedy. A must see!

In a complex, over stimulated, fast paced world I found this movie to be light hearted yet meaningful. There is so much drama in our everyday lives that ecupid is a breath of fresh air!!! In addition it addresses a modern day situation of cell phones and the temptations that they bring to our lives. The movie has humor that appeals to everyone. I saw the movie in mixed company and everyone was enjoying it. Laughing is a wonderful common denominator for all. The characters are extremely likable. We all either have been in that situation or are familiar with it and can relate on some level! See the movie; enjoy it for its charm and humor!!!