eCupid

A Cinema 175 presentation. Produced by J. C. Calciano, Joe Dain. Executive producer, Matthew Solari. Co-producer, Nicholas Downs, Julie Le. Directed, written by J.C. Calciano.With: Houston Rhines, Noah Schuffman, Matthew Scott Lewis, John Callahan, Morgan Fairchild.Writer-director J.C. Calciano's gay romantic comedy "eCupid" tries to eke laughs from web-centric matchmaking, but the pic's uninspired writing, acting and helming merely recycle the familiar tale of how a bored couple breaks up and slowly finds its way back to happiness. A handsome cast and choice nuggets like the presence of Morgan Fairchild may give the pic an edge in niche markets after a tour of Stateside gay fests. Ad designer Marshall (Houston Rhimes) and cafe owner Gabe (Noah Schuffman) have reached the proverbial itch in the seventh year of their relationship, with Marshall pushing things to the breaking point. Hounded by an annoying iPhone app called eCupid (voiced by Fairchild), Marshall soon finds -- after a few dating misfires and more than a few clownish characters -- that true love was what he had at the start.Camera (color, DV), Joshua W. Smith; editor, Philip Blackford; music, Christopher Farrell; production designer, Tom Hallbaur; art director, Jasmine Garnet. Reviewed on DVD, Los Angeles, July 15, 2011. (In Outfest, Frameline, NewFest.) Running time: 94 MIN. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com