SYNOPSIS: THAT AWKWARD MOMENT, about three best friends who find themselves where we’ve all been– at that confusing "moment" in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So…where is this going?"

REVIEW: In his directorial debut and first film, writer-director TomGormican attempts this chick-flick style Brom-Com (Bromantic Comedy) from the male point of view. However, unlike other films of its kind, such as The Brothers (2001), “That Awkward Moment” unfolds more like college roommate camaraderie, rather than working professionals with big egos and big paychecks.

Though this flick is fairly predictable, it’s not a complete disappointment. In fact, I think it would be quite satisfying for a lover of methodic rom-coms (romantic-comedies). The overall plot kinda’ works, with the moment-to-moment jokes being rather amusing despite many of the jokes spewing out like rapid fire. This results in to having to pay real close attention to the heavy dialog. It consists of those types of punch lines, that if you missed the opener, there’s another one right around the corner that might land. And, surprisingly enough (considering both the subject matter and the tone), most of the jokes aren’t sexist one-sided cheap-shots.

Most of the leads bounce off each other quite well and are believably funny, so there’s a good chance that will carry the movie for you. That being said, it’s a bit difficult to escape the underlying emptiness that seeps into everyscene with the lead character “Jason” (Zac Efron, High School Musical, I, II, III) and his love interest “Ellie”, played by Imogen Gay Poots (28 Weeks Later, 2007). In my humble opinion, the producers of this film should have placed Canadian actress Mackenzie Davis, in to the “Ellie” role, instead of Poots. Davis plays a lesser role as one of the love interests of the guys in, in the circle of friends. Surprisingly, each emerging actress possesses a refreshing charm and on-screen easiness, with the exception of Poot, whom certainly did not fit any role inthis flick. Davis’ grace and allure should have been identified as lead-role quality, though; she wasn’t completely believable as a romantic match for the Miles Teller’s [Project X, 2012] “Daniel” character. Nevertheless, she certainly has the qualities to make her the one to watch.

Make no mistake though, there are flashes of brilliance, but they’re hindered in a precipitation of unapologetic, arrogant, off-putting boyishness throughout the 94 minute run time. And with much of the soundtrack consisting of 1980s pop-rock that would make Duran Duran proud, the tunes are the only potential cult classic trait here. It’s not the type of movie for the theater viewing, but more like a DVD rental with a bunch of friends getting together. Three stars is good for this latest effort though it is certainly not a must see!

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