Table for Three is a movie I wanted to like in the same unabashed way I adore predictable-but-cute chick flicks. Disappointingly, I failed to feel sufficiently entertained. Despite some smart dialogue and a popular cast, the repetitious plot of tedious mayhem makes it impossible for the movie to go very far. As a vehicle to showcase Sophia Bush’s comedic prowess, the movie pulls in a major win. However, the only other bright point is that the movie eventually (eventually!) ends.

The movie has a surprisingly strong and young cast, which includes Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill), Jennifer Morrison (House M.D.), Jesse Bradford (Flags of Our Fathers) and Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory). I’ll admit it was some of these names that piqued my interest in the movie.

Sophia Bush is the real standout here, as the unapologetically perky and always-animated girlfriend to Bradford’s character. While Bush has proven she can do drama (The Hitcher), I enjoy her most when she’s doing comedy. Her character, Mary, has a terrific presence due to her constant comedic motion. While Bradford proves to be a strong counterpart, he simply couldn’t outshine Bush.

Though Brandon Routh says comedy is his first love, I found his take on the role of Scott nothing less than b-o-r-i-n-g. Strung along for the ride is Morrison, who has the thankless role as a fusion of “normal girl” and “ideal girl” (read: the requisite boring-but-pretty role). It’s a definite shame she didn’t get more to do, because one of the DVD extras with Morrison revealed natural charisma that the script completely covered up. It seems she was cast more for her popularity than talent. Shameful!

The plot of Table for Three goes like this: standard nice-guy Scott (Routh) invites Ryan (Bradford) and Mary (Bush) to live with him. What seemed like a good idea quickly morphs into a quicksand-like disaster. Not only does the couple quickly become overbearingly judgmental and possessive, they also decide to meddle in Scott’s love life with new girlfriend Leslie (Morrison).

Predictably, Ryan and Mary have a loud and unusual sex life (a whisk is just one of the props they favor) that Scott can’t escape. They are able to seem normal in public, but behind closed doors, they’re uber-crazy. This, of course, infuriates Scott when he tries to explain the wacky situations to a disbelieving (and somewhat annoyingly naïve) Leslie. The “couple monster” invite themselves along everywhere, sabotaging Scott’s romantic life on an uninterrupted basis. Why he didn’t issue a restraining order, I’ll never know. But, as a standard life choice, I’m simply not as generous with crazy people who make my life hell.

Near the end of the movie, more and more hokey devices are employed (i.e. someone toppling into a large wedding cake), and the initial charm wears off. Though the movie is hardly excessively long at 93 minutes, I would have appreciated some more ruthless editing (chop, chop, chop!). Something just didn’t work, and I couldn’t wait for the movie to end (even while using the remaining time to practice yoga poses).

I’d suggest skipping this movie in favor of something light you’ve seen 100 times before but always love (i.e. Save the Last Dance, Cruel Intentions, Center Stage). Table for Three neglects to inspire that same kind of loyal attachment that makes a movie a re-watch.

The Table for Three DVD will be available on June 23, 2009. The bonus features include an audio commentary with writer/director Michael Samonek, the theatrical trailer, and a featurette about the movie.