Table for Three

Table for Three, released in 2009, is a comedic narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, friendships, and the often blurred lines between the two. This engaging movie is directed by Michael Samonek and stars Brandon Routh, Jesse Bradford, and Ed Ackerman, among others, who combine to breathe life into an amusing script that draws its situation comedy from everyday life situations.

In the story, we follow the life of Scott Teller (played by Brandon Routh), a charmingly naive guy whose life takes a turn when his girlfriend suddenly breaks up with him. Left alone in a big city, he becomes susceptible to intense loneliness and middle-of-the-night food orders due to his newfound bachelorhood. By circumstance, Scott decides to find a roommate to share his apartment's rent and perhaps create a diversion from the overwhelming solitude of the heartbreak. This decision lays the groundwork for the comedic twists and turns that we witness throughout the film.

The self-proclaimed fun-loving duo, Ryan (Jesse Bradford) and Mary (Sophia Bush), present themselves as the potential roommates. Scott, drawn in by their seemingly perfect compatibility with his own optimistic and friendly demeanor, asks them to move in without considering the consequences. In his mind, he believes he has discovered lifetime friends who will be the perfect antidote for his solitude and the emotional vicissitudes of his recent break-up.

As the plot unfolds, it doesn't take long for Scott to realize that appearances can be quite deceiving. Ryan and Mary, on initial impression the embodiment of affable companionship, turn out to be overwhelmingly domineering in their attempt at friendship. They slowly take over his life, influencing his decisions, and continually imposing their presence in every aspect of his life. This comedic overreach serves as the fountain of humour within the film, as Scott contends with the overbearing influences of his roommates.

Throughout the movie, Scott navigates his way through a minefield of absurd situations, both hilarious and infuriating, all the while juggling his personal life with his eccentric roommates. This dynamic presents the viewer with a series of comedic predicaments and misunderstandings that brilliantly blend humor with a light exploration of human relationships and personal boundaries.

Adding to Scott's predicament is his growing interest in Leslie (Jennifer Morrison), his attractive and friendly co-worker. The budding romantic feelings complicate Scott's living situation further, as his dysfunctionally over-involved roommates become a consistent roadblock to his blossoming relationship. The interactions between the love-struck Scott, his intrusive roommates, and the object of his affection, Leslie, encompass a situational comedy that keeps the viewers entertained all the way.

The film is beautifully executed with some noteworthy performances. Brandon Routh provides a solid performance as the endearingly innocent and lonely Scott. Jesse Bradford and Sophia Bush complement each other perfectly as the intrusive roommates, delivering their lines with an eccentric mix of humor and agitation. Jennifer Morrison, as Leslie, brings a breath of fresh air and a touch of romantic interest to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including the likes of Johnny Galecki and Liza Lapira, also contribute to the overall comedy in the story, adding depth to the plot. They build the world around Scott, providing additional layers and humorous subplots that work well together to build the movie's comedic impact.

"Table for Three" maintains its comedy status without overtly depending on rude humor or slapstick comedy, but rather relies on the comedy that naturally emerges from Scott's peculiar living situation and his interaction with his roommates. Director Michael Samonek skillfully exploits the everyday situations, turning them hilariously on their heads and creating a humor backdrop that is both enjoyable and refreshingly real.

In summary, if you enjoy a healthy dose of quirky characters mixed with a dash of romantic comedy, "Table for Three" is definitely worth the watch. It gives you an amusing peak into the perils of finding roommates, the troubles of navigating personal space, and the fallout of mixing friendships with romantic aspirations. It’s an undemanding watch that delivers a good time with well-timed comedic punches and well-drawn characters.