Cherish

A creative but contrived and gimmick-driven comedy-thriller, Cherish revolves around a geeky, socially inept young beauty (Robin Tunney) who, after being falsely accused of a hit-and-run, is incarcerated in her own sparse and funky loft while awaiting trial, monitored by one of those electronic ankle bracelet programs. Going stir-crazy because she's the kind of girl who can't stand to be alone, Tunney spends the movie trying to outwit the system without setting off the alarm. Meanwhile, writer-director Finn Taylor (Dream With the Fishes) fiddles around with plot manipulations that turn the film into an illogical mess. Given the luxury of time, money, and another pass at the screenplay, Cherish could have been witty, sexy, slick and far more focused. But with its low-budget airs, disjointed plot elements, and uneven tone, Cherish comes nowhere near realizing its true potential. Not a necessary purchase. [Note: DVD extras include an All Access Pass with audio commentary by writer-director Finn Taylor, cinematographer Barry Stone and actress Robin Tunney; an 18-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, two brief deleted scenes (including an alternate ending); and a trailer. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an ultimately disappointing film.] (R. Blackwelder)