Margarita Happy Hour

Five twentysomething gals sit around bitching about men and lost youth over cheap drinks while their toddlers play underneath the restaurant table in the tedious opening scene of this “slice of life” indie. And, no, that doesn't portend well for the rest of the film, which shifts focus to Zelda (Eleanor Hutchins), a NYC bohemian artist type living in an overcrowded loft apartment with a collection of slackers, druggies, and the like--including her boyfriend (and father of her two-year-old daughter) Max (Larry Fessenden), an occasionally abusive jackass who doesn't provide much help in the kid-raising department as he pursues his poetry. Since just about everyone in this motley cast of characters turns out to be a self-centered bore who wouldn't make for interesting company over a cocktail, I recommend you pass on this happy hour. (T. Rich)