Platcom (or platonic comedy) "Life's an Itch," which Monarch Home Entertainment released on January 21, 2014, is promoted as "Hollywood's first ever chick flick for guys." This tagline relates to the central figure in "Itch" being a happily married middle-aged guy whose week alone with a much-younger female yoga instructor prompts introspection.
The events that lead to this seven-day itch are that Roger Wright, a.k.a. "Mr. Right," stays home to work on his big break in the form of composing a score for movie while his wife Jen and his stereotypically disapproving mother-in-law take the couple's two young children to Hawaii.
This trip coincides with yoga instructor Gillian staying in the guest house of the Wrights' beautiful California home at the invitation of Jen.
The following clips, courtesy of YouTube, provides a good sense of the kinder and gentler nature of the humor in "Itch" compared to most contemporary comedies.
"General Hospital" veteran Andrea Bogart plays Jen; film and prime-time television drama veteran Kathleen Quinlan plays said mother-in-law, and Ali Corbin of "American Reunion" plays Gillian. In stereotypically chick flick fashion, the prospect of a new age oddball yoga instructor invading his home when he is under specific tremendous pressure to compose the music for the film and more general pressure to get his life in order does not please Roger. A potentially serious heart condition does not help matters.
"Itch" further follows the chick flick formula by having Roger thaw to Gillian hanging around. This includes her teaching him relaxation techniques and demonstrating that vegan food can be tasty.
Not much hilarity ensues, but there are amusing moments. One of the best scenes has Gillian innocently ridding Roger of most of his clothes and getting him in a mellow state until this effort to align his chakra gets a little too up close and personal for his comfort.
Other good humor is attributable to "General Hospital" and mid-90s sitcom "Dave's World" star DeLane Matthews as next-door neighbor Gladys, who has little in common with "Bewitched's" next-door neighbor Gladys Kravitz.
Glady's often-hilarious bits include carrying her (apparently well-hung) fish named Moby around and frequently trying to coerce Roger into coming over for cocktails. She additionally plays an role in one of the most important scenes in "Itch."
"Itch" defying expectations for the light-comedy genre to which it belongs sets it apart from similar indie fare of this nature. Every character varies enough from the stereotype associated with his or her personality type to be interesting, and the path of Rogian nicely strays from the chick flick formula.
The bonus consists of yoga instruction that includes scenes from the film. Watching just the first few minutes of this feature was relaxing.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Itch" is welcome to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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