If one were to read the synopsis, you'd think this was about rival cereal establishments. Nope, that is a backdrop, but _Flakes_ is about a toxic relationship. As an aside, I have begun to realize that most - if not all - romantic comedies center around unhealthy couples. Whether or not that is a conscious decision is a question for another time.
Poor writing notwithstanding, the direction, and camera work are the main issues here. The movie looks like it was recorded on a cell phone, then cut together in one day.
The acting really is the only highlight here, and even that is weak. Let's be honest, the only reason anyone would watch this is for Zooey, and she is just playing herself - like always - and she does a perfect job.
I get the sense the writer was going for a Kevin Smith feel, but totally dropped the ball.
Somewhere in the sea of incompetence is a good idea for a love story. During the first act, I had hopes that this was going to be a _Singles_ or _Reality Bites_ for 2007 hipsters. Instead we get a mess with characters who have no arc, no growth, but everything resolves, because of course it does.
I actually feel insulted on both a psychological, as well as a creative level.