Relationships can be tricky, especially when those involved have different goals and different dreams. In Shortcomings, the new comedy that opens on Friday, we see a couple that are on different paths, pulling each other in different directions.

We begin with a film within a film. It presents a microcosm of how Ben (Justin Min) and Miko (Ally Maki) see the world. Ben is put off by the film and its rose-colored view of the world. Miko appreciates the story, but more importantly appreciates what a film like it means for future artists like herself and Ben. Their reactions have them at an impasse.

It isn’t the first time. Soon, Miko is offered an internship in New York and suggests she and Ben should take some time apart. At first, Ben is fine. He moves on quickly but realizes the grass isn’t always greener. By the time he realizes what he had and makes a grand gesture by heading to New York, he finds it might be too late.

Ben is the lead here, but he’s sort of a misanthropic main character. His flaws and the way he conducts himself sometimes make it hard to root for him. It makes it hard for Miko and even his best friend Alice (Sherry Cola). That leads to an ending that tracks with what we’ve seen but likely won’t be the most satisfying for some viewers.

The script from Adrian Tomine has some fun moments but doesn’t do enough to make Ben likeable. Though, maybe that’s the point. I enjoyed the performances from Min and Maki, while Cola delivers another fun supporting performance this summer. Also, fun is Timothy Simmons, who appears in a sort of cameo role that made me laugh.

The film comes from director Randall Park, a talented performer who also briefly appears. It made its debut at Sundance in January and now is going wide. I liked the direction well enough, as Park makes some interesting choices. Ultimately, it’s the story and our protagonist Ben himself that cause this one to come up a little short.

Still, this film offers a bit of a respite from summer blockbuster season. It’s worth checking out for the performances.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.