they and their families have on a get-rich scheme, a `sure thing', a real money maker. Sounds like the basis for a great movie, right? Wrong! Its not that this bitter sweet tale about Ronnie and Dave's follies in the cut-throat restaurant/bar business is bad -- its just too dull for words, let alone a movie.

As the pair learn the `ins and outs' of the New York bar business I must admit that I found myself looking at my watch to see just how long it was taking for them to wake-up, smell the java and realise the sobering fact that their business venture wasn't going to work.

Just when it seemed like the end was in sight and the guys were going to throw in the towel, another `brilliant' idea popped into their minds thus prolonging the film.

However, `The Tavern' does have moments of respite, thanks to a collection of quirky and likable supporting characters who are far more intriguing than Ronnie and Dave.

I found the woes of Ronnie's teenage nephew Tommy, who is `acting -up' following the recent death of his father, worthy of a film itself.

In fact, Ronnie's entire dysfunctional family peaked my interest -- the kooky sister left at the alter, the divorced parents and the widowed sister-in-law.

Unfortunately you don't get to see these characters often enough to stimulate this film.

Instead of making a film based on the woes of Dave and Ronnie, director Walter Foote would have been better served to make a movie based on the complexities and oddities of Ronnie's family.

MOVIE MPC