"Lost Embrace" is a bland and tedious dramatic comedy from Argentina that only comes alive for a few moments. It’s about a young man trying to find his identity in the world who encounters various unexpected and wacky circumstances.

One critic commented that "Lost Embrace," "…recalls classic Woody Allen," and the film also reminded me of his work. But "Lost Embrace" more closely resembles the late period, artistically bankrupt Woody Allen films such as "Husbands and Wives" and "Celebrity," rather than the classic Woody Allen flicks, "Manhattan" or "Annie Hall."

"Lost Embrace" has won over some admirers. It was Argentina’s official choice for the 2004 Oscars, best foreign film category. It also won the Grand Jury Prize and Best actor awards at the 2004 Berlin Festival.

Daniel Hendler is unimpressive in the role of Ariel, a confused twenty-something who recently dropped out of college and lives in a state of perpetual disappointment.

Ariel ends up working a nothing job at his mom’s lingerie shop in a Buenas Aires shopping mall. There, he encounters the sexy, vivacious Rita (played by Silvina Bosco, the only bright spot of the film) who boldly seduces him in the dressing room. He is hesitant to begin a fling with her because he suspects she is married, but he finds it difficult to resist her charms.

Even in the face of a banal reality. Ariel keeps his dreams. He decides to take advantage of his mom’s Polish heritage by becoming a Polish citizen. He plans to move to Poland. But his world is thrown into chaos when learns some dirty family secrets, and he meets up with his long lost father.

The film has some references to Vittorio De Sica’s neglected classic "Sunflower," and it incorporates a powerful clip from the film. But this merely made me want to leave the theater and rent that movie instead.

"Lost Embrace" is not truly terrible, but it is instantly forgettable. I defy anyone to remember the plot a few months after they’ve seen it.