A comedy without laughs and a drama without any bite, Niagara Motel is hardly four-star lodging. Still, this 2006 Canadian flick is one of those ambitious failures I feel guilty for disliking. It had potential, and that potential was squandered.

Screenwriters Dani Romain and George F. Walker juggle several storylines revolving around a ramshackle motel just outside Niagara Falls, New York. In the city celebrated by honeymooners, the denizens of this motel are in various stages of relationship atrophy. Perhaps the most forlorn character is bellhop Phillie (Craig Ferguson), a morose Scotsman who tries boozing away the haunting image of his bride plunging to her death at the famous falls.

But there is plenty of dreariness to go around. Henry and Lily (Peter Keleghan and Wendy Crewson) are a once-comfortable couple now existing on the fumes of distrust and resentment. Henry is in desperate need of a new job, but he is getting no sympathy from a wife who won't forget his past infidelity. Henry sinks into despondency while Lily grows fascinated with a prostitute conducting business next door.

In another room, recovering drug addict Denise (Anna Friel) waits with her husband, R.J. (Kristen Holden-Ried), for word on whether they will be able to regain custody of their baby girl. Bad gets worse when the child's caseworker pays Denise an unscheduled visit.

More intrigue stems from the diner next door. Comely waitress Loretta (Caroline Dhavemas) is caught between the attentions of an oily con man (Kevin Pollak) who wants to put the woman in porn ("This could be the start of something big ... or pretty big") and a creepy, mentally unstable suitor (Tom Barnett).

The ensemble cast certainly gives it their all. Friel, who has since gone on to television's Pushing Daisies, is especially affecting, but there isn't a weak performance in the bunch (although it must be noted that Peter Keleghan appears to be the love child of Stone Phillips and Chuck Woolery).

Nope, the actors are just fine. They're just saddled with playing unpleasant, dense and unlikable characters who don't ring true and aren't worth the investment of time. Director Gary Yates teeters between lead-footed comedy and overwrought drama, but the confused tone seems endemic to the writing.

The script, based on several of George F. Walker's stage plays, is unfocused, attempting to cover too much narrative territory and ultimately pleasing no one. Niagara Motel is Quentin Tarantino without the edge and Neil Simon without the humanity. Either way, it's a disappointment.

The review screener did not represent final product, making it impossible to render a fair judgment on quality. With that disclaimer, I will add that the picture, presented in widescreen 1.85:1, appeared sharp and detailed, and with realistic skin tones and inky blacks.

While the screener copy did not represent final product, the Dolby Digital 2.0 is perfunctory -- clean, clear and otherwise unremarkable.

Only a theatrical trailer is provided.

Niagara Motel has the raw material for an effective black comedy, including potentially edgy situations and a strong cast. The only thing lacking is a boffo script that can maneuver so many story threads.