Rich, old whores and one spoiled brat — this could be the alternate titled to Stephen Frears’ latest work.

It is 1900s Paris and young Chéri (Rupert Friend) is sick of his repetitive life that includes pointless social scenes and selfish indulgences. He wants something different but being unsure of what that is, he sulks around the house as his mother (Kathy Bates) grows weary of his behavior.

Being that his mother Madame Peloux is a retired prostitute that once pleased men of great wealth, she herself has built quite a small fortune, allowing Cheri to live worry free. Her former career also brings about her friend and old competition Lea de Lonval (Michelle Pfeiffer). Knowing Chéri since he was a youngster, Lea is quite fond of him but the fondness takes a large step forward as their relationship blossoms into a lengthy affair.

Finding her son to be cheerful once again, Madame Peloux thinks it is the perfect time to announce the marriage she has arranged for him. His heart is not in the marriage but he agrees anyway to keep his mother happy, which leads to an on again/off again struggle between his love for Lea and his new wife.

“Chéri” feels like a soap opera set in old France, and a very unrealistic portrayal at that. Without the costumes and perhaps some architecture here and there, one would have no idea the film is suppose to be taking place over 100 years ago. To add to that, the accents used by the American-born actresses are either awful or non-existent.

Whether it be good or bad, the direction goes unnoticed completely as all the attention goes to the dreadful screenplay. The story is uninteresting, the dialogue is inane and the overall production is unintentionally theatrical. As for the score, it went from “Harry Potter” to “Schindler’s List” in a film that is neither fantasy nor ultra drama — not a very effective or appropriate choice.

Michelle Pfeiffer hadn’t been heard from for a while and perhaps for good reason. Her performance is unsuccessfully showy and melodramatic. Everything she does seems to be aimed at taking over the spotlight but it only ends up exposing her flaws.

Kathy Bates fails much like Pfeiffer but to a lesser extent as I would put much of the blame on poor writing rather than shoddy acting.

Rupert Friend leaves you annoyed and displeased with his character’s prissy ways and for whether or not it is intentional, I don’t know, but if so, then to him I say, bravo on being utterly obnoxious.

“Chéri” is not a good film. It has no redeeming qualities and at times is an embarrassment to screenwriters everywhere. Some may find it to be charming and seductive, but those feelings are only held by groups of casual moviegoers who happen to all be women over the age of 50. For the rest of you, avoid this film at all costs.