When its mildly interesting 88 minutes are done, one is left to wonder only if the film could have been a lot better in someone else's hands - perhaps those belonging to Wes Anderson.

The movie feels longer than it actually is - always a bad sign - and the climax and denoument are positively underwhelming.

Birthmarked proves both heartfelt and frustrating, perhaps a little like parenthood itself.

This is a dumb movie about people who are allegedly smart, and it was an aggravating experience to watch.