Chris Rock says his latest film, I Think I Love My Wife, is a more accurate reflection of who he is. It's more realistic, more introspective, more subdued. Trouble is: His movie isn't funny even when it's aiming to be.

Directing for the second time following 2003's Head of State, Rock is still too stiff and clunky as a filmmaker. Writing alongside fellow comedian Louis C.K., he definitely has something to say about marriage, race and the black upper-middle class. He just doesn't say it with much finesse.

Rock stars as New York investment banker Richard Cooper. He's slightly nerdy, married with two kids and bored with his life in suburbia, where he fears his family doesn't associate enough with other black people.

Richard and his wife, Brenda (Gina Torres), have fallen into the same rut so many longtime married couples find themselves in: They don't have sex much anymore. No particular reason - they're still in love. They just don't feel like it, or they're tired, or it's a hassle.

The lack of physical satisfaction becomes acutely obvious to Richard upon the arrival of Nikki (Kerry Washington), the sexy ex of an old friend. She shows up at his office looking to use Richard as a reference for a job, and then keeps running back to Richard to rescue her from various jams.

They go to lunch, run errands and play hooky from work. And while she tempts him to stray, nothing happens.

When the inevitable will-he-or-won't-he moment comes, there's some suspense. But since this is the serious, mature side of Rock, you can probably figure it out.

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By CHRISTY LEMIRE

The Associated Press