The average American woman is a size 14. Compare that to the average department store mannequin, which is a size 4. Something doesn't quite add up.

First-time writer and director Nnegest Likké's new film "Phat Girlz" is another step in the growing movement toward the recognition of a very marketable plus-size audience. The movie targets the traditional views of a woman's beauty — namely, skinny equals gorgeous. However, good intentions can only get you so far.

In the film, Mo'Nique ("Domino"), the famous comedienne as well as author of the best-selling book "Skinny Women Are Evil," plays Jazmin Biltmore. She spends her days working behind a department-store counter. When she is not mentally insulting her skeleton-like rich-bitch clientele, Jazmin is dreaming of becoming a big-name fashion designer.

But her job is not her only setback. A negative attitude brought about by her plus size has led to a complete drought in the love department. At her side and in the same frustrating situation is her straight-laced best friend and co-worker, Stacey (newcomer Kendra C. Johnson). Adding to both of their pain is Jazmin's obnoxious cousin and roommate, Mia (Joyful Drake, "Beauty Shop"), who has been the size of a twig since childhood and never thinks twice about flaunting it in their faces.

But Jazmin's luck seems to change when she wins an all-expenses-paid vacation. The girls pack their bags and head to Palm Springs for some fun in the sun. It is not long before the girls meet a trio of attractive Nigerian doctors while lounging poolside. One in particular, Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis, "The Game of Their Lives"), takes a special interest in Jazmin. To her shock, his culture is attracted to larger women. You know the rest. Think of it as almost a complete clone of "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," except this time around the issue is size, not age.

But before the rest of the film can be scrutinized, it must be stated that the technical quality is beyond lacking. It is one thing to be low budget, but when it is as repeatedly apparent as it is in "Phat Girlz," it distracts from the content of the film immensely.

But it is also more than just an issue of budget at times. The constantly varying camera work is enough to divert the audience's attention during almost every other scene.

However, the substance of "Phat Girlz" fails to make up for the technical aspects. The most important thing the film lacks is more of Mo'Nique's comedy. The woman is a riot, as anyone can tell you after watching her stand-up or catching an episode of "The Parkers."

Yet throughout "Phat Girlz," her humor feels as if it is bottled up. The audience is only allowed to relish in it at interspersed moments when it manages to sneak out momentarily. The film seems skittish to go all out with the humor in order to maintain a serious note that promotes the film's positive message. Unfortunately, it was a mistake, as it only serves to make the sincere moments come across as a lot cheesier.

But regrettably the humorlessness does not end with Mo'Nique. Johnson, although new to the game, does great opposite such a big-name star. When her character, Stacey, finally unwinds and lets loose, she really comes into her own. But of course it is at that same moment that her character development screeches to a halt.

Instead of being the X-factor that resurrects the sinking tail end of the film, Johnson is left with only a few funny lines here and there. The same can be said of comedian Godfrey (best known for being the 7-Up spokesperson), whose talent is wasted as Stacey's underdeveloped love interest.

But it is more than just the comedy where the film ends up amounting to a whole lot of missed potential. The message of the movie ("beauty comes in all shapes and sizes") may not be original, but at least the way it went about it is. Or at least that is how it appears at first glance. Once the movie gets rolling, clichéd twists and turns leave the audience never fully rooting for Jazmin. Viewers still wanted her to get her man, but it is a lot less satisfying when you know exactly how it is going to play out.

"Phat Girlz" certainly does have a lot of heart. But instead of having a whole lot more to love, the film ends up being only phairly entertaining.

Rating: 2 out of 5