“Modern Persuasion” (** out of four) was an artificial romantic comedy about a NYC career woman (Alicia Witt) who has to deal with the aftermath of a former relationship when her ex-boyfriend (Shane McRae) hires the company and this begins to rekindle old feelings and old flames that affect her company and her romantic path in life. Guess what happens next. Film is brightly acted and attractively shot but is completely bereft of the magic and bounce that would make this take off. Viewers should resist “persuasion” to watch this and watch “Pretty Woman” and “Sleepless In Seattle” instead for the right way to do this kind of romp.