MiddleMan

There's an old joke that about something "being funny until someone gets poked in the eye. Then it's really funny." That sums up the plight of poor Lenny, played by Jim O'Heir, star of Parks and Rec. A poor sad sack who gets in deeper than he ever imagined was possible. And then, as the joke goes, it's really funny. First time director Ned Crowley has a deft hand at writing great characters and then bringing them to life. He's also managed to create a piece of film on a shoestring that looks like it cost millions.

If you like Cohen Bros. movies, you'll love Middle Man. There is crazy much nuance to this great little film. I was captivated from the first to last act. It's really that good. It's a shame I have to enter five lines to recommend this movie. The cast is perfect; the location shots are Breaking Bad excellent. Enjoy.

Sometimes what you (think) you see is NOT what you get. Entertaining; well-worth the watch. Only 2 or 3 stretches of believablity that won't ruin anything, esp once you get into this and see where it's going. Stand by for some unexpected Bonus Points.

Recommended. VM

When I started watching this bizarre little film, I wondered where I'd seen the lead actor before. Turns out Jim O'Heir played Jerry in "Parks & Recreation," one of my favorite TV shows. I looked him up on IMDb and was amazed to find he's been in 183 movies and TV shows! That's an astonishing number for an actor that young.

Anyway, back to "Middle Man." Lenny Freeman (O'Heir) is a boring accountant. When his mother dies, she leaves him nothing but debt and her old Chevy. Lenny uses this as an excuse to pursue his dream--to head to Vegas and become a famous comedian. Problem is, he isn't funny. Not at all. His favorite comedies are old 1940s and 50s radio shows. But on the way out west, he picks up a mysterious character "Hitch" (Andrew J. West), a sleezebag who volunteers to be Lenny's manager.

Lenny goes on stage at a small bar/comedy club and bombs terribly. After his dismal performance, he has an encounter with one of his hecklers outside the bar. He wakes up the next morning to discover the man has been murdered, so he stuffs him in the trunk of his car. Hitch convinces him to go on stage that night and recount the story of him killing his heckler, bloody shirt and all. And lo and behold, the audience response is amazing! They love his "act" figuring he's fabricated the whole story.

From here on out, the story gets crazier and crazier. Sure, things get a little bloody, but it's only a movie. I've never seen anything quite like it. If you're in the mood for something truly different, you owe it to yourself to check out "Middle Man."

Outstanding! If you like funny, dark, smart movies that will stay with you and have you thinking for days, then watch MIDDLE MAN! Performances were great - especially Jim O'Heir and Andrew West - Can't wait to see more from Writer Director Ned Crowley. Love the way he wrapped old school comedy and desires for fame with meaningful themes of today. This was really a GREAT movie!