The Almost Guys

What a funny film! This was playing at the San Jose Film Festival and we kind of went into it blind. The only thing we were pretty sure of going in was that it was a comedy. It was really a treat! The performances were all great, especially Eric Fleming as the down-on-his-luck Rick. Where did this guy come from!! He should definitely be working more. Robert Culp was also good as the Colonel. He had that perfect balance of wisdom and slight insanity. Another surprise was Shawnee Smith. I hadn't seen her in anything in years and I realized how much I really liked her in the movies I've seen her in. Overall...good story...great casting...fun movie!

I recently saw this movie at a screening in Los Angeles and was very pleasantly surprised. It's the most refreshing movie I've seen in a long time. It was filled with incredibly original, sweet silliness.

It's basically about a repo man and his son getting accidentally involved in a crazy road-trip caper. Eric Fleming was so natural in the lead. I can't believe he was also the writer and director! The relationship between him and his son (who is now a regular on ER) was heart-warming and hilarious. The entire cast was great, from Jim the baseball player to Robert Culp as the partner. Refreshing is definitely the word. I'm still laughing over the character Bigger.

Hopefully this will get released soon so my friends can see it... and so I can see it again.

It appears that this is Mr. Fleming's first feature. Great stuff. Looking forward to the next one!

Well, what can I say about 'The Almost Guys' other than the fact that it's probably one of the finest comedies that I've seen in a very long time. It harks back to an era when you could actually watch a comedy and not pause half way through it and say, 'What the hell is going on here?' Hats off to writer/director Eric Fleming who adopted the 'k.i.s.s.' method of film-making. When I say k.i.s.s. I don't mean the rock band Kiss I mean, 'keep it simple, stupid!' a philosophy that should be adopted by most young filmmakers. Simple, yet well- crafted jokes & comedic moments that allow the viewer to sit back and leisurely enjoy the adventures of 'Rick Murphy' & his side kick the 'Colonel'. In an effort not to ruin any plot lines, I'd say that if you're someone who enjoys the simpler things in life like a good laugh, clever story telling and muscle cars, then this movie is definitely for you.

Right from get go, we follow 'Rick' as he goes about his daily routine of repossessing cars and getting his ass kicked. What a way to start a movie! This coupled with Rick attempting to restore his relationship with his son and in the process accidentally kidnapping a Major League Baseball pitcher is an uncanny combination of hilarity and heartfelt emotions. Oh, and I can't forget the 'the Massimo's', oh my god, those guys had me in stitches. I'd compare this film to 'Caddy Shack' or 'Cannonball Run' in the sense that it stays grounded in reality even during its most outrageous moments. This film also pays homage to the great Burt Reynolds comedies of the 70's & 80's, which for fans of the genre, is a true blessing. Especially now, with the passing of the beloved Rodney Dangerfield, one can argue that Eric Fleming is on the path to becoming the next Harold Ramis. There, I said it!

After 2 hours on the road, we were tired, hungry and 15 minutes late as we entered the dark theatre. We quietly shuffled into seats at the back and settled in for what looked like one of those comedic "journey" stories - you know, where the main character has to go on a physical journey, enduring all kinds of fantastic situations, in order to effect change. Ugh.

But then something wonderful happened. Characters transcended, relationships were built and I found myself laughing at the funny parts!

Eric Fleming writes, directs and stars in a story that isn't exactly what it appears to be. Yes, this is a feel-good movie, yes, the main character grows, but things don't turn out the way you'd expect. Plot twists take the viewer for a joy ride and some serious character development brings to life a cast of lovable "almost guys" who keep us rooted in reality amidst the seeming chaos.

The film succeeds best in the tender moments between "Rick" and his son, "Buddy". Rick may not be the most responsible dad, but his honesty and sincerity come through admirably. Shawnee Smith lends her unique personality to the film in an enjoyable performance. And ... oh, the cars! Car lovers, there are some awesome vintage vehicles in this film.

Endearing characters, good relationships, funny twists. Just shows what's possible in film without needing huge special effects in every scene. Robert Culp's performance is subtle and hilarious. The kid actor gives an amazing, non bad-actor- kid nuanced performance. Eric Fleming did an amazing job not only starring in this thing, but writing and directing it as well. Usually this is a recipe for disaster-- in independent film it's almost guaranteed to be a narcissistic, "me me me" suck-fest, but somehow-- miraculously-- Eric manages to create a film that is not all about him- it's about an ad hoc and unlikely *family* that emerges from absurd and very funny circumstances.

Great comic sensibility. Great ensemble. Oh, and I should also give props to Shawnee Smith... she's great in everything.

If you're lucky enough to have this film comes to your town, definitely check it out. It's the kind of movie you can show someone who's never seen an independent film before, because it's a great example of what can be done with a small budget and big talent.