Nice Guy Johnny

I'm a big fan of Ed Burns movies normally. This one is ok.

Johnny (Max Bush) lives in the Frisco area and has a late night job as a sports radio host. This is a position he loves. But, it doesn't pay well and there are no prospects for advancement. Therefore, he must abide by a promise he made to his overbearing fiancé. As his 25th birthday approaches, he will apply for a job in her dad's moving box manufacturing business, back in New York City. As he truly is a nice guy, Johnny believes in fidelity and keeping his promises. But, when he hits Manhattan and stops for a drink at his Uncle Terry's (Edward Burns) bar, he immediately is face to face with the opposition. Uncle Terry doesn't want him to give up his dream job, doesn't trust his fiancé and thinks his nephew is too young to marry. As Terry throws out statements trying to break Johnny's resolve, John stays true to his word. UNTIL, Terry takes him to a stay in the Hamptons, where he meets a beautiful tennis instructor (Kerry Bishee). Soon a conversation turns into a beer on the beach and so on. Will Johnny come around to his uncle's way of thinking? This intelligent, vibrant film is another winner from Burns, who acts, writes, and directs his work. Known for countless other films, like The Brothers McMullen, She's the One, Sidewalks on New York, and the great Looking for Kitty, Burns is in a class by himself. This viewer's only wish is that he continues to keep making movies until he can't stand up any more. The cast here, not well known, is great while sets, costumes, script and direction are absolutely wonderful. The only minor problem for some viewers will be the use of profanity, quite often. Nevertheless, if you can ignore this element, the movie is a great exploration of life's choices. NGJ is a more than nice, more than entertaining, and just right view for the near future.

Johnny (Matt Bush) is a nice guy, or a push-over, depending on how you see it. But he's also a pretty good character. Very handsome, sweet, and well, nice; he's a good romantic comedy hero.

It's basically a twenty-something finds himself romantic comedy. It's nothing you haven't seen before, but it is cute, funny and romantic. Matt Bush and Kerry Bishé have great chemistry and their romance is engaging.

Writer, director Edward Burns has both matured and gotten in touch with his younger self. He's no longer playing the main character in his romantic comedies, and here he has adequately written for a guy in his mid-20s. The plot and dialogue are obvious and predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing here. If you're looking for a twenty-something finds himself romantic comedy, then "Nice Guy Johnny" is certainly watchable.

I found this movie refreshing and hilarious. At first, I was put off by the amount of profanity and sexual innuendo, but all the characters grew on me. I thought it was an excellent script, filled with unexpected moments and unique characters. What's most refreshing is knowing that most of these actors were fairly new to the acting industry. I loved the English care taker. He was funny-looking and a great character to throw into the mix and to reveal a lot of secrets. Matt Bush is charming and Kerry Bishe brings a whole new meaning to natural beauty. Anna Wood is reminiscent of Juliette Lewis in one her less crazy moments, although she has her own outburst.

A very funny, yet solid storyline. Bright and full of laughs, as surely we all identify with that big decision- follow our dreams and our hearts OR do the easiest thing with the greatest promised reward. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. Yes there is profanity, sexual innuendo and drug/alcohol use. Where isn't there? It was never gratuitous. I was fortunate enough to see this at the Savannah Film Festival and listen as Mr. Burns' spoke about his decision to make this movie, using fresh talent who pegged what I believe his intention when he wrote it. All 20somethings should watch and heed; us 30somethings look back and wish we had.