Do You Take This Man

Do You Take This Man (2016) was written and directed by Joshua Tunick.

This movie is a romantic comedy, starring Anthony Rapp as Daniel, a 40-year-old man, and Jonathan Bennett as Christopher, a 30-something man, who is going to marry Daniel the next day. As in almost all movies about weddings, things go wrong at the last minute. Some people who should be there aren't, and some people arrive unexpectedly.

And, of course, there's a major, core problem that has to be overcome. (Actually, it could have been overcome easily, but then there'd be no crisis. Crisis is very important in a movie like this.)

The lead actors are talented, the supporting cast of actors all do brilliant work, and there are plenty of laughs. (Predictable laughs, but that's OK.) There's also a fair amount of pscyhobabble, but maybe people really do talk and think that way in the Los Angeles/Hollywood setting.

This is the type of film that's worth seeing if you are already at a festival, and have all-event tickets. I wouldn't seek it out, but I wouldn't avoid it either. IMDb isn't accepting votes for this movie yet. If I could vote, I'd give it a 7.

We saw this film at the excellent Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. It will work very well on the small screen. Do You Take This Man was shown as part of the outstanding ImageOut Rochester LGBT Film Festival. The film was one of 22 movies that had either their New York State premiere or their East Coast premiere at ImageOut. My compliments to the ImageOut Programming Committee for bringing so many new films to Rochester.

This is not a titillating, first date two kisses and in the sack movie. This is an excellent character study. I left with a strong sense that the writer compiled singular or multiple experiences from which to weave a story. For some it may be too slow. I prefer to view it as thoughtful, allowing a better development of the individual characters. Although the ending might be slightly saccharin, this was overall a very rewarding story and well played by each actor.

"Do You Take This Man" (2016) Whoa! I must have been in an extra sappy/romantic mood this evening.....because I was sobbing tears of joy at the end of this film. And, YES I am talking about the "ugly cry" sobbing....not the cute misty-eyed variety! LOL This film opens the day before Daniel and Christopher are to be married. The tension and drama are revving up in preparation for the "Rehearsal Dinner" (but since there was no Rehearsal I felt it should have been called the "Wedding Eve Dinner"?) that Type- A/Perfectionist Daniel is preparing. On the guest list: Daniel's parents, sister, and best friend; and Christopher's two best friends. SURPRISE! Christopher's friends have flown in his estranged BFF from childhood. Enter chaos. This film really tackles some deep stuff about love, family, relationships, communication, forgiveness, trust, and committment. It is an emotional roller coaster ride through surprises, secrets, hidden demons, fear, joy, love....the whoe gamet. AMAZING tidbits of wisdom given by Daniel's parents and recently divorced sister who realized "too late" how she contributed to the demise of her marriage. Ultimately a beautiful tribute to the power of true love. EXCELLENT casting!!! Anthony Rapp and Jonathan Bennett (who imdb says is from Rossford???) bring such chemistry to the screen. Alyson Hannigan (haven't seen her since "Buffy" days!) slips into the wise divorcee role like a hand in a glove. Mackenzie Astin, Sam Anderson, Lee Garlington, Thomas Dekker, and Marla Sokoloff round out the list of familiar faces in this project.

As a playwright and screen writer, intelligent dialog is my main goal. This script has it. Congratulations Mr. Tunick. You put me to shame.

The cast was very good, with Mackenzie Astin and Alona Tal standing out. But it's Steven's (Sam Anderson) speech at the dinner table which steals the show.

Great film. Thanks to all involved.

This is a wonderfully heartwarming simply story about the day just prior to the wedding of two men who love each other deeply, but still have a lot to learn about love and marriage. The performance feel totally honest. As the grandparent of a gay woman, I was particularly impressed by the parents of one of the two men. I highly recommend this excellent film.