Le Témoin du marié

This is coming from someone who doesn't often watch romantic comedies. Often, romantic comedies involve the typical Jane Austen-like ending (meaning always the same), but for once, it's good to see even the smallest bit of change in the genre and the change in this particular romantic comedy–not that it changes all other clichés of the film–is that the protagonist is a man. Ollie is an Irish writer suffering from a five-year-old case of writer's block that has caused him all the trouble be can get and his troubles get worse when an old womanizing school mate of his asks him to be his best man at his wedding and Ollie finds himself falling painfully in love with the bride, Sarah. Though he tries to oppress his feelings and move on, his best friend Murray goes through the most insane schemes to bring Sarah and Ollie together.

Typical? Yes. Predictable? Very. Climax? Corny as a cornfield. But I can't deny that I did enjoy watching this film, even if it did mean I would have to wash the girly side off of me for a week. I must admit, I only wanted to see this because I've always had quite the crush on Stuart Townsend and I thought seeing him as a dork would be enjoyable, because what kind of girl can resist a guy who can laugh at himself? Naturally, I had to adore him as a lovable loser and I thought he was very enjoyable to watch. Of course, I cannot forget his chemistry with Seth Green, who is absolutely hilarious as the best friend, who, I have to say, was one clever son of a gun! The way his insane antics worked was both hilarious and intriguing at the same time and clearly, though he isn't even British, Green has done his homework when it comes to British humor (I sensed quite a lot of Jeff Murdock of "Coupling" in his performance).

Unfortunately, Amy Smart's performance was not at all remarkable. Her acting, if acting is what you want to call it, was very flat and her character also seemed just as such. To me, she seemed much like the kind of character who's only there to be the typical suffering love- interest without any quirk or edge whatsoever.

Above all, I thought the film was very much flawed on the lines of its lack of an original plot line, but it was enjoyable to watch even if it was just for Townsend and Green, who were most definitely the highlights of the film. I give the film an eight for its quirks, but I won't praise it for the plot.

I would have titled this summary an Okay, typical romantic comedy, but somebody already used that title!! In fact, my review is not much different than that review but I just wanted to add my two cents. Or two shillings, whatever that may be, as this movie is set in London.

It's a nice, light Romantic Comedy. There's no earth shattering observations and there's no attempt to relate the characters situation to any deeper event or philosophy. Which is cool. If I wanted that I'd be watching something other than a cute RomCom!! I wouldn't be happy if I paid $10 a head to see this in a theater, but as an available instant view on the web it's OK.

I wonder if somebody like Russell Brand could have turned the budding groom into a crazier, more gonzo character, but I don't think that would have helped the movie much. For what it is it's OK.

UNHITCHED is a fairly well made, generic Hollywood love story that provides a reasonably entertaining evening because of the actors cast in the roles. The story by director Stefan Schwartz and Ed Roe is recycled fluff with nothing new added, yet despite that fact the pacing and acting bring off a fun little film.

As marriage enters the agenda of old friends, promiscuous James (Steve John Shepherd) is scheduled to marry Sarah (Amy Smart, always a pleasure to watch) and asks his best friend Olly (the talented and hunky Irishman Stuart Townsend in a very nice comedic turn) to be his Best Man. Olly, a writer whose first chapters have been lauded by his publisher (Simon Callow) and that early praise has thrown him into writer's block forcing him to take a menial job as a PA under grumpy feminist Tania (Johdi May), fears accepting the role of Best Man out of the challenge tied to writing the wedding reception speech. He is encouraged not to accept the role by his roommate friend Murray (5'4" Seth Green, who has many comedy roles to his credit - this one being the first with a fine British accent). Murray knows of James' peppered past and sets out to stop the wedding - especially when he discovers that Olly has fallen for Sarah, mistaking her for Sarah's Maid of Honor Becka (Kate Ashfield).

Olly is a true friend and will sacrifice his longing for Sarah out of his loyalty to James - until Murray proves that James indeed is a promiscuous lothario. And the chase, with many a pratfall, begins as Olly ultimately sides with Murray to prevent his losing Sarah.

Townsend makes a fine turn out of his obvious role, proving that he not only can master dramatic and intrigue roles, but light comedy ones as well. Seth Green may be small but he is a powerhouse of physical comedic talent. Amy Smart doesn't have much to do, but when she is on screen she glows with intelligence as well as beauty. It is the cast that makes this film work and they are enough of a pleasure to watch to merit sitting through another re-telling of a tired story. Grady Harp

Olly Pickering (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green) are childhood friends. They drift apart when Olly goes to college making new friends like James. James and Murray hate each other. Olly graduates and starts writing. Despite early promise, he soon suffers a crisis of confidence. He reconnects with a successful Murray and settles into a drab life without ambitions. James asks Olly to be his best man but he's afraid of writing the best man's speech. On top of everything, he falls for the bride Sarah Marie Barker (Amy Smart).

The story is functional rom-com. There are a couple oddities. I can't accept Seth Green as British. It's funny that Amy Smart has no accents while the sister played by Kate Ashfield is definitely British. Stuart Townsend doesn't have it in him to do slapstick comedy. Despite all of that, the story has all the elements of the rom-com formula and it's somewhat functional as such.

One of those rare movies that makes you laugh, makes you cry and leaves you feeling good. Great performances and a fantastic 'look'- it has definitely joined my list of "must see movies". I had not seen Seth playing Englsih before and he was brilliant and funny. Amy Smart was Smart and gorgeous. Stuart was fab too - why isn't he on the A list yet?

THE PLOT: James (Steve John Shepherd) is to get married to Sarah (Amy Smart), and has asked his old college chum Olly (Stuart Townsend) to be his best man. Olly is delighted, although having suffered from writer's block for the past five years he is worried about composing the speech. His role becomes even more complicated when he starts to develop some affection for the bride-to-be.

Olly's childhood friend Murray (Seth Green) has always borne an animosity towards James. Not only does he encourage Olly's fondness for Sarah, he also sets about trying to sabotage the marriage with some outrageously funny antics.

Throughly enjoyable