Le Témoin du marié

Olly (Stuart Townshend) has aspired to be a writer from childhood. Yet, after gaining an advance of 50 grand from a publisher, Olly saw it all go up in smoke when he developed a major writer's block and could not complete his book. Instead, he has taken a job as a personal assistant to be small publishing firm that specializes in self-help works for women. It is a position he detests. Fortunately, Olly has two close friends that make life bearable. One is a somewhat uncouth businessman, Murray (Seth Green) and the other is a polished university mate, James (Steve John Shepherd). When James becomes engaged and asks Olly to be the best man, the young writer agrees. Yet, when he attends an engagement party for the couple, Olly falls instantly for the bride-to-be, beautiful Sarah (Amy Smart). Murray suggests that Olly pursue Sarah, and perhaps aid his own cause by digging up some dirt on James. But, wouldn't that be the ultimate betrayal of his, admittedly, snobby friend? This is a sweet story for the target audience of romcom lovers. Although the tale is somewhat tried and true, it still has some originality, too. For example, Olly receives an invitation to go out on the town with Sarah and her friends but declines, saying he has to stay home and "deworm the cat". Now if ever there was a great line of refusal, that's it. But, in addition, the film's cast is quite fine, with Townsend a dear as the heartsick best man and Smart a delight as the object of two men's affections. Green is also quite funny, sporting a British accent, as the film takes place in London. Costumes and production values are high as well. If you are a fan of funny love tales, hitch a ride to locate this one, if you have to. You will be very glad that you made the effort.

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

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

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.

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.