The Almost Guys

You will love THE ALMOST GUYS. It's a fun, straightforward buddy adventure film, in which the buddies aren't quite up to the adventure. Eric Fleming is extremely likable as a repo man who is in no way a success, but is truly doing his best to be a good father to his son (played splendidly by Oliver Davis). Robert Culp is the perfect curmudgeonly sidekick. When the luckless repo men decide to carry out a kidnapping that someone else started, all hell breaks loose.

The movie is muscle cars, motels, money, and figuring out what's really important.

It's been a long while since I've seen a movie as touching, which made me laugh- out-loud at the same time.

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!

This movie is so much fun to watch. I find myself wanting to watch again and again for the laughs and the tugs on my heart strings.

Eric Fleming has done a beautiful job making an action adventure comedy pay off big time in terms of characterization. The Almost Guys is a cool, absolute gem of genres that bounces from the old amusing 'road movies' to action and surprising, touching drama. Veteran Robert Culp is delicious in this sleeper full of talented and versatile newcomers. One reason this refreshing movie sparkles is Pietro Arpesella. His knuckle ball portrayal of the disenfranchised and disillusioned Massimo 2 is reminiscent of Pacino's 'fed up' Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon and that just adds to the movie's strengths. For anyone who always wants a genuine plot in a movie, you've got one here and it makes being entertained great fun. The Almost Guys is super screen chemistry all the way through. If you like lots of different funny but not cheesy lines see this film, then see it again.

Just had the pleasure of seeing the film at Jax Film Fest - - was a breath of fresh air among some of the other films there. Production quality was excellent, story great. Was particularly impressed with the handling of the father/son relationship - very natural, without all of the sassy kid back talk garbage you see these days. The interplay between all of the characters was excellent as well, with a motel room scene really giving you the feeling that this bunch were having a blast telling this story together. A little too much language for some to call it a "family film", but again, great story with very likable characters (and GORGEOUS cars - boy do I miss the days of muscle!) Hope it is released soon so I can see it again!

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.