The Best Man

I'm one of these people that loves to think that new romantic comedies can all be as good as Four Weddings and A Funeral, or Notting Hill, before I go to see them. But they can't, sadly.

However, they all have their place, and some of the better ones in recent memory (Just Like Heaven; So I Married an Axe Murderer; Addicted to Love) all have one thing in common: memorable characters put into memorable situations.

The Best Man/Unhitched does, but it isn't Stuart Townsend, who does a decent job of things as the leading man (and girls, he's just as cute but at least somewhat vulnerable unlike LeStat in Queen of the Damned). It isn't Amy Smart, who does a decent job of things as the leading lady (and fellas, she's every bit as cute as we remember her in Road Trip, and gets more screen time, thank the gods).

So who is it? Seth Green of course. And this little fella doesn't get my vote simply because I'm 5'5" like he is (give or take an inch or two). Instead it's because: his accent is really rather good; his character is fun and unpredictable; and we'd ALL be rooting for him or doing what he does in the movie, if our best mate needed our "help".

So is the script decent? Not bad. At times it doesn't flow, and the first half of the movie the dialogue and situations seem a little forced. But there IS an honesty in it, almost as though this or at least part of the premise has happened to the writers or someone they know. The second half of the movie is far better and moves along nicely.

The acting? Not bad. Everyone except Seth Green just does what is required of them and not much more. The Seth-meister (and I feel like I can call him that) is far more animated and approachable than his turns as Oz in Buffy, or in films like Rat Race and The Italian Job.

Can we believe the romance and the motivation behind Olly's (Townsend) actions? Somewhat. He's a bit of a wuss. "Come on Olly, catch a wakeup!" you'll be wanting to shout at the screen.

Will we feel like we enjoyed the past 90 minutes at the end of the movie? I sure did. I'm guessing if you go in with the same low-ish expectations as me then you will as well.

Verdict: 7 out of 10 - It's nothing special, but as a date movie, a cuddle-on-a-rainy-day-DVD or a pick-me-up after some bad news, it works...

Bonus Hollywood value: Seth Green should be teaching Don Cheadle (in Ocean's 11) how to do an English accent!

It's not a GREAT movie, but a good one nonetheless. Perfect for a relaxing weekend, with your partner or your best gal pals.

Most importantly, the plot was well-thought through and put together, unlike some romantic comedies which are utterly ridiculous and in which nothing gels.

The lead characters are extremely likable, especially Olly (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green). You totally understand why Sarah (Amy Smart) would fall in love with him. He has his quirks (total klutz and a sorta "born-loser") but he has a really good heart. Murray is the best friend whom everyone should want to have. Someone who would do anything to make sure that his best friend gets what he rightly deserves.

One of those movies which gets you to believe in the traditional notions of love once again. To be faithful and truthful to the one you love, and to be willing to do anything to make him/her happy. And also, that being in love brings out the best in a person.

"The Best Man" explores well known territory. The best man falls for the bride who is about to marry a cheating, selfish bastard. We've seen it before and we've probably seen it better, too. Still, "The Best Man" gets away with rehashing a story that's older than Prince Charles' mom, because it's really charming at times. The mixed ensemble of British and American actors make a lot out of some rather trite lines in the script. Seth Green steals the show. The movie is at its worst when it's trying to be cute or sell Townsend as a lovable clown, when he's really so clumsy he should be locked away. And, oh, the "wrong chapel" joke at the end, that one's older than Catherine Zeta-Jones' husband! Still, "The Best Man" doesn't try to be anything else than a nice little romantic flick which gets a chuckle out of you every now and then and that's just what it is. Good clean fun to watch with your partner on a comfy evening at home.

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

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.