Do It for Uncle Manny

I saw this movie at the Tiburon Film fest back in March and thought that it was one of the better movies of the event. Not only does it contain an entertaining story, some great cameos, a beautiful girl, but a down to earth fellow who happens to be the director/writer/main character. Had a talk with him and some drinks, and I can see where his writing comes from. The movie was so enjoyable, that I went back and saw it again, and there were even things that I picked up on that I never noticed the first time.

This is a fantastic comedic film with interesting plot twists. The story involves misperceptions of people that can go awry when mixed with the right situation. Besides the notable contributions of "Louie" Anderson, Danny Nucci ("Titanic"), Colin Mochrie ("Who's Line is it Anyways?"), and several other celebrity faces, the story is led by two best friends, played by Shane Edelman and Adam Baratta. Adam actually wrote and directed the film as well as star. It's a solid film that is enjoyable for a wide range of age groups. While the main characters seem to fit the "teenage movie demographic," the film doesn't require the bathroom humor used in "American Pie" or "Scary Movie" to keep you laughing and interested in the story. A clever script as well as the fact that the cost was so low to create it ($325,000) make this a film to see.

Ok I saw the film about a month ago at the Texas Film Festival, and while it had its funny moments it felt like a Swingers knockoff the first hour and then it just got "eh." However, it seemed to be a big hit among the "mainstream" audience, of which I am not a member...

Adam Barrata's directorial debut however is impressive and I think he will be capable of amazing things in the future...

Good story. The film is funny without being vulgar and excellent chemistry between all the characters. Kari Wuhrer is probably the big draw but you ain't gonna see too much of her, as in her anatomy; you don't have to as the film doesn't, and DOESN'T HAVE TO, rely on titillation.

The progression of the film makes sense and I loved the Camaraderie between the characters. There are many moments that are totally unexpected, but in a very clever manner.

The ending has a few TINY cop-out moments, but overall a very satisfying experience.

While the seductive teenybopper pose of Kari Wuhrer on the DVD cover might lead some to believe "Do it For Uncle Manny" was "sexploitation", that is not what this film is about. It is closer to a comedy along the lines of"Swingers", and only contains a smidge of nudity. The first half is laced with familiar male insecurities, and everything up until the unbelievably contrived ending is good. Adam Baratta in a certain way reminds me of a young Burt Reynolds, and delivers a solid performance, as does the rest of the cast. Basically it is the story of Uncle Manny's Rolex watch swiped by Kari Wuhrer, and the quest to get it back. This leads to a bunch of misunderstandings and funny situations. Recommended, but the unsatisfying ending drags it down a notch. - MERK