Best Men

"Best Men" can't seem to make up its mind if it wants to be a comedy or a drama and scrambles both while compromising each only to cap the confusion with some mediocre action. A technically okay production with a decent cast of 2nd tier talent, this film is a directorial disaster with a sloppy make-it-up-as-we-go-along storyline. Character development is not sufficient to allow the audience to summon the emotions the film seems to demand and comedic purpose is lost in quotes from Hamlet and a lot of sappy personal relationship issues.

I have to admit Best Men was one of those films I had passed dozens of times at the video store - every time meaning to check it out. But I am glad that I finally did. In a way this is just like other off-beat, crime capers. The plot won't keep you guessing but then, that's not the point. Instead the pace of the film matches the laid-back town where it is set. And the movie definitely plays for laughs over any attempt at pathos. Which is good, the last thing we need is yet another movie trying to be more than it really is. All the audience is asked to do is kick back and enjoy the ride. However the film is not without its surprises - namely the performances of Dean Cain and Sean Patrick Flanery. Dean Cain is a revelation - forget Superman, this guy should definitely aim for parts like these. He brings a sensitivity to his role that belies his previous tv role. And Sean Patrick Flanery gets a mention for his adeptness with Shakespearean dialogue. There are not many actors on the big screen today who make it sound so easy - especially when you consider that not all of the dialogue spoken is original (and therefore with no prior standards or interpretations to guide the way). Kudos to the writers too, for doing such a great job. However, don't let the Shakespeare bit put off any action fans - there's more than enough to keep the blood pumping. Shakespeare plus shootouts and a groom who is going to be reeaallly late - this movie is mad.

This movie starts out with some real promise. It begins as a comedic naive-criminal type movie. A theme rendered masterfully in the film Bottle Rocket. With a cast that includes Andy Dick you start to expect even an element of superb slap stick and goofy-ness. If only this movie could have reached half of the understated brilliance of Bottle Rocket, it would have succeeded. Unfortunately, it fails spectacularly. Half way through the film they decide to ditch the comedic theme and dive head first into an action film. Complete with over the top chase scenes and graphic violence that leaves the viewer wondering if someone taped over the second half of the film with an episode of the A-team. And don't get me wrong I love blood and guts action a la John Woo, but in this film it is completely out of place. This film tries to combine the sincere comedy of Bottle Rocket with the over the top action of Hard Boiled and manages to fail at both in the process. It is a shame too because if they had stuck to one or the other they might have ended up with a decent film.

There is a bank robber known as Hamlet working the area who quotes Shakespeare during his robberies. Four friends Buzz (Dean Cain), Teddy (Andy Dick), Billy (Sean Patrick Flanery), and Sol (Mitchell Whitfield) have come to pick up Jesse (Luke Wilson) from prison released after around 3 years. They are all dressed in tuxedos going to Jesse's wedding with Hope (Drew Barrymore). Billy is dropped off at the bank who turns out to be the masked bandit Hamlet. Then the rest of the guys go into the bank. They are surprised by Billy's bank robbery, and join in. Sheriff Phillips (Fred Ward) surrounds the group, and turns out to be Billy's dad.

This is a poor copy of 'Dog Day Afternoon'. Billy is way too pathetic. The FBI is way too ridiculous. The other people in the group makes no sense. It's trying to be a quirky action comedy. Except that it's more stupid than funny. And it's a horrible idea to have Andy Dick who is hamming it up for the camera. I think the filmmakers are attempting at a Tarantino-like DDA movie but they don't have the skills to pull it off. It comes off as a weak homage to the great movie.

When I rented this movie, I was thinking that it would be a comedy. Instead, this movie turned out to be more of a drama. I was very surprised with this movie and even a little curious as to why I had never heard of it before seeing it at the video store. Perhaps it is because it isn't a comedy like most people would expect. I really liked this movie. It isn't a vehicle for Drew Barrymore, if that is what you are expecting, but her part is one that she does well in. Dean Cain also turns in a worthy performance. I think most will be surprised at how touching and even moving this movie is if they give it a chance.