The Almost Guys

After 2 hours on the road, we were tired, hungry and 15 minutes late as we entered the dark theatre. We quietly shuffled into seats at the back and settled in for what looked like one of those comedic "journey" stories - you know, where the main character has to go on a physical journey, enduring all kinds of fantastic situations, in order to effect change. Ugh.

But then something wonderful happened. Characters transcended, relationships were built and I found myself laughing at the funny parts!

Eric Fleming writes, directs and stars in a story that isn't exactly what it appears to be. Yes, this is a feel-good movie, yes, the main character grows, but things don't turn out the way you'd expect. Plot twists take the viewer for a joy ride and some serious character development brings to life a cast of lovable "almost guys" who keep us rooted in reality amidst the seeming chaos.

The film succeeds best in the tender moments between "Rick" and his son, "Buddy". Rick may not be the most responsible dad, but his honesty and sincerity come through admirably. Shawnee Smith lends her unique personality to the film in an enjoyable performance. And ... oh, the cars! Car lovers, there are some awesome vintage vehicles in this film.

i saw this flick at the phoenix film festival and automatically liked it. then as a few days went by i realized i loved it. especially when i was at a hotel and i came face to face with the bed spread. its a charming story with good humor. there's action comedy, romance... and if it were 15% less funny, i'd still love it. i got the chance to meet the director, producer, and co-star. they were fantastic people, and i wanted to say that the brief conversation we had actually inspired me to finish my film. working on it now. if this show is playing at any festival near you, it'd be worth it to spend the x-amount of cash just to see this film (and you might as well sneak in a few more) but i'm just saying, i wouldn't miss it.

-sean

I recently saw this movie at a screening in Los Angeles and was very pleasantly surprised. It's the most refreshing movie I've seen in a long time. It was filled with incredibly original, sweet silliness.

It's basically about a repo man and his son getting accidentally involved in a crazy road-trip caper. Eric Fleming was so natural in the lead. I can't believe he was also the writer and director! The relationship between him and his son (who is now a regular on ER) was heart-warming and hilarious. The entire cast was great, from Jim the baseball player to Robert Culp as the partner. Refreshing is definitely the word. I'm still laughing over the character Bigger.

Hopefully this will get released soon so my friends can see it... and so I can see it again.

It appears that this is Mr. Fleming's first feature. Great stuff. Looking forward to the next one!

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!