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The Giant Mechanical Man

  • 2012
  • PG-13
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
11K
YOUR RATING
Jenna Fischer and Chris Messina in The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)
A romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.
Play trailer2:25
1 Video
24 Photos
ComedyDramaRomance

An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.An offbeat romantic comedy about a silver-painted street performer and the soft spoken zoo worker who falls for him.

  • Director
    • Lee Kirk
  • Writer
    • Lee Kirk
  • Stars
    • Jenna Fischer
    • Chris Messina
    • Topher Grace
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    11K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Lee Kirk
    • Writer
      • Lee Kirk
    • Stars
      • Jenna Fischer
      • Chris Messina
      • Topher Grace
    • 52User reviews
    • 25Critic reviews
    • 43Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    U.S. Version
    Trailer 2:25
    U.S. Version

    Photos24

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    Top cast31

    Edit
    Jenna Fischer
    Jenna Fischer
    • Janice
    Chris Messina
    Chris Messina
    • Tim
    Topher Grace
    Topher Grace
    • Doug
    Malin Akerman
    Malin Akerman
    • Jill
    Rich Sommer
    Rich Sommer
    • Brian
    Lucy Punch
    Lucy Punch
    • Pauline
    Bob Odenkirk
    Bob Odenkirk
    • Mark
    Travis Schuldt
    Travis Schuldt
    • Hal Baker
    Valentine Miele
    • Mahoney
    Sean Gunn
    Sean Gunn
    • George
    Greg Trzaskoma
    • Craig
    Eddie Ebell
    • Mitch
    Chase Kim
    Chase Kim
    • Mitch's Sidekick
    Sarab Kamoo
    Sarab Kamoo
    • Sonia
    John Cabrera
    John Cabrera
    • Toby
    Jennifer O'Kain
    Jennifer O'Kain
    • Camilla
    Nick Holmes
    Nick Holmes
    • Wesley
    Matt Champagne
    • Juice Dad
    • Director
      • Lee Kirk
    • Writer
      • Lee Kirk
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews52

    6.611.1K
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    Featured reviews

    8cosmo_tiger

    Very sweet & true to life love story that deserves to be watched. A date movie that both men & women will like. A-

    "It only takes just one person to make you feel special and valid and like you belong in the world." Janice (Fischer) is having a hard time finding and keeping a job not to mention trying to figure out what to do with her life. Tim (Messina) is doing what he wants to do with his life but feels unappreciated and is not making money at it. Both giving up they take jobs working at the local zoo. They strike up a quick friendship and want to develop more, but there are obstacles standing in their way. This is the definition of a sweet movie. I have never been a big fan of the typical love story movies mainly because they are so unbelievable. The "good guys" are overly good and the "bad guys" are way to horrible. While this did have a little of that this one is way more realistic and I would call this a real-life love story. This is a very sweet movie and the type of date movie that both men and women will enjoy. Overall, one of the better independent love stories I have seen. I give it an A-.
    9spandex07

    What a surprise!

    This movie really is a true gem, and as others have said, hasn't received the credit it should have.I really liked that it was more drama than comedy, as so many rom-com's these days come across as being silly and not believable. The characters are genuine and relatable, and it leaves you feeling good without to much "mush". I found that it reminded me of some of the John Hughes classics from the 80's, mainly Valley Girl, which also deals with trying to find your place when you feel like you don't quite fit in to the mold, and how others expectations of you don't help in the struggle..If you loved this movie I can recommend Valley Girl as one to watch. It's another movie that didn't get the credit it deserved and stars a young Nic Cage.. I'll be keeping an eye out for more movies this writer has done. Im sure this one will end up being viewed as a classic in years to come :)
    8atiyaahsan

    The sweetest Rom-Com I've seen all year...!

    What is wrong with IMDb people? How can this movie have such a low rating? Out of all the Rom-Coms I've seen this year, this is by far the sweetest and perhaps the only one with genuine, believable characters. I mean, who among us hasn't felt at some point in life like they're lost, like they haven't got it all figured out, like they are still struggling. They feel confused at not having the same goals that give other people a sense of achievement and not being able to conform to society's definition of success. The story is pretty straight-forward and centers around real and ordinary people. Jenna Fischer is sweet and personable as the female lead, Topher grace is hilarious as the obnoxious author who won't stop bragging about his book, and I actually have a younger sister akin to Malin Akerman's character of the over-bearing know-it-all sibling. She thinks just cuz' she got married first, she has the right to dish advice on every conceivable topic....(smiley face) As for Chris Messina, well, it's the quiet moments where his character broods and mulls that speak volumes, and the soundtrack suits the mood of the film just right. I loved the lead pair and I loved this movie. Go watch it if you wish to enjoy an hour and a half of some winsome and delightful drama!
    8gsjaeger-968-581723

    Very nice film

    The film is very good at pointing out the shallowness that is often found in everyday life due to pressure to conform to social pressures and to appear positive even in the worst of times, while at the same time pointing out that one's closest relationships can serve as protection from what can feel like the crushing weight of those pressures.

    It shows the viewer two ways of living and thinking about life, a mainstream one and an "alternative" one. The film has excellent timing, editing, and performances. The cast similarly brings together increasingly well known and lesser know but very talented actresses and actors. A must see indie film!
    7buddhajd

    Plays to Fischer's strengths

    This film is really right in Jenna Fischer's wheelhouse. The cute woman who needs the man to give her the confidence to really be herself. She may be codependent, but she's not, however, desperate.

    The movie juxtaposes Fischer's character's dating options against one another. On one hand, Topher Grace is the relatively successful writer who seems like Mr. Right. On the other hand, we find failing street artist Chris Messina as the titular Giant Mechanical Man.

    We know who we hope she picks, and it doesn't change over time like the choice in Reality Bites has so clearly flip-flopped back to Ben Stiller over Ethan Hawk. Much like that flick, this one is a groovy indie that leaves us with a clear choice having been made with no idea what the future holds for either couple. But how is that different than in real life? We all have no actual idea about how anything will turn out now; or likely for a long time.

    Stay safe and healthy and, most importantly, STAY HOME until this coronavirus situation has passed.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jenna Fischer and the director Lee Kirk are married.
    • Goofs
      When Janice's sister and brother-in-law are leaving the restaurant on the double-date, Janice's brother-in-law accidentally leaves with a dinner napkin under his coat.
    • Quotes

      Tim: I think you're just... great. Because you know what's so great about you? You're real. You don't pretend like you've got it all figured out, like everyone else walking around life. You're real. You're genuine, and you notice things, too. You pay attention. Like the monkeys. I don't know. I look at you, and... I can see you. I see you. I don't know. I just think you're great.

    • Crazy credits
      In the first section of the final credits, there are short scenes that are the natural follow-up for the film's story.
    • Alternate versions
      There are two versions available. Runtimes are "1h 35m (95 min)" (worldwide release) and "1h 34m(94 min) (United States)".
    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.141 (2012)
    • Soundtracks
      Kids Will Be Skeletons
      Written by Stuart Braithwaite

      Performed by Mogwai

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    FAQ18

    • How long is The Giant Mechanical Man?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 27, 2012 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Chuyện tình người khổng lồ
    • Filming locations
      • Detroit, Michigan, USA
    • Production companies
      • Votiv Films
      • ITS Capital
      • Taggart Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $7,396
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $1,789
      • Apr 29, 2012
    • Gross worldwide
      • $7,396
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 35m(95 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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