Newlyweds

I have always been an avid fan of Edward Burns' movies because of the sharp and authentic narratives he constructs in his films, all based in New York. Sure sometimes it feels he is a disciple of Woody Allen; but in my opinion, never a carbon copy of Woody but more of a homage for the legendary spectacled writer-director that is W.A. So yes, there are some that are burned out on Burns' incessant telling of character-oriented movies based in New York; but why should he charter other narrative waters when his work has been so solid as a writer-director. So once again I was engaged to a Burns film. This time being his latest Burns' offering "Newlyweds". The movie stars Burns and Caitlin Fitzgerald as newlywed (ya!) New York couple Buzzy and Katie. They are both entrepreneurs, Buzzy owns a gym and Katie a restaurant. They both failed at marriage the first time around with other people, but this time decide to "walk the aisle" a little differently. Their matrimonial philosophy is not to be around one another too much; their work schedules help with that game plan as Buzzy works days and Katie works night. Katie's older sister Marsha despises Buzzy and that is more than the buzz. Marsha is longtime married to egotistical Max, who at times becomes a Mad Max due to Marsha's constant whining; o that Marsha Marsha Marsha. And another Max Factor why Max wants to get out of the marriage is that he wants to have sex with a younger woman. What rocks the boat in Buzzy and Katie's novice matrimony is the arrival of Buzzy's younger sister Linda, a slacker-type in her early 20's who travels from L.A. to New York so she can reunite with a past boyfriend that she unceremoniously dumped a few months before. Even though Linda is quite "linda", she still stirs up the pot in several ways due to her reckless behavior and puts a stop to the "forever hold your peace" part of Buzzy and Katie's marriage. Burns is a master of independent filmmaking as he astonishingly shot "Newlyweds" for just $9000; I think Paris Hilton's Chihuahua cost that much. Burns once again wrote a strong script that many can relate with the characters' dilemmas. None of the acting performances were in the "standout" category, but I would not exactly file for a thespian annulment with the cast of "Newlyweds". My favorites were Max Baker as Max and to a certain extent Kerry Bishe as Linda even though Kerry was a bit over-the-top at times. Burns was thespian Burnlike with his performance as Buzzy, and Caitlin Fitzgerald was more adorable than believable as Katie. This newlywed cinematic game might not be for everyone; but if you are into character-oriented independent movies, than I feel you will get a big "whoopee" with a "Newlywed" viewing. ***** Excellent

The opening scene of "Newlyweds" looks like it could have come out of any Woody Allen movie (or "Husbands and Wives" to be more specific). Two couples are sitting in a restaurant discussing the various ins and outs of married life. And then they turn to the camera and start saying what they really think. The editing from typical romantic dramedy-styled scenes to documentary-styled scenes is where the comedy comes in.

It's a smart comedy where the humour is born from the characters and the dialogue. Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald) are in their first year of marriage and are trying to be down-to-Earth and realistic about it. Communication and not spending much time with each other is key. On the converse, Buzzy's best friend Max and Katie's sister Marsha are in their eighteenth year of marriage and they are disgusted by Buzzy and Katie's attitude. Marsha can't stand Buzzy and that's what it all comes down to.

I was originally a little put-off by the documentary-styled revelations and worried that an entire movie about the differences between two couples would become irritating quickly. But that's exactly when a new wrench was thrown into the mix in the form of Linda (Kerry Bishé), Buzzy's sister. In the beginning we had husband versus sister-in-law where somehow the sister managed to keep herself on the side of "right", but now we have wife versus sister-in-law and nobody is going to get out of that catfight unscathed.

I was constantly delighted with how each character would respond to Linda's antics – which involves a lot of guy-obsessed drunken behaviour. Their passive-aggressive covers devolved into semi-aggressive acts. And just like in "Carnage", it still remains funny.

I wouldn't be surprised if some people take offense to the writing of the female characters in this film as they were all despicable in their own way. Edward Burns' Buzzy was the only one written so "cool" that he remained likable and sympathetic throughout, or at least to me.

I've been an Edward Burns fan since "The Brothers McMullen" (1995) and it's impressive how he keeps letting his writing shine through. Made for only $9,000 "Newlyweds" is on the skimp side of settings and shot set-ups, but as this proves you really only need a handful of characters who come to life to make a good film.

(7.5, rounded up)

Newlyweds is a tale of trashed boundaries, intertwined sloppiness, romantic yearning and object lessons among two couples, assorted relatives and exes in NYC, specifically Tribeca.

Buzzy (writer/director Ed Burns and Katie (Caitlyn FitzGerald) are newlyweds who learned from chaotic first marriages. They own small businesses and are more sunny and self-aware than their sisters, Buzzy's feral little sister Linda (Kerry Bishé), and Katie's bitter older sis Marsha (Marsha Dietlein).

Buzzy trains Marsha's husband Max at his gym. Sort of.; mainly Max comes to gripe about his wife and bemoan the sex he's not getting.

Max idolizes Buzzy, a fit, funny, guy's guy who curses warmly, and, unlike Max, has an even-keeled, gorgeous spouse who appreciates him.

Linda's drop-in from LA becomes the wrench in Katie and Buzzy's gears. Within 48 hours, Linda's passive-aggressive houseguest-from-hell havoc has Katie's teeth on edge and Buzzy backpedaling like a stranger in his own marriage.

Marsha, meanwhile, projects her misery on the stressed newlyweds and Buzzy in particular, who symbolizes all lying, doggish men in her eyes.

Linda chases down another newlywed: her ex Miles, whose weeks-old marriage she's flown in to destroy. Drunk, narcissistic and grabby...she's the younger, female mirror of Katie's actor ex Dara, another vain and irresponsible fantasist.

Meet your ghost of Christmas future, kid.

Marsha is threatened by Buzzy-who stole her sister, and dares to be cheerful. Linda envies Katie, who not only has her life together but can't be trumped on looks or style...oh, the humanity.

Whose denial about their obnoxious sister is deeper? Buzzy defends Linda with a distant oldest's guilt; Katie defends 'good person' Marsha with fierce, if myopic, devotion. Maybe hot loyalty about their sisters doth protest too much?

Which newlywed gets unrealistic first? Katie for insisting Buzzy tell her *absolutely everything*, down to Max's confidences and Linda's indiscretions...omitting what she holds back.

Or Buzzy, who chides Katie with a parallel about the 'anything goes' attitude of guy friends...the difference being, Katie and Linda are in-law strangers, not friends. Case in point, 'paranoid' Katie doesn't even try to tell Buzzy how rude and hostile Linda is when the two of them are alone.

Linda can apologize to Miles, but not Katie. Marsha treats Buzzy like riffraff, though he's gentleman enough to ignore her barrage of insults.

Kettles, meet pots. Everyone in Newlyweds has an object lesson, a nemesis and maybe even the inspiration they need, viewed in the right light.

I won't spoil the funny lines and fine messes of Newlyweds. The writing feels fresh and natural, the characters are just screwball enough, and I really wish Ed Burns had given us a sequel.

Though I've spent much of my life enjoying and at times worshiping Woody Allen I've never actually related to his film's characters. But I did relate to the people in this film by Ed Burns. I enjoyed the drama and laughed my ass off at the realities of it all. And the low budget, shot on a shoestring, added to the charm.

The film has a simple premise, a newlywed couple spend a couple of days of drama with the wacky in-laws and then must come to terms with their own relationship and it's newly discovered quirks.

I love the in camera, documentary-style confessions of the characters. It allows for added depth and contrast to what the audience sees. And the performances are dead on. No wooden acting. Very fresh and real dialog with a quick moving story.

The last Ed Burns' film I saw was She's The One, and then after seeing Confidence I kinda lost track of him. I am glad I saw this film, just to know that he's still doing quality stories. Now I gotta go back and see what I've missed.

Highly recommended to those who miss the character and heart in the current big budget crap coming out of Hollywood. Kudos to Ed Burns and crew.

In NY, Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin FitzGerald) are in their newlywed bliss. It's both their second marriage. Her sister Marsha is constantly fighting with her 18 year husband Max. Buzzy gives Katie's loser ex-husband Dara a charity vacuum cleaner to sell. The couple is surprised by the arrival of his half-sister Linda (Kerry Bishé) from LA. Katie had never met her. She has come across the country on a whim to stop her ex Miles from getting married. Her irresponsible ways start affecting the newlyweds.

Edward Burns delivers an ultra low budget indie. He uses the faux documentary concept. It is surprisingly well made. The characters are fun. He's trying for Woody Allen adjacent. It's not big laughs but it's loads of fun. I really like the Burns FitzGerald chemistry. FitzGerald is funny as frantic. Their struggles are endearing. It's one of Burns' better work.