Getting Back on Track
Added 4/23/2008
Burns' writing really bottomed out with "Ash Wednesday" and to an extent he had really been declining since "She's the One". One of the chief frustrations in watching his films is the casting implausibilities and unrealistic situations he puts his characters through. This film thankfully did not have those problems and it really was entertaining to watch through.
Minor points but they somewhat bothered me............#1 if the characters are all 33-35 and Jay Mohr has a 2006 inspection sticker in his window, these characters were between ages 6-8 when Loverboy's "Turn me Loose", Eddie Money's "Shakin'" and Marshall Crenshaw's "Someday, Someway" were playing on the radio, which means 1980-1982. I didn't get the connection as to why this particular music meant anything to these characters who were 6-8 at the time.
#2..........if you tell me in the script that the Brittany Murphy character is pregnant and this is the reason for the impending wedding, does she need to hold her stomach in every single ensuing scene to reminds us she is pregnant? Watch for this and it will drive you crazy as you watch her scenes. I just didn't understand the need for her to be holding her belly in every single scene she was in this movie.
We get it, she's pregnant.
But again, I think Edward Burns refound his way here and this was an enjoyable movie to watch. The characters were likeable and the viewer was interested in them and seeing them solve their problems.
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Slow, talky
Added 1/11/2008
It seems like all these Burns films have similar stories and similar characters. When you've seen one, you've seen them all. This one is mildly entertaining, but it really drags. Here we've got guys in their 30's going through a mid-life crisis. I guess Burns will just keep doing these as he gets older and next we'll have guys in their 40's going through a mid-life crisis, then guys in their 50's, etc. etc.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Coming of Age
Added 10/2/2007
Edward Burns has filmed a great hit with "The Groomsmen". The casting was fantastic, and the story line felt personal. The film is as much about his friends as it is himself and that draws you in and you make an emotional tie with just about all of the characters. If you haven't seen this movie, you should! **Matthew Lillard - my hats off to you and you awesome job acting in this role.
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Funny - but no McMullen
Added 1/9/2007
Brothers McMullen and She's The One are 2 of my favourite comedies so I will always check Burns's films. This is probably his fourth best after Sidewalks of New York, which means it's a good film. Because the other 3 are brilliant. Great cast of funny characters with the typical Burns' scribed relationship problems. See it.
1 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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Four and a half stars
Added 12/2/2006
"The Groomsmen" is a heartwarming drama/comedy about a group of friends in their thirties as Paulie, played by Ed Burns, prepares for his wedding.
Burns' fans will be treated to the same elements that worked so well in his other films, including an ensemble cast. The interaction between the friends was truly enjoyable. We all know and can relate to people just like this. But this film goes even deeper, delving into adult themes like infertility and a gay character's struggle to come out to friends and family.
Matthew Lillard was terrific as Dez, who with humor and heart, articulated how parenthood enriches your life in ways previously unimaginable. We will definitely be seeing more of Lillard in the future.
Jay Mohr as Mike was a hilarious surprise. His Cousin Mike was outrageous and funny, but we do see glimpses of his sensitive side when he tries to reconcile with his old girlfriend.
John Leguziamo plays TC, who has been out of town, and has to face issues with friends and reconcile with family.
I saw this film at a New York screening when it first opened in July, where Mr. Burns was present to answer questions and share personal behind-the-scenes stories. He clearly loves what he does.
It is odd that other reviewers are comparing this film to the comedy, "The Wedding Crashers"; there is no resemblance whatsoever. It is also unfortunate that Burn's performance is criticized; as the writer/director, he could have easily made his character steal the show in each scene. I see his character as the low key, mostly sensible one, to contrast with the issues of the other characters.
After seeing "The Groomsmen," I watched "Diner," which I had not seen in years. The films both revolve around friends before a wedding, with "Diner" featuring actors in their 20s, and "The Groomsmen" actors in their 30s. They both deal with universal themes of friendship, disagreement, life choices, and all the emotion that entails.
If you're in the mood for a realistic slice-of-life drama/comedy that doesn't include any car chases, explosions, or aliens, give this film a try.
1 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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Film Tries Too Hard To Just Be Itself, And Is Somewhat Shallow
Added 11/13/2009
The acting was stellar, and the casting is what enticed me to buy it. The male actors are HOT, HOT, HOT mofo's! I think the film visually had an attraction for me also. BUT. I wanted more depth and meaning in the characters and story. The character dialogue was shallow, and the story just kinda moved along without really letting you in on any real revelation. This movie had potential though. I think that if the director had spent a longer time on the actors' expressions and improvised acting, perhaps he could have done something different with the film. To tell you the truth, the film felt kinda empty. And, well, I like feeling empty sometimes.
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Purple Violets
Added 11/2/2009
I don't know how this movie did at the theatre but I really like it. The story line, the actors, and the timeline makes this a story that we can all relate to. Plus the music is awesome, I am in my 40's and can watch this movie over and over.
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Didn't work
Added 6/10/2009
I want Ed Burns to continue to succeed as a director. I grew up in the town next to him, also had a police officer for a dad, went to Mets games, too, and so I LOVE how he loves Long Island and NYC. Like Woody Allen, his movies strive to capture that elusive atmosphere that shows you what it is that is so wonderful about NYC.
Part of what is great about NYC are its' people, straight-talking, no BS, sometimes bordering on rude and crazy, but wonderful and unique, and missed whenever you leave the place. I think that is what Mr. Burns is trying to show with his character movies (Brothers McMullen, She's the One) , but this one didn't work. I thought Selma Blair was awful, Debra Messing was under-utilized and the best of the crew, and the other actors were mediocre at best. Ed Burns' character was real, but flat. This movie could have been saved by great acting, or, as Woody Allen knows, some comedy thrown in.
I wish him success with his next movie because he is a ballsy NY-er who isn't afraid to go for it.
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