The Groomsmen (2006)

Getting Back on Track

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.


April 23, 2008

Slow, talky

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. January 11, 2008

Coming of Age

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. October 2, 2007

Funny - but no McMullen

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. January 9, 2007

Four and a half stars

"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.
December 2, 2006

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