The Best Man (2005)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Stefan Schwartz

Writers:

Ed Roe (writer)
Stefan Schwartz (writer)

Release Date:

19 January 2006 (Germany)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

May the best man win.

Plot:

A guy tries to help his best friend win the attention of the girl of his dreams. |

Plot Keywords:

Best Friend | Wedding | Cat | Love | Writer

Cast

Stuart Townsend	...	Olly Pickering
Raphael Schwartz	...	Olly Aged 2
Jacob Moriarty	...	Olly Aged 10
Callum Williams	...	Murray Aged 10
Seth Green	...	Murray
Steve John Shepherd	...	James
Simon Callow	...	Big-Time Publisher
Jodhi May	...	Tania
Máté Haumann	...	Work Experience (as Mate Haumann)
Anna Chancellor	...	Dana
Burn Gorman	...	Bus Driver
Ian Hanmore	...	Drunk
Raymond Coulthard	...	Chris
Mike Kelly	...	Party Bore
Philip Jackson	...	Mr. Barker

Also Known As:

Best Man, Worst Friend (USA) (TV title)
Ein Trauzeuge zum Verlieben (Germany)
Unhitched (USA) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for some language.

Runtime:

Germany:96 min | Argentina:96 min

Country:

UK | Hungary | Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Germany:o.Al. | UK:15 | USA:R | Argentina:13 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Company:

Best Man Filmproduktions

Movie Connections:

References The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)

Soundtrack:

George

Hitch a ride, if you have to, to see this sweet film, all you romcom fans

Olly (Stuart Townshend) has aspired to be a writer from childhood. Yet, after gaining an advance of 50 grand from a publisher, Olly saw it all go up in smoke when he developed a major writer's block and could not complete his book. Instead, he has taken a job as a personal assistant to be small publishing firm that specializes in self-help works for women. It is a position he detests. Fortunately, Olly has two close friends that make life bearable. One is a somewhat uncouth businessman, Murray (Seth Green) and the other is a polished university mate, James (Steve John Shepherd). When James becomes engaged and asks Olly to be the best man, the young writer agrees. Yet, when he attends an engagement party for the couple, Olly falls instantly for the bride-to-be, beautiful Sarah (Amy Smart). Murray suggests that Olly pursue Sarah, and perhaps aid his own cause by digging up some dirt on James. But, wouldn't that be the ultimate betrayal of his, admittedly, snobby friend? This is a sweet story for the target audience of romcom lovers. Although the tale is somewhat tried and true, it still has some originality, too. For example, Olly receives an invitation to go out on the town with Sarah and her friends but declines, saying he has to stay home and "deworm the cat". Now if ever there was a great line of refusal, that's it. But, in addition, the film's cast is quite fine, with Townsend a dear as the heartsick best man and Smart a delight as the object of two men's affections. Green is also quite funny, sporting a British accent, as the film takes place in London. Costumes and production values are high as well. If you are a fan of funny love tales, hitch a ride to locate this one, if you have to. You will be very glad that you made the effort.