Written & Directed By: Ted Koland
Cinematography By: Seamus Tierney
Editor: Grant Myers
Cast: Justin Long, Tyler Labine, Jess Wexler, Shelly Long, Addison Timlin, Frances O’Connor, Evan Jones
The best man at Scott and Kristin's Arizona destination wedding, Lumpy is the life of the party, until a long, indulgent night leads to his untimely death. Forced to cancel their honeymoon and fly back to Minneapolis to arrange for his funeral, Scott and Kristin meet Ramsey and learn that Lumpy isn't quite who they thought he was.
I ended up watching this film due more to the actors playing the leads each of whom I am a fan of.
Tyler Labine who I first noticed in the television show REAPER has usually impressed and entertained me. Even if the films he was in weren't matching his talents. He is a boisterous performer. Who always seems to be the life of the party. He is building a resume. While still searching for that right role I catapult him Into being more well known.
Jess Wexler who I first saw in the film TEETH is somewhat of an oddity as she always seems u more or less pop up in Indie films that I end up enjoying and she has a quirky presence that is both warm and awkward.
Justin Long always entertains but recently has always seemed to be stuck in a rut as he is always an energetic actor with a wide amount of range. So much so that he seems to be a character actor who deserves to be a star as he is usually successful holding a film together as the leading man and certainly has the looks and charm. Though lately he seems stuck playing exasperated all the time. Like he does in this film.
This film is a feel good film that is life affirming. That could have easily gone a different way, but after having you delve into trouble pulse you out of despair and Into the light. Almost could have been a Christian film if I pushed religion.
Though at least it deals with characters in a somewhat real landscape of financial hardships and limitations and how they deal with expenses and day to day life though it doesn't dwell on those particulars.
Of course much of the film feels standard, but that is what makes it charming. A simple film that leaves you with a good feeling.
The film starts off simple then proceeds to make you wonder by positioning itself at different points that seem random then slowly comes together as by the middle the mysteries start to become solved. Let in you build up what you think is the solution and not looking too good the results. Then relieving you of the burden, Which is all good.
Though the film also sets up a bit few too many coincidences that seem to cross paths and come together to save the day. Which I can sustain disbelief but also feels lazy. Especially when it calls for a character who seems to only be there as a plot device after introducing them in a controversial way that could have added more character to the film but is introduced and then just dropped. I am guessing to let it be a mystery and linger. As this is not that characters movie.
Not to say the film is bad. No it's actually quite enjoyable. It just feels like the material is average.
A satisfying rental
Grade: C+
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