The Almost Guys

I recently saw this movie at a screening in Los Angeles and was very pleasantly surprised. It's the most refreshing movie I've seen in a long time. It was filled with incredibly original, sweet silliness.

It's basically about a repo man and his son getting accidentally involved in a crazy road-trip caper. Eric Fleming was so natural in the lead. I can't believe he was also the writer and director! The relationship between him and his son (who is now a regular on ER) was heart-warming and hilarious. The entire cast was great, from Jim the baseball player to Robert Culp as the partner. Refreshing is definitely the word. I'm still laughing over the character Bigger.

Hopefully this will get released soon so my friends can see it... and so I can see it again.

It appears that this is Mr. Fleming's first feature. Great stuff. Looking forward to the next one!

Well, what can I say about 'The Almost Guys' other than the fact that it's probably one of the finest comedies that I've seen in a very long time. It harks back to an era when you could actually watch a comedy and not pause half way through it and say, 'What the hell is going on here?' Hats off to writer/director Eric Fleming who adopted the 'k.i.s.s.' method of film-making. When I say k.i.s.s. I don't mean the rock band Kiss I mean, 'keep it simple, stupid!' a philosophy that should be adopted by most young filmmakers. Simple, yet well- crafted jokes & comedic moments that allow the viewer to sit back and leisurely enjoy the adventures of 'Rick Murphy' & his side kick the 'Colonel'. In an effort not to ruin any plot lines, I'd say that if you're someone who enjoys the simpler things in life like a good laugh, clever story telling and muscle cars, then this movie is definitely for you.

Right from get go, we follow 'Rick' as he goes about his daily routine of repossessing cars and getting his ass kicked. What a way to start a movie! This coupled with Rick attempting to restore his relationship with his son and in the process accidentally kidnapping a Major League Baseball pitcher is an uncanny combination of hilarity and heartfelt emotions. Oh, and I can't forget the 'the Massimo's', oh my god, those guys had me in stitches. I'd compare this film to 'Caddy Shack' or 'Cannonball Run' in the sense that it stays grounded in reality even during its most outrageous moments. This film also pays homage to the great Burt Reynolds comedies of the 70's & 80's, which for fans of the genre, is a true blessing. Especially now, with the passing of the beloved Rodney Dangerfield, one can argue that Eric Fleming is on the path to becoming the next Harold Ramis. There, I said it!

Just had the pleasure of seeing the film at Jax Film Fest - - was a breath of fresh air among some of the other films there. Production quality was excellent, story great. Was particularly impressed with the handling of the father/son relationship - very natural, without all of the sassy kid back talk garbage you see these days. The interplay between all of the characters was excellent as well, with a motel room scene really giving you the feeling that this bunch were having a blast telling this story together. A little too much language for some to call it a "family film", but again, great story with very likable characters (and GORGEOUS cars - boy do I miss the days of muscle!) Hope it is released soon so I can see it again!

This movie is so much fun to watch. I find myself wanting to watch again and again for the laughs and the tugs on my heart strings.

Eric Fleming has done a beautiful job making an action adventure comedy pay off big time in terms of characterization. The Almost Guys is a cool, absolute gem of genres that bounces from the old amusing 'road movies' to action and surprising, touching drama. Veteran Robert Culp is delicious in this sleeper full of talented and versatile newcomers. One reason this refreshing movie sparkles is Pietro Arpesella. His knuckle ball portrayal of the disenfranchised and disillusioned Massimo 2 is reminiscent of Pacino's 'fed up' Sonny Wortzik in Dog Day Afternoon and that just adds to the movie's strengths. For anyone who always wants a genuine plot in a movie, you've got one here and it makes being entertained great fun. The Almost Guys is super screen chemistry all the way through. If you like lots of different funny but not cheesy lines see this film, then see it again.

Endearing characters, good relationships, funny twists. Just shows what's possible in film without needing huge special effects in every scene. Robert Culp's performance is subtle and hilarious. The kid actor gives an amazing, non bad-actor- kid nuanced performance. Eric Fleming did an amazing job not only starring in this thing, but writing and directing it as well. Usually this is a recipe for disaster-- in independent film it's almost guaranteed to be a narcissistic, "me me me" suck-fest, but somehow-- miraculously-- Eric manages to create a film that is not all about him- it's about an ad hoc and unlikely *family* that emerges from absurd and very funny circumstances.

Great comic sensibility. Great ensemble. Oh, and I should also give props to Shawnee Smith... she's great in everything.

If you're lucky enough to have this film comes to your town, definitely check it out. It's the kind of movie you can show someone who's never seen an independent film before, because it's a great example of what can be done with a small budget and big talent.