User reviews

This film reminds me a bit like Bad Santa.. no real plot, no attempt to do anything great, but the understatement and unpredictable flow of the movie just keeps your attention. Lots of little quirky and unconnected plot moments that make you chuckle. Put it this way, any director that puts the spaghetti in the tub kid from Gummo in a movie has got a sense of humor just slightly twisted enough to be worthy of note. The wide disparity of reviews, mostly either 2 or 10 doesn't surprise me. Some people will get it, some won't.

"Safe Men" is an overall rather slight but engaging farce that goes a long way on the strength of its many colourful characterizations. It might not necessarily give the viewer many belly laughs, but it's still guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. Thankfully it does have a nicely offbeat nature (thanks to writer / director John Hamburg and a talented cast) that helps to make it consistently watchable.

Sam Rockwell and Steve Zahn play Sam and Eddie, a not terribly gifted singing duo whose gigs are somewhat less than prestigious. But their lives take an incredible, bizarre turn when they're mistaken for professional safecrackers by "Veal Chop" (Paul Giamatti), the flunky of local Jewish mobster Bernie Gayle (Michael Lerner). They actually go along with this idea, although predictably they're not exactly good at the job. Sam falls for Hannah (Christina Kirk), the daughter of a local fence (Harvey Fierstein), and the *real* safecrackers (Mark Ruffalo and Josh Pais) go about their business with their customary efficiency.

The actors all play this so well that you can't help but get sucked in. Rockwell, playing a lovable loser, and Zahn have fine comic chemistry, and the supporting cast is a joy to watch. Lerner is fun as the zesty mobster, Ruffalo is amusing as a lovesick sap, Fierstein is a revelation as the fence, and Giamatti is particularly delicious as the low level mobster who's loyal to the core.

Overall there's a fair amount of heart and charm to this simple little film. Some of its scenes, like the bar mitzvah, are just priceless. It's mostly a low-key affair, but is just funny and quirky enough to make it well worth ones' time. You genuinely like the characters - even Lerner - and hopefully become curious to see how it will all resolve itself.

Seven out of 10.

Not your cookie cutter "Dumb" comedy. Just little oddities that make you say, "What the hell was that all about?" Sam Rockwell and Steven Zahn have great comedic timing as well as a flair for understated physical comedy. It just made me laugh. . but I must warn that I've recommended this film to some of my friends, and it just didn't respond to their comedic sensibilities. Also, if you've ever been to a barmitzvah, the scene in the movie is just barely parody. Hilarious!

7 out of 10 "Sweet 'stache dude."

When a movie has so much good natured humor and generally a lot of heart one can forgive anything. While it has extremely low production values and obviously made on an equally low budget, the sheer fun of it all makes this a movie that many have great affection for.

Sam Rockwell's well proven off kilter charm is used to great effect. He's paired beautifully with Steve Zahn as the pitiful singing duo coerced into a life of crime. They are supported by a number of equally engaging characters such as Michael Lerner's overbearing Jewish mobster, Mark Ruffalo's soft hearted safe cracker and best of all Paul Giamatti's "Veal Chop". Giamatti is hilarious as well as touching as the mobster's incapable lackey.

"Safe Men" is an affectionate ode to deluded losers. These characters are losers simply because they are desperately trying to be something they are clearly not cut out for. They are basically a bunch of good guys on the wrong track. Lerner's gangster threatens all sorts of mean acts, but ultimately just wants to give a big hug to all. Zahn's character has a strong inkling something is amiss when after years of trying to hit the big time they are playing to a very silent senior citizen audience. Rockwell, the king of deluded losers, tries to placate him with the explanation that it's a Polish custom to show appreciation by remaining silent.

Maybe it appeals to the delusions that most of us at some point or another are subject to. Whatever; this may be a small, slight movie, but its an immensely enjoyable one.

"Safe Men" plays as if you took a nice assortment of Woody Allen comedies and put them through a blender. The Jewish jokes, including a hilarious bar mitzvah will appeal to the ethnic audience, while the outrageous ideas like exploding pants, will appeal to almost everyone. I have never seen Jewish stereotypes portrayed better, in part because of the incredible casting choices. Each character is so interesting, you will wish they each had more screen time. Sure it's ridiculous, but so are "Idiocracy", "Strange Wilderness", and "Office Space". Along with "Safe Men" the common thread between these comedies , is that each one will hold up to multiple viewings. - MERK

A fun enough little independent comedy starring my boys Sam Rockwell and Mark Ruffalo. The plot is pretty basic; a case of mistaken identity leads a Jewish gangster to think that Sam (Rockwell) and Eddie (Steve Zahn) are top safe crackers and they have to crack three safes or else they'll be killed. There are some twists and turns along the way, including the ups and downs of Sam's relationship with the daughter of a man they try to rob from, that make it pretty fun but the best humor in it comes from the small stuff (a story about a pair of exploding slacks, Frank (Ruffalo) growing a mustache that is met twice with the compliment of 'Sweet 'stache.' and his response of 'Thanks bro.', etc.) Rockwell, Ruffalo and Paul Giamatti (as the gangster's right hand man) all give very fun performances that make the film an enjoyable ride. Rockwell's character is unlike anything I've seen him do; a very shy, geeky man-child who is just trying to get by and find love. He's great in it. The film is full of it's share of flaws (some of the jokes don't go over well at all, it drags a lot, etc.) but it's ultimately just a small, fun comedy.

I don't know what's wrong with most of the reviewers here, but this film isn't even vaguely funny.

The plot line sounded like it might be a real hoot, so I thought I'd give it a go. What a mistake. Maybe if you're Jewish and/or are from Rhode Island you'd bust a gut watching it. I got suckered in the same way by "The Hebrew Hammer" which probably was hilarious if you were Jewish but pathetic if you're not.

A shame, because the basic story showed some real promise. Somebody with a bit of insight could have made a good indie film from it.

For me, it was just boring, pointless and stupid. Some here have called this a "cult" film. They couldn't be more wrong.

Waste of time.

Two terrible losers (musicians) are mistaken for real thieves and are forced to do a heist for a gangster. Will they fail miserably? Ofcourse they will.

Silly, yet still quite funny, without becoming farcical slapstick, which would only be suited for kids. Kids AND adults could enjoy this comedy though.

There is a delicate balance for comedies this silly to remain watchable, but it works, because the actors are really A-list material, who act truly hilariously. With quite a surprising dorky role by Mark Ruffalo, who isnt usually found in comedies. Just great silly fun. For young and old to be enjoyed.

I had never heard of this movie, but boy was I disappointed in it. The plot really didn't make sense, and the actors weren't really given enough decent material to work with. Actors like Michael Lerner (who I loved in Barton Fink) and Paul Giamatti (take your pick; he's a great character actor) were wasted in this seemingly pointless exercise in filmmaking. I think the humor was supposed to stem from the odd "situation" of two ordinary guys cracking safes, but it didn't ring true. Good or great comedy is supposed to make you forget that the situations are implausible or impossible, but "Safe Men" just reminded you the whole time that this could never really happened. It wasn't one of those absolutely painful films that makes you groan, but it is the kind of movie I just couldn't wait to see end. "Meet the Parents", John Hamburg's second effort as a writer is much funnier and much better, so don't count him out as a comedic force in the future, but BLEECH!

I don't know how or why this movie got made, and more importantly I don't care. The cast led me to believe this unknown title could not go wrong. You have Giamatti, Rockwell, Zahn, Ruffalo! how could you possibly go wrong with a cast like that? Well, I tried to forgive one horrible dialogue sequence after another but by the time Rockwell starts his romantic side-plot I was ready to smash the screen with anything within reach, I can't remember the last time I ever heard such atrocious dialogue. Do not watch this movie, if you know someone who owns this movie, disassociate yourself from this person and any of their acquaintances. You have been warned.

This is one fresh and innovative movie. Great performances by a very talented cast. The story deals with safe cracking, lounge singing and Jewish mobsters in Rhode Island. However, the real strengths of the film are the incredible performances and brilliant direction. There are no wasted scenes and the material is so fresh. Rockwell is brilliant as usual, but here he has lots of other great actors to work with. I was not aware that any critics were negative of this film, but if they were, it was due to their own ignorance. **** out of ****. You will enjoy this film, I guarantee it!

This is truly a funny picture: subtle, witty, and sweet. Even the menace isn't that menacing in this light comedy. Rockwell and Zahn, both having enjoyed some more commercial successes, love every moment on screen. But, here's yet another film with the great Paul Giamatti. Prior to Sideways, how many movies has this guy done, always under the radar? I really like the way Hamburg sees something good in all his characters, everyone is likable here, how rare is that? The recent 40 Year Old Virgin share's that accomplishment. This movie isn't as great as Virgin, but Hamburg's writing and skill is admirable and on the verge. So here's my problem with the film. Where's the audience? Why didn't this movie find a niche in the theater. If independent films like Clerks and Blair Witch can find viewers, why didn't this comic gem? In fact, it's currently not easy to find at the video stores, etc. What's the matter with everyone? Aren't there already enough Adam Sandler movies out there?

OK - it helps if you are Jewish or have Jewish friends. It's a culture thing. Besides that, it's a good Mob comedy. REAL mob movies take place in New York and Italy. This is Providence, RI. Knowing the Prov. Reputation makes the jewish Mob bit even funnier. Lead guy Sam has a Carrey-in-Dumb-and-Dumber haircut, and has the same sorta "incompetent charm wins the girl" thing going. Otherwise, there is little similarity to the Farrely film. The kind of movie where you aren't at all suprised to see a Dwarf hit-man. Good dialogue. Great acting. Strange tone. Fun movie.

This is a promising debut for the writer/director. Its pretty uneven but the performances were great. Especially by two of my favorite actors, Steve Zahn and Paul Giammati. Either of these guys could become the Steve Bucsemi of the next decade. I'm interested to see this guys next film. I just hope the script is tighter.

A few truly funny moments, but overall a complete mess.

Considering what stellar names so many of those who starred in it now are, it is incredible just how utterly terrible 1998 comedy "Safe Men" was. In Providence, Rhode Island, hapless wannabe musician losers Sam Rockwell & Steve Zahn are mistaken by mobsters Michael Lerner & Paul Giamatti for master safe-crackers Mark Ruffalo & Josh Pais... cue 88mins of distinctly below-average comedic set-pieces & silliness. Of course most of the main cast would go on to MUCH better things, and even debuting writer / director John Hamburg would enjoy a decent career, but surely they're all happy to forget this one, as it was dire. A stinking turd. Flush it away.

Safe Men is an amusing enough comedy staring an amazing cast. Everyone in this movie is hilarious espically Paul Giamonti and Mark Ruffalo are hilarious even if they don't have the most screen time. Our leads Steve Zahn and Sam Rockwell are a fun bumbling duo.

While there is a good amount of witty jokes and the characters are definitely fun, the script is messy and unfocused and the directing is tv level. The movie bounces from one plot line to the next and the stakes never feel real. I wouldn't ever rent this but if it's free on streaming check it out.

Someone remarked here that "Safe Men" could only be enjoyed if you were Jewish -- I'm not, but I still enjoyed it.

"Safe Men" is about two bad singers, Sam and Eddie (Sam Rockwell and Steve Zahn) who are mistaken for two safecrackers (Mark Ruffalo and Josh Paris) and are forcibly recruited by mobster Big Fat Bernie Gayle (Michael Lerner) to rob three safes. And that's just the test.

After being released by Gayle, the two men proceed to a gift shop where Sam smells candles and chooses items for a gift basket for Big Fat Bernie, figuring that then he won't make them rob any safes.

Gayle is ably assisted by Veal Chop (Paul Giamatti), his loyal flunkie. One activity currently in the household is the preparation of Big Fat Bernie Gayle Jr.'s bar mitzvah.

Harvey Fierstein plays Leo, a fence, whose daughter, Hannah (Christina Kirk), is the object of the affections of both Sam and one of the real safecrackers.

The standout for me is Paul Giamatti, who is hilarious.

There was a lot of laugh-out-loud humor in this. I admit that this writer, John Hamburg, has written some films I don't like with crude humor that is geared to the lowest common denominator. I prefer humor that comes out of ridiculous situations. This one fit the bill.

Pobably a whole lot funnier if you are more educated with, or involved in Jewish culture. Credit style was pretty cool.

If you like low-key humor and a writer/director and actors totally getting what they're doing, you'll love this movie. My only complaint is that it could have been longer and explored some more aspects of the main characters, but other that that, this is a gem.

I remember renting this at Blockbuster because I liked all the cast members.

Me and my college buddies sat around drinking and laughing our asses off over and over again. It became our "pre-game" throw on movie cause you could have a conversation with you friends while getting dressed and tanked before the night begins and at any moment, you could walk in front of SAFE MEN and you'd be laughing. IT'S LITERALLY THAT FUNNY. NOT A DULL MOMENT.

With the future success of people like Rockwell and Giamatti (and the director), there really needs to be more people talking about this film now.

WATCH WATCH WATCH!

This is such a FUN movie to watch! Yes, it's not a theatrical classic in the usual sense. But it's a pure pleasure to watch! This movie is a WINNER! I LOVE this movie! I have seen this over and over again, and STILL could see it countless times!

BOTH the main characters are exceptional actors who have proven themselves in film after film. BOTH can take a small little bit part and make it stand out with a memorable characterization and performance! Sam Rockwell has proven himself not only to be a versatile character actor, but also a leading man. Steve Zahn can make ONE line seem like a soliloquy telling everything about him. His next big step should be that of a single leading man. But catch him in this movie first, so you can appreciate all the nuances of his acting.

They play off of one another so effortlessly; smooooooth like butter! These two are so comfortable with one another on screen; they could make a career as a bantering duo. But obviously they have much more within each of them to offer to the world of cinema.

Additionally there are numerous other characters in this film that are fun and interesting; playfully poking a little good humor within the Jewish community.

I don't know if it's exactly kosher, but I say, Mazel Tov for a movie well made!

shalom...