The Best Man
Tags: romantic

Plot synopsis:
Childhood friends Olly Pickering and Murray go their separate ways when Olly goes to university. While there, Olly meets James. Murray vomits all over James, creating instant enmity between them.
Olly writes the two first chapters of a novel and an editor pays him $50,000 to finish it. But he gets writer's block, so loses all his money. He finds a job in London as assistant to Dana, an editor of self-help books for women.
James is going to marry in London and throws a party which he invites Olly to. Olly arrives late and gets covered in pigeon droppings in Trafalgar Square. He changes into some women's trousers. James wants Olly to be his best man and write a funny speech.
Olly feels out of place at the party. He is told off by Becka, the rightful owner of his trousers, and to Sarah without knowing she is James's girlfriend. While at the party, Olly meets, and immediately falls in love with Sarah while standing out on the balcony, but James thinks he has fallen in love with Becka.
Stan gives Olly a hard-core magazine for Murray.
Harry, Tania and barrister Graham discuss the matter in the pub. Murray will see to it that the wedding is cancelled.
Murray phones Sarah on Olly's behalf and they fix a date to see a film. Murray makes Sarah believe James is still a womanizer. Murray also sets Olly up with Sarah in Selfridges to see to the wedding list. He also phones James several times from Stan's porn shop, and appears at Becka and Sarah's flat saying that James has decided to sell it.
Back at Selfridges, Olly watches in amazement how Dana tries on a wedding dress although she is supposed to be already married and in a meeting. Dana gives Olly the sack next day. Graham talks to her trying to convince her to give Olly his job back. He doesn't convince her, but he ends up with a date with her.
Sarah finds some unknown red knickers that Murray had hidden to frame James, and she find the porn shop phone number in James's mobile phone, so she calls the wedding off.
Murray gives a surprise party for Olly with everyone there except James. Murray admits he's plotted everything and Olly writes a letter to Sarah on James's behalf. James is going to pretend that he is leaving for New York broken-hearted. Sarah falls for this and says she will marry him. Olly is left thinking he has done the right thing.
Murray tells Olly that James has shagged somebody while already in a relationship with Sarah, but he doesn't believe it.
Olly goes to James's stag party, which is a bit wild, with two strippers dressed as policewomen. James admits that he has been unfaithful to Sarah, because she can't satisfy him completely, although he wants to marry her as her family has money and connections, and she is pretty. Olly wants to tell Sarah, but James handcuffs him to a pillar.
When he gets free, he goes to the wedding place, preventing another wedding from happening while on his way. Murray is making a fool of himself trying to earn some time. Olly finally arrives, and with the help of Becka, who says that James has been unfaithful with his secretary and she blames another girl. Finally, Sarah calls off the wedding.
Six months later, Becka and Murray get married and Olly and Sarah end up together. Olly returns to writing and he produces a best-seller.

Review: It's not a GREAT movie, but a good one nonetheless.
Perfect for a relaxing weekend, with your partner or your best gal pals.Most importantly, the plot was well-thought through and put together, unlike some romantic comedies which are utterly ridiculous and in which nothing gels.The lead characters are extremely likable, especially Olly (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green).
You totally understand why Sarah (Amy Smart) would fall in love with him.
Murray is the best friend whom everyone should want to have.
Someone who would do anything to make sure that his best friend gets what he rightly deserves.One of those movies which gets you to believe in the traditional notions of love once again.
And also, that being in love brings out the best in a person..
One of those rare movies that makes you laugh, makes you cry and leaves you feeling good.
Great performances and a fantastic 'look'- it has definitely joined my list of "must see movies".
I had not seen Seth playing Englsih before and he was brilliant and funny.
Stuart was fab too - why isn't he on the A list yet?THE PLOT: James (Steve John Shepherd) is to get married to Sarah (Amy Smart), and has asked his old college chum Olly (Stuart Townsend) to be his best man.
Olly is delighted, although having suffered from writer's block for the past five years he is worried about composing the speech.
Olly's childhood friend Murray (Seth Green) has always borne an animosity towards James.
Not only does he encourage Olly's fondness for Sarah, he also sets about trying to sabotage the marriage with some outrageously funny antics.
I'm one of these people that loves to think that new romantic comedies can all be as good as Four Weddings and A Funeral, or Notting Hill, before I go to see them.
But they can't, sadly.However, they all have their place, and some of the better ones in recent memory (Just Like Heaven; So I Married an Axe Murderer; Addicted to Love) all have one thing in common: memorable characters put into memorable situations.The Best Man/Unhitched does, but it isn't Stuart Townsend, who does a decent job of things as the leading man (and girls, he's just as cute but at least somewhat vulnerable unlike LeStat in Queen of the Damned).
It isn't Amy Smart, who does a decent job of things as the leading lady (and fellas, she's every bit as cute as we remember her in Road Trip, and gets more screen time, thank the gods).So who is it?
Seth Green of course.
Instead it's because: his accent is really rather good; his character is fun and unpredictable; and we'd ALL be rooting for him or doing what he does in the movie, if our best mate needed our "help".So is the script decent?
At times it doesn't flow, and the first half of the movie the dialogue and situations seem a little forced.
The second half of the movie is far better and moves along nicely.The acting?
The Seth-meister (and I feel like I can call him that) is far more animated and approachable than his turns as Oz in Buffy, or in films like Rat Race and The Italian Job.Can we believe the romance and the motivation behind Olly's (Townsend) actions?
"Come on Olly, catch a wakeup!" you'll be wanting to shout at the screen.Will we feel like we enjoyed the past 90 minutes at the end of the movie?
I'm guessing if you go in with the same low-ish expectations as me then you will as well.Verdict: 7 out of 10 - It's nothing special, but as a date movie, a cuddle-on-a-rainy-day-DVD or a pick-me-up after some bad news, it works...Bonus Hollywood value: Seth Green should be teaching Don Cheadle (in Ocean's 11) how to do an English accent!.
This is coming from someone who doesn't often watch romantic comedies.
Often, romantic comedies involve the typical Jane Austen-like ending (meaning always the same), but for once, it's good to see even the smallest bit of change in the genre and the change in this particular romantic comedy–not that it changes all other clichés of the film–is that the protagonist is a man.
Ollie is an Irish writer suffering from a five-year-old case of writer's block that has caused him all the trouble be can get and his troubles get worse when an old womanizing school mate of his asks him to be his best man at his wedding and Ollie finds himself falling painfully in love with the bride, Sarah.
Though he tries to oppress his feelings and move on, his best friend Murray goes through the most insane schemes to bring Sarah and Ollie together.Typical?
But I can't deny that I did enjoy watching this film, even if it did mean I would have to wash the girly side off of me for a week.
I must admit, I only wanted to see this because I've always had quite the crush on Stuart Townsend and I thought seeing him as a dork would be enjoyable, because what kind of girl can resist a guy who can laugh at himself?
Naturally, I had to adore him as a lovable loser and I thought he was very enjoyable to watch.
Of course, I cannot forget his chemistry with Seth Green, who is absolutely hilarious as the best friend, who, I have to say, was one clever son of a gun!
The way his insane antics worked was both hilarious and intriguing at the same time and clearly, though he isn't even British, Green has done his homework when it comes to British humor (I sensed quite a lot of Jeff Murdock of "Coupling" in his performance).
To me, she seemed much like the kind of character who's only there to be the typical suffering love- interest without any quirk or edge whatsoever.
Above all, I thought the film was very much flawed on the lines of its lack of an original plot line, but it was enjoyable to watch even if it was just for Townsend and Green, who were most definitely the highlights of the film.
UNHITCHED is a fairly well made, generic Hollywood love story that provides a reasonably entertaining evening because of the actors cast in the roles.
The story by director Stefan Schwartz and Ed Roe is recycled fluff with nothing new added, yet despite that fact the pacing and acting bring off a fun little film.As marriage enters the agenda of old friends, promiscuous James (Steve John Shepherd) is scheduled to marry Sarah (Amy Smart, always a pleasure to watch) and asks his best friend Olly (the talented and hunky Irishman Stuart Townsend in a very nice comedic turn) to be his Best Man. Olly, a writer whose first chapters have been lauded by his publisher (Simon Callow) and that early praise has thrown him into writer's block forcing him to take a menial job as a PA under grumpy feminist Tania (Johdi May), fears accepting the role of Best Man out of the challenge tied to writing the wedding reception speech.
He is encouraged not to accept the role by his roommate friend Murray (5'4" Seth Green, who has many comedy roles to his credit - this one being the first with a fine British accent).
Murray knows of James' peppered past and sets out to stop the wedding - especially when he discovers that Olly has fallen for Sarah, mistaking her for Sarah's Maid of Honor Becka (Kate Ashfield).Olly is a true friend and will sacrifice his longing for Sarah out of his loyalty to James - until Murray proves that James indeed is a promiscuous lothario.
And the chase, with many a pratfall, begins as Olly ultimately sides with Murray to prevent his losing Sarah.Townsend makes a fine turn out of his obvious role, proving that he not only can master dramatic and intrigue roles, but light comedy ones as well.
Seth Green may be small but he is a powerhouse of physical comedic talent.
Amy Smart doesn't have much to do, but when she is on screen she glows with intelligence as well as beauty.
It is the cast that makes this film work and they are enough of a pleasure to watch to merit sitting through another re-telling of a tired story.
The best man falls for the bride who is about to marry a cheating, selfish bastard.
Still, "The Best Man" gets away with rehashing a story that's older than Prince Charles' mom, because it's really charming at times.
Seth Green steals the show.
The movie is at its worst when it's trying to be cute or sell Townsend as a lovable clown, when he's really so clumsy he should be locked away.
Still, "The Best Man" doesn't try to be anything else than a nice little romantic flick which gets a chuckle out of you every now and then and that's just what it is.
I would have titled this summary an Okay, typical romantic comedy, but somebody already used that title!!
Or two shillings, whatever that may be, as this movie is set in London.It's a nice, light Romantic Comedy.
If I wanted that I'd be watching something other than a cute RomCom!!
I wouldn't be happy if I paid $10 a head to see this in a theater, but as an available instant view on the web it's OK.I wonder if somebody like Russell Brand could have turned the budding groom into a crazier, more gonzo character, but I don't think that would have helped the movie much.
I watched the movie for about 15 minutes.
Funny thing is that some moron in the video store swore that the movie is incredible, that he watched it twice.
He said: "It's an English movie, a comedy, you know how great they usually are".
I'm going to the videostore right now to return it, I'm so excited about his film I'll beat the crap out of that guy if he's there.
Okay, typical romantic comedy.
Unhitched is your typical romantic comedy.
Of course they will because this is a romantic comedy and they always do in this type of movie.
Seth Green is hilarious as the best friend trying to help his bud out.
And Stuart Townsend is fine as the bumbling lovable loser who falls for his friend's fiancée.
Luckily for Townsend the friend turns out to be a jerk and he really should be with this girl.
All in all Unhitched comes across as an enjoyable if not somewhat predictable piece of film.
I had never heard of the film, but was in the mood for some romantic-comedy fluff.
Instead I was pleasantly surprised with an entertaining amusing take on Midsummer Night's Dream and Cyrano de Bergerac.The quirky humour is introduced straight from the start of the movie and continues all the way through, with all the wonderful twists and turns you expect from Midsummer's, starring the very charming and handsome Stuart Townsend as the Cyrano figure.The performances ranged from decent to good, with Stuart Townsend and Seth Green being the only two who seemed to actually work on their performances.
(Has Amy Smart ever played something other than the pretty girl?) As it's based on these two extremely well-known stories the plot is very familiar, but I found that this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the film at all.I very much recommend this film to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies, or would like to see new interpretations of the classic stories..
unwatchable.Clichés; scenarios seemingly lifted almost directly from other films (The Graduate, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones Diary ...
That the actors cannot be blamed is the best that can be said for this thing.
but if it did I'd guess it disappeared fast!) and break even.One wonders if the editors knew what a t*rd they had on their hands when they were cutting this thing together, or whether they just hoped no one would notice that we've seen so much of this movie done elsewhere before ...
I loved this movie romantic,funny and clean.
I love Stuart Townsend he was so funny & lovable he just drew me in to this movie as every other movies,shows I've seen him in...
If you're a Stuart Townsend fan ya gotta see this movie, if your not a fan you just must of missed him don't miss him any more keep an eye out for him I think you'll be pleased and mesmerized once you experience him you will be a fan!.
It's a bit like Stefan Schwarz's earlier effort Shooting Fish, only this one's got Seth Green and a somewhat raunchier sense of humor.
The sweetness of the romantic plot sits uncomfortably with Green's antics, and the script is just a mess.
And there's only so much comedy to be squeezed out of a: an apartment in the red light district, b: a yuppie acting like a jerk, and c: a romantic lead who's a lovable klutz.A few of the jokes are good, though, but apart from that, the only redeeming feature of this film is its puzzling choice of occupation for its romantic heroine: She's one of those people that hands out questionnaires at the end of test screenings to gage audience reactions and see if they wouldn't want a cheeky orangutan added to the cast or whatever.
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.
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.
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".
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.
Olly Pickering (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green) are childhood friends.
They drift apart when Olly goes to college making new friends like James.
Olly graduates and starts writing.
James asks Olly to be his best man but he's afraid of writing the best man's speech.
On top of everything, he falls for the bride Sarah Marie Barker (Amy Smart).The story is functional rom-com.
I can't accept Seth Green as British.
It's funny that Amy Smart has no accents while the sister played by Kate Ashfield is definitely British.
Stuart Townsend doesn't have it in him to do slapstick comedy.
Despite all of that, the story has all the elements of the rom-com formula and it's somewhat functional as such..
Normally I enjoy any project associated with Seth Green but even his involvement in this project couldn't give me enough to keep me going.
2 childhood friends, who have gone their own way in life, come back together when one is getting married.
The pacing made me want to gnaw off my arm, but it was already gone from the previous screening of Death at a Funeral.You know you're in trouble, when I spent the entire film wanting to see the movie based on the first two chapters of the unwritten Novel.However, I saw this at a film festival.
The boy hated it, the girls loved it, and they all hated Becoming Jane earlier in the day.Thats probably more helpful if you're wondering whether to shell out the bucks for this cold turkey..
"Best Man Worst Friend" was entirely enjoyable.
I personally loved it due to the part that Seth Green's character, Murray Brown, had in it.
From the crotchless panties to the ostrich delivery man, Seth Green brings the destined lovers together in the quirkiest way possible.
Although it was interesting to hear Seth Green speak with a British accent, after seeing him in other films with no accent, I think he pulled it off amiably.
Amy Smart's performance was as charming as usual.
I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good laugh.
My standards for comedy are so low that I can't think of one I didn't enjoy.
Now, with the main character, the film starts by pointing out he lost his ability to write at just the moment he received his first advance ($50k).
That's something but apparently the only upshot of that fact is he fears to write a short speech as best man in his friend's wedding.
The rest of the film is the tormented posturing of Yuppie types fulfilling various roles in a forthcoming wedding.
In fact, if this had been the premise, the film would have coalesced a little better.
In a similar incident, a female discovers his ruthless gambits to break up his friend's wedding and she is similarly empowered.
And a scene cut.It is as if the film is compulsively drawn away from life and towards the purely manneristic involvement in the wedding planning.
A late scene during the "action packed" denouement features a brief shot of him jet-skiing across the Thames before the London Bridge, a bit of American vulgarity in a film with phony British accents.