The Groomsmen (2006) User Reviews

While The Groomsmen suffers from being a tad flat, largely because of misled expectations, it is earnest, and deliberately takes its time

[jemps918 · 6/10 · 1 April 2007]

"There's a difference between getting older and growing up." That is The Groomsmen's other, more appropriate tagline, but the one they used was "Till death do we party!". Having said that, one can say that The Groomsmen is a surprise; for one, it's not a laugh-out-loud comedy, despite starring sitcom staples and a misleadingly happy poster. It does have comedic elements but it is more dramatic than funny. The audience gets the feeling that Burns is trying to communicate honest men's points of view ala Sex in the City via such varied characters.

Paulie (the incredibly talented writer/director/producer/actor Edward Burns) knocks up his longtime girlfriend Sue (Brittany Murphy), and so they plan to get married. A week before the wedding, he meets up with his four groomsmen, each with a different take on being a thirty-something and how that affects their friendship.

Donal Logue (from TV's Grounded for Life) plays Jimbo, Paulie's older brother who is having marital and job troubles and frequents a strip bar. Mike (Jay Mohr) still lives with his father and was dumped by his hot girlfriend for being too childish. T.C. (John Leguizamo) was the one who went AWOL on them for eight years, harboring a personal secret and is finally able to come to grips with it by finally telling his childhood friends. Dez (Matthew Lillard) takes a startling turn as the responsible, got-it-together guy in the group, with the kids and the wife. Amazing that he gets this role after being typecast in such movies like Scream, Without a Paddle and Scooby Doo.

While The Groomsmen suffers from being a tad flat, largely because of misled expectations, it is earnest, and deliberately takes its time, soaking in Burns' version of suburban New York.

Burns scores again!

[guyfromjerzee · 7/10 · 22 April 2007]

I'm sure Edward Burns gets plenty of complaints about his films, and I'm probably part of the minority that has enjoyed every single film he's done so far (at least out of the films he's written and directed). I can sort of understand why. Film is meant to be a visual medium, and as much as I enjoy his work, Burns is not exactly a director whose prime concern is the visuals. But I don't care! I'm one of the few film buffs who has never checked out any of the "Lord of the Rings" flicks. Why is that? Because I don't give a damn about special effects or CGI or elaborate sets or elaborate costumes. I care about interesting characters and interesting dialogue, and Burns always delivers in those two departments. I can relate to many of the characters in his films. I can't relate to Hobbits or whatever creatures you see in those "LOTR" flicks. Having watched the film's previews, I thought this might be Burns' attempt at making a more mainstream feature. But it wasn't. It was a typical Burns flick with typical Burns characters, who all have troubled love lives and swig Heineken like no tomorrow. "The Groomsmen" has a few flaws. Some of the NY accents sounded fake and came and went. Jay Mohr is from Jersey, so he really didn't have to try so hard to fake a NY accent when his real accent sounds close enough anyway. Also, hearing John Leguizamo sing was an example of "Don't quit your day job." He sounds almost as bad as I do when I sing karaoke, and I'm pretty sure even a garage band would have a better singer than him. His voice crackles whenever he hits the high notes. Being a baritone, I know what that's like. That's why I don't sing in a band. Plus, the "faking" of the guitar playing wasn't always convincing, even to someone who's never played guitar. And finally, the payoff to the subplot involving Leguizamo's character could've been a lot stronger. I'm not going to give away the twist involving his character, even though someone else on IMDb probably will. Other than those minor flaws, I really enjoyed the film. The cast is solid, though I'm sure Brittany Murphy was put in the movie simply to add star power. I don't hate Brittany as an actress, but a better, lesser-known actress could've played the role instead. The music is great as well. Thanks to Burns, I have two of the film's songs stuck in my head...but that's a good thing. He chose to use good songs from the 70's and 80's that weren't necessarily hits. If you're not a fan of Burns' work, this film probably won't change your mind. If you are a fan like me...enjoy the show.

whiners delight

[wrlang · 5/10 · 20 November 2006]

The Groomsmen is about a bunch of whiny and irritating 30 something's sort of like the Big Chill who have absolutely no idea how to live like adults. They formed their own band as youngsters and still practice at times. One comes out as gay and has a falling out with his family. Another almost self destructs because he can't have kids. Another never learned how to treat his future wife. And another is a total failure at relationships and still lives at home. While the film was well cast and the characters totally believable, there was so much whining and crying and total ignorance of life that it just didn't wash. I have never known anyone like these guys. I think evolution would weed out these wimps. If your looking for a Jerry Springer film, here it is.

The Vidiot Reviews...

[capone666 · 22 September 2011]

The Groomsmen

Groomsmen seem like a ridiculous wedding custom, but if your bride ever fails to show, there's a good chance you can convince one of them to take your bromance to that next level.

Unfortunately for the groom in this comedy, his groomsmen might be absent as well.

With a week to go before his wedding to Sue (Brittany Murphy), Paulie (Edward Burns) is advised by his brother/best man, Jimbo (Donal Logue), not to go through with it.

Meanwhile, his groomsmen Mike (Jay Mohr) and T.C. (John Leguizamo) attempt to resolve an old dispute over a missing baseball card. Dez (Matthew Lillard), on the other hand, wallows in the group's glory days.

More a dramatic dissertation on the difficulties of adulthood than a laugh-out-loud comedy, nonetheless, The Groomsmen is an honest portrayal of friendship.

By the way, it's not a romantic gesture to have your fiancée's ex-boyfriends as your groomsmen. (Yellow Light)

Good

[robodrolet · 7/10 · 9 April 2018]

I thought this was a good comedy/drama film. It was pretty funny and the writing and direction and everything wasn't bad. It's like, nothing in the movie was bad but nothing was great either. Definitely an above average film though. Edward Burns is really good!

Not As Advertised.

[ajrochmann · 3/10 · 27 June 2007]

If you read the back sleeve of this DVD at you local Blockbuster you would come away with the feeling that it is a comedy, and therefore, will provide you with a humorous experience. Instead, what you get is a poorly executed, dramatic, character study, which not only has a Mack-Truck ending, but you find has wasted hours of your life which you can never recoup. The story begins off slowly, and you hope that the pace will pick up... it doesn't. The past life of each 'groomsman' in this 'week-long bachelor party' is shortly touched upon only enough to drive forward the weak (*ahem* non-existent) plot. Oh, Brittany Murphy is in it... for about 1 minute of screen time. Overall, this was a huge let down and a waste of $3.95 for a rental.

Ed Burns made a great picture about friendship and marriage

[se7en187 · 8/10 · 13 June 2006]

I saw this film at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan and I really enjoyed it. Directed and starring Edward Burns, this was actually an entertaining movie even though it had some of the clichéd things going in the story. Ed Burns is about to marry Brittany Murphy, and the film is about the last few days leading up to the wedding. The part drama part comedy did a good job of portraying longtime friendship and the troubles everyone goes through to keep their friendship together.

I really enjoyed the ensemble, and was actually surprised how good Matthew Lillard was in it. He still had some of his goofy quirks like his usual movie characters, but he acted like an adult in this film. John Leguizamo also did a nice job playing one of the friends that has a secret. Jay Mohr was really the comic part of the film, and I didn't mind, his scenes were funny and amusing.

Overall, Ed Burns made a great buddy picture. Though some of the storyline was pretty familiar, it was well executed and in the end was a lot of fun.

Completely false advertising.

[eric-1352 · 1/10 · 6 December 2006]

Was the movie good? Not bad. It was good for what it was, a coming of age kind of film for thirty somethings.

What it was not, was the advertised content on the DVD sleeve. Quotes from the box: "..a week-long raucous bachelor party filled with laughs at every turn." --- This it was not.

"Join in the revelry at this wild bunch relives their glory days with hilarious antics that you'll never forget." --- A complete, out and out lie.

The DVD sleeve touts this as a laugh filled film full of fun. Its anything but. I chuckled 4 times...maybe 5. It was not hilarious to say the least. It was simply a flick about a guy second guessing his upcoming marriage and his whiner brother and loser friends.

Sorry. If you wanna laugh, get a different film.

Take a break from the blockbusters and see something with substance.

[AntFitz4 · 10/10 · 15 July 2006]

I found myself not quite sure what to do with my Saturday and opted to see The Groomsmen. For what reasons I am not sure. I have't heard anything about this movie. I think Brittany Murphy is in it and I think that one guy who was in Saving Private Ryan is in it oh yeah, Matthew Lillard. Sweet, it's going to be hilarious a la Wedding Crashers. WRONG.

This was an incredible flick. Entertaining for beginning to end. Not at all what I was expecting. With a solid cast- not a "Hollywood" star studded cast by a long shot- this movie brought laughter, sympathy, and everything else I enjoy feeling when seeing a movie. Amazing performances by a very talented cast.

Hopefully by word of mouth this movie gets on its feet and everyone gets to the theater to see this. This is a guys movie. This is a girls movie. This is a great movie. I strongly encourage everyone to see this. There are so many issues that are discussed and dealt with in this film its a hit for everyone. A+

So dull I wanted the 90 minutes of life back

[sibeer · 1/10 · 27 February 2007]

Do not watch this if you value your free time. First things first, despite the light hearted looking box this movie is not funny. The box may give the appearance of the next instalment of American Pie but trust me that if you want that kind of action go elsewhere.

Still interested in it as a drama, shame on you. The Groomsmen wallows around in the sad tales of the lives of 5 mid thirties men. The problem is that whilst the film tries to give an insight into the relationship issues experienced by the five men, it doesn't do so with any purpose or direction.

The film feels like it desperately needs some meat in it. The fact that it tries to deal with all five men at once does not help. In my case no problems were built on enough for me to care whether they were resolved or not. Also of note is that none of the issues seem to reach critical mass. At the end of the film they all seem to be resolved with minimal fuss and effort. The feeling I was left with was a case of "What was the point".

The film is further dragged down by some questionable performances. Brittany Murphy spends the entire film standing with one hand under her fake belly. I have never met a pregnant person who needs to hold the belly at all times so it looked more like she was preventing the prosthetic from slipping. Ed Burns character just seems wooden with no passion or emotion. The fat guys wife is just plain irritating.

As a final wrap up I would say that the story line and acting was more suited to a soap opera than a film. I really hope that me wasting more of my life writing this helps others not to waste their time watching this drivel.

Movie is very misguided and honestly, "warped"!

[ihateut · 1/10 · 4 June 2011]

This movie tries to make certain ideas seem totally acceptable or even to be necessary in life, which is totally untrue. I won't go into it all but the one that really seemed to be the most annoying was the movie chunking out the idea that a person HAS to be married. I don't know where they felt like this idea had to be incorporated into it. Absolutely 100% not true!!! And, to carry it even farther, the idea that just because a woman is expecting a baby that it should be mandatory that the couple get married. That is even worse!! I mean, marriage in itself is a horrible mistake but to compound it with having a baby being the chief reason for someone to get married, that is truly HUGE on the mistake gauge. I am sure everyone has heard that "two wrongs don't make a right". Well, DUH!!! No kidding!!! I just found the movie to be very misleading as far as being compared to real life. And I know that "it is just a movie" but it was one HORRIBLE movie in my opinion!! I did find one thing about the movie that I enjoyed but it is not worth the agony of watching it...The Music! That can be found by simply turning on the radio or playing a CD. Classic Rock style. :)

Excellent story about family

[vicki-59 · 8/10 · 3 June 2006]

Fresh from the Seattle International Film Festival --

The Groomsmen is a poignant look at relationships and forgiveness; true friendship, spousal, sibling, parent-child, and ex's. It provides a great blend of comedy and drama to not be too heavy, yet stay truly thought provoking. At times the character development scenes were a bit long, but forgivable overall. The cast is amazing, you easily forget their previously roles and see them only as the lifelong friends that they portray in this movie. The soundtrack is an excellent trip back to the rock of the 80's with the likes of Loverboy and Eddie Money. I would recommend this movie to women and men alike. It has something for everybody!

Thank you, Matt, for visiting us in Seattle!

Terrible MOVIE

[braidj · 1/10 · 6 December 2006]

DO not waste the time to watch this horrible film.. What a waste of 2 hours. Between the swearing and lack of plot. This film should be burned. 2 thumbs down. I can't tell you want a waste of time this movie was. Since there is a minimum of 10 lines, I could keep repeating over and over again on how terrible this movie was, but intstead I would not want to put you through having to read this over and over again. The plot was garbage. The acting was terrible. The ONLY funny part is when the guy pee's in Top's Car..and that was lame. Simple child humor and it wasn't even laughable. Do yourself a favor and don't watch this film...instead, go for a walk, watch water boil, change all the batteries in your fire alarms, sweep out the garage, clean out the fireplace ( I mean scrub it shiny clean, so you could eat off of it), walk the dog, learn how to yo-yo, or just sit and meditate for 2 hours. All of the above would be better than watching this worthless film. Boo bad film, bad film. go away

The Burns is still on fire!

[meeza · 10/10 · 12 December 2006]

Writer-Director Edward Burns has groomed another creative & wily film in his latest marry, I mean merry, offering "The Groomsmen". Burns also stars as Paulie, a Long Island lifer who is having cold feet by getting the all too familiar "till death due you part" phobia on marrying his pregnant fiancé Sue, played by the chirpy Brittany Murphy. However, the primary premise of "The Groomsmen" is the groomsmen themselves. They are Paulie's lifelong crackers, I mean buddies, who each have a certain dilemma. Donald Logue plays Jimbo, Paulie's beer-quenching brother who is a strip bar dweller & ignores his devoted, but yet, growing impatient wife Julianna (Heather Burns). Next coming through the groomsmen aisle, we have Des (Mathew Lilliard), the dutiful husband & father who gets a candid excitement in getting his 80's high school cover band reunited which obviously are comprised of le groomsmen themselves. Also grooming through, we got the unripe Mike portrayed by Jay Mohr; Mike's childlike & obsessive antics get him in "not to be or like Mike" hot water turmoil with his ex-girlfriend and even with a few of the groomsmen. John Leguziamo plays T.C., which might stand for "too cool" by having a ripe aura about him, but it might also stand for "top covert" because he has been out of town & touch from his crazy clan for eight years due to a personal secret. The ensemble acting of "The Groomsmen" were lords of the auteur rings. However, the best acting men were Mohr & Leguziamo. Steady Eddie's crafty screenplay does ring similar bells in theme & structure to some of his past independent films. However, why should Burns cinematically divorce himself from his exceptional & practical scribing style. Burns once again proves that he masterfully incorporates friendship, family, guilt, Catholicism, Irish-upbringing, and New York homage to his film-work. "The Groomsmen" marches itself as one of the best films of 2006 . ***** Excellent

Desperate Housemen

[Ismaninb · 4/10 · 28 April 2007]

Let us sincerely hope, that the rest of the world will not conclude, that the five brothers/friends of the Groomsmen are representative for the average American adult. I cannot believe they are. These five don't know how to cope with anything. 35 and only then come out of the closet? Solving infertility by picking up a whore? Come on. The Groomsmen basically is a soap. We see an endless chain of relational problems. As soon as one is solved - or just disappeared - the next one pops up. Thr idea is to hold our attention. As far as I am concerned: it doesn't. To give the soap a male touch there is a lot of stereotypical "f*** **u". As even Burns got bored of it, he adds the well known gesture with a certain finger in one scene. Acting is decent, there are less than a handful nice jokes, plot is absent, characters are quite uninteresting. Of course end good, all good. All in all a quite forgettable movie. If you want to know how it is to be a male 35, watch Kramer vs Kramer instead.

Note the talented John Leguizamo. In The Alibi his talents were much better used.

Prototypical Ed Burns...

[Siamois · 5/10 · 21 August 2008]

In 1995, Ed Burns broke out both as an actor and a director with "The Brothers McMullen". The film was a down-to-earth portrait of east coast America about the growing pains of adulthood, relationships, family and aspirations that clearly established Ed Burns' style. And it was a solid debut. The problem is that, since then, Ed Burns has told the same story over and over again, adding nothing new, failing to refine his directorial sense of humor, pacing or character development. Most of his movies seem to feature similar characters, in the same landscape, dealing with the same issues.

If you've seen several Ed Burns films, you'll definitely want to give this one a pass as you've see these two-dimensional characters before and you'll be able to guess the stock resolution. If you've never seen a Burns movie, I would recommend She's the One over this, as it has funnier moments, stronger performances and better chemistry between the main actors. I get the growing impression that in 1995, Ed Burns would have been much better off developing a dramatic, HBO-style TV series taking place in Long Island, and to take more time to get his characters through issues. Instead, we're left with a guy who seems obsessed with telling us something over and over again, as if it wasn't obvious to begin with.

I sympathize with Burns' concerns and the issues his characters deal with are interesting and organic, but I'm left with the impression I was left in the middle of the journey once again. Again, I'd be up for a HBO series by Burns anytime, but this is the last of his movies I will probably try. Not that they are particularly bad, but they just aren't good enough to be recycled constantly.

Why the so-so reviews?

[jaxla · 8/10 · 24 July 2006]

I can't understand why this film has not been greeted with close to raves from most of the critics; but then, it seems that lots of folks resent Ed Burns' career. He made one good film, Brothers McMullen, and then produced a series of half-baked follow ups. Plus, his good looks gave him an acting career that others must envy.

His good luck aside, Burns is back in top form with The Groomsmen, an insightful look at a group of boy/men tip toeing into middle age. His ear for the venacular, in this case Long Island/Bronx Irish, is just about perfect, he creates an inviting sense of time and place and his work with the actors is pitch perfect.

Ironically, the only weak performance in the film is Burns'. His good looking Irish poker face is not compelling enough to communicate his character's inner turmoil. Matt Dillon, could he have been afforded, would have nailed this role. That said, Burns contributes a basic sense of human decency that permeates the film; it's in his character and in his writing.

I loved the whole cast, but was particularly moved by Matthew Lilligard's portrayal of a "regular joe," a bar owner who dreams of his glory days as a garage band musician now that he is the father of two. His speech about his children, buzzed, standing on his porch in the middle of the night, is a WONDERFUL example of expressive acting and, for me, the highlight of the entire film.

Don't blow this one off if you feel you've been burned by Burns in the past (sorry about that). His ending is too pat, unworthy of some of the honest, painful material that has preceded it; but all in all The Groomsmen makes me look forward to his next film. Check this one out, probably will be great when it hits NETFLIX.

Chick flicks for guys

[samikokobo · 3/10 · 23 March 2013]

So before I saw this movie I thought it was impossible for anything to be girlier than a chick flick. Boy was I wrong. This movie is basically a man's equivalent to Sex and the city. It talks about marriage issues and love issues, but with men dealing with them. It's strange and becomes irritatingly annoying because unlike girls guys keep all of their issues bottled up until the end. This makes you scream "OUT WITH IT ALREADY IT'S NOT DRAMA IT'S ANNOYING!"

If you like that sort of thing than this movie is for you, if not avoid it at all costs.

On the other hand the actors do a good job and everything is well shot. Brittany Murphy (Who is the main reason I watched this film for, I'm currently watching every Movie the late actress has ever been in, when I'm done I shall be moving on to Christopher Walken.) did a great job releasing her jersey accent for the piece even though she isn't there all of the time.

Four Cheers Indeed!

[baboster · 10/10 · 16 July 2006]

The new Ed Burns movie, The Groomsmen, is the seemingly simple story of friends coming together to celebrate an upcoming wedding. Paulie (Ed Burns), the soon-to-be groom/father, is the central character around whom the others revolve. The groomsmen (Jay Mohr, Donal Logue, John Leguizamo, and Matthew Lillard) gather in their home town before the big day, having decided to fore go the "traditional bachelor party" in order to relive the best time of their lives when the most important things were Beer, Baseball and the Band.

Along the way to recapturing their youth, snippets of dissatisfaction, insecurity and regret are woven into the story. With skillful editing and realistic dialogue, Mr. Burns subtly strips away the macho banter, allowing the audience to get to know and care about these life-long friends. In each scene with an individual groomsman, Paulie (the former tag-along little brother) seems to be giving, rather than receiving, advice and in doing so works through his own pre-nuptial jitters. While counseling his old friends he comes to realize he's almost lost his newest friend. The seemingly simplistic resolutions are actually testaments to lasting friendships in which a nod and a hug are all that are necessary to realize you do have the best of both worlds.

This really is such a good movie: the characters are well-developed, the acting is understated, the cinematography is beautiful and the music is not only good, but pertinent. The audience is made to feel a part of it. Thank you, Mr. Burns et al, for 90 minutes of entertainment and hours of discussion on what makes these guys tick. I'm not just going to recommend this movie to my friends, I'll be going back to see it with them! Four Cheers!!

Worst Movie Ever

[mnavratil · 1/10 · 12 February 2007]

This was potentially the worst movie ever. Terrible acting, places where there should be emotion completely lacked any effort. This appeared to be an "I owe you" movie with people that I considered decent actors completely flopping their roles for Edward Burns terrible directing and acting career to continue. Stay as far away as possible, don't even watch it if it is on TV, I cannot get that 2 hours back.

Seriously, every copy of this movie should be burned. Edward Burns, while a decent looking guy is quite possibly the most uninspired actor ever. Shaggy is a one-role character that needs to stick to Scream and Scooby-doo, this was completely out of character and his acting was poor because of it. Donal Logue, who is the only actor worth seeing that appeared in this movie, gave a tremendously poor performance.

A Bore

[GMAN-17 · 4/10 · 5 December 2006]

Where do you start with this mess? The best stuff - TC. The scene between Matt Lillard and Ed Burns in which he tells him how his life has changed since having kids. As a father, this is the truth. Jessica Capshaw is such a beauty. I actually felt bad for Jay Mohr that he never got to reconcile with her, but how could you blame her. Mohr's character is horrible, and what a waste of a comedic talent, too. (In the DVD, there is a section called "Jay Mohr's takes", which you would expect to be funny, but is anything but. The worst stuff - Unfortunately the rest. The soundtrack is like a bad sampling of 80's music - Loverboy, Billy Squier, Greg Kihn. And who said Leguzamo (sp) can sing? How could the other band members put up with is irritable vocals, or were they dubbed? I know that Ed Burns likes to use local talent and that's fine, but get some who can act.

A great story and cast..

[j-zirkel · 10/10 · 20 July 2006]

This movie was great, because it took a real life situation and made it fun and entertaining. One of the reasons I liked this movie so much is I thought the casting was excellent. Every actor and actress fit and portrayed their character so well. Even the those that were not the main characters were excellent and made it an Ensemble Cast. The movie flowed and always kept you laughing. I really liked the music. Ed chose some great hits from the past and there was a new one at the end, Four Cheers that was excellent. I liked the way the music would move you into the next scene. In fact I've been singing the songs ever since I saw the movie. I definitely recommend this movie.

Wasting time

[cikazuba · 1/10 · 24 February 2024]

If you read this, please be aware that I couldn't watch this movie to the end. That's how this movie is bad.

This is not comedy like its sad its just boring, sad drama with typical choose of characters : one big stubborn jerk, one bigger jerk, one okay and solid friend.

It's not just acting, I mean, B movies bad acting,its horrible horrible directing and I am just a fan of the movies.... Not a single frame. I' ve seen videos taken by schoolkids with phones better than this cr//ap !

Everyone in this movie has some flaw but through entire movie, this Burns guy, oh man, what a combination of his character and his directing.

Check It Out!

[benjo18 · 10/10 · 23 May 2006]

I was lucky enough to be in New York to see this film premier at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. The film was introduced by Jane Rosenthal and Ed Burns.

It is the story of two brothers (Burns/Logue) and their three friends (Leguizamo/Mohr/Lillard) dealing with their lives and relationships leading up to the marriage of Burns and Brittany Murphy. It is a funny and honest look at the relationship between men and women and the relationship between close male friends.

The film covers topics such as, but not limited to, fertility, sexuality, dysfunctional relationships, immaturity and personal growth.

A fantastic all star cast lead the audience on an emotional, funny and thoroughly entertaining ride that, in my opinion, all males, 25 years and older, will associate/identify with. Especially those of us who are married, getting married or approaching fatherhood.

I would have to agree with Matthew Lillard that this is one of Ed Burns best films. It is certainly the best film that I have seen Lillard and Mohr involved in. Jay Mohr's performance in particular is hysterical playing the role of Burns/Logue's immature 'Cousin Mike'.

During Q&A after the film Ed Burns stated that the inspiration for the film, apart from the people and stories from his own life, were the films 'Diner' and 'I Vitelloni'.

The film is scheduled for release in New York and L.A in July 2006.

A true 10 out of 10 - A+++

[dhunsber · 10/10 · 25 November 2006]

Full disclosure, I loved every one of the films Ed Burns has written/directed. I'm not blind to the fact that Burns and I are about the same age and from the same part of the country. My friends and I are in closer tune with his themes, etc.

But there is something bigger going on here:

1. Burns ability to make such great films on such small budgets, is like the team in baseball with the lowest payroll making the playoffs. He does more with less. I couldn't believe that this one was 3 million which I found out after watching.

2. He gets more out of actors than most directors. The Groomsmen is an example of that. A lot may have to do with the long shots of scenes that are amazing. Actors can actually act and he lets them be "the talent" as much as he is as w/d.

3. Funny and dramatic and deep and loving and special. All his films have this, but Groomsman is "extra" all of these things.

In this already special body of work Burns has, Groomsman stands out. I loved them all, but this one is special. See it right away.

One other thing.... When the film ended the first thing I thought was that Donal Logue should win an Oscar for his performance in this film. I was happy when watching the director's commentary that Burns raved about his acting. Everyone in The Groomsman was great, but he was superb.