Diamond Men

Although critics raved about this little gem (heh heh) of a flick when it appeared in 2001, this critic found it to be a rather slight, undemanding, if often entertaining diversion. Robert Forster (Like Mike, Mulholland Dr.) stars as Eddie, a middle-aged diamond salesman who has recently lost his wife and is about to lose his gig as well. Adding insult to injury is his final assignment: breaking in his young, obnoxious replacement Bobby (Donnie Wahlberg). After the obligatory setup (Bobby and Eddie have their generational conflicts; the kid screws up, admits he needs the old guy's help if he's gonna learn the ropes, yada yada yada), Diamond Men gets to its real point: namely, Bobby's quest to get Eddie laid. Complications ensue, as they say, eventually leading to Eddie's finding love and happiness with a masseuse who understands how to soothe his chakras. Forster, whose phlegmatic style makes you wonder if he's acting at all, and Wahlberg (who was excellent in his small role in The Sixth Sense) are fine, as are Bess Armstrong (the masseuse) and other supporting players. Recommended, overall. (S. Graham)