Fans feeling separation anxiety over the disappearance of Friends from the primetime TV landscape may be attracted to this R-rated imitation: a relationship comedy about the tribulations of a California couple--a TV writer (Jay Mohr) and a gardener (Julianne Nicholson)--who agree, at her incomprehensible insistence, to test their engagement with a few flings before tying the knot. This idiotic plan naturally leads to increasing tension as she links up first with a clinging contractor (Matthew Davis) and then with her own slimy brother-in-law (Bryan Cranston), while he takes up with a jiggly young waitress (Jill Ritchie). Also on hand as observers and commentators are the woman's dour, nasty sister (Lauren Graham), a recently-divorced pal of the guy (Josh Charles), and a sad-sack friend of the couple (Andy Richter). While there are a few amusing lines sprinkled throughout the script, the writing is mostly at the level of those dreadful sitcoms that NBC used to dump into the post-Friends Thursday night slot, and Wallace Wolodarsky's direction is leaden. The only saving graces are Mohr, who exhibits some promise as a light leading man, and Richter, whose easygoing befuddlement is pleasantly disarming. On the whole, however, your time would be better spent seeing other movies. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by writer-director Wally Wolodarsky and co-writer Maya Forbes, a six-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, three deleted scenes with optional commentary (2 min.), and a trailer. Bottom line: a so-so extras package for a so-so film.] (F. Swietek)
Seeing Other People
Sundance, 90 min., R, VHS: $79.99, DVD: $26.99, Aug. 17 Volume 19, Issue 5
Seeing Other People
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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