A strong ensemble cast is wasted in writer-director Michael Traeger's comic trifle about a bunch of small-town chums who hope to strike it rich by making an amateur “adult movie.” Jeff Bridges, taking on a persona so much larger-than-life that it makes his Big Lebowski seem puny, stars as the eccentric cash-strapped ringleader who enlists his buds for the project, including his best friend (Tim Blake Nelson) as co-producer, a quiet video-store clerk (Patrick Fugit) as cameraman, a doofus (Joe Pantoliano) in the director's chair, a loudmouth (William Fichtner), and—most unfortunately—a guy (Ted Danson) everyone knows is gay but who pretends to be a macho stereotype because he doesn't realize that the others would accept his true self. The humor, where it exists, arises from Bridges' manic prodding of his cohorts and the efforts of his crew to devise a script for the movie and then recruit volunteers to star in it. A last-act twist turns our heroes' complete disaster into a surprise triumph, but the decision to end nice after toying with naughtiness doesn't really work, and ultimately The Amateurs is true to its title. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include an audio commentary (by star Jeff Bridges, writer-director Michael Traeger, and producer Aaron Ryder), a 26-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, a photo montage with commentary, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a disappointing comedy.] (F. Swietek)
The Amateurs
First Look, 96 min., R, DVD: $28.99, Feb. 12 Volume 23, Issue 2
The Amateurs
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