I enjoyed this movie. I'm not a huge fan of Freddie Highmore or anything but I did enjoy him in the Good Doctor and this looked like the introspective, thoughtful kind of movie that I sometimes enjoy so I gave it a watch. Freddie plays the odd bird character quite well and this was no exception - though I did feel at times like he brought just a slight touch of the Good Doctor's autism to this character. But it worked well enough - especially in the scenes with Odeya Rush. She really... I don't know, they both seemed to bring something out in each other. I thought they worked well together - so much so that I found myself glad when it got to the next scene between the two of them. Anyway, if you're looking for an awkward but sweet almost love story, give this a watch. And ignore all the negativity, it was well worth it.
39 Reviews
This Story is Worthy of a FollowUp!
davidrflowers-234-9404924 November 2017
I'd like to see a followup to this sobering charmful character story. I think what makes the main character endearing is his propensity for honesty. He shows a child like willingness to put him self out there and reach out for the person, who will be the one to bring out a desire to ask more of himself. She reminds him that he's worthy of the pursuit of asking more of himself. He learns that to have the one he wants, he has to do himself a favor and become the person he wants to be. Until he does, the one cares about the most won't be able to pursue him wholeheartedly. I hope to see a sequel that will show his career unfolding and hopefully a further developing romance.
almost something
SnoopyStyle23 March 2018
Charlie (Freddie Highmore) was a promising amateur chef but after an incident, he has withdrawn into a static life. He lives at home with his mother (Marg Helgenberger) and her family. His loser father (Christopher Meloni) arrives in town and comes to stay with them. Charlie's friend Ben (Haley Joel Osment) pushes him to talk to his crush coffee shop girl Amber (Odeya Rush). The problem is that she already has track star boyfriend Brad. Charlie gets her slacker cousin Jack a job at the revival theater. Jack takes a liking to Charlie's lifelong friend Heather.
Highmore and Rush are an appealing pretty young coupling. They make for a fine lead in a standard indie romance. There are a few too many issues and too many characters. Filmmaker Jake Goldberger has overstuffed this when he should concentrate on the two young stars. First with Osment, I assumed that his role would be more integral. Quite frankly, his role and Heather should be combined. Also, it needs to cut some of the extras. I don't know what is that Amber's girlfriend's name but her only contribution is listening to Amber in the bathroom. Her character should be incorporated into Jack. Have Rita Volk play Amber's cousin. As for Charlie's dad, it's another addition that pulls focus away from the Charlie Amber relationship. I would love that quirkiness except he does something totally stupid to steal climatic time. I rather have them be a quirky married couple and leave the rest out. They have these two terrific young actors and should make them the sole focus.
Highmore and Rush are an appealing pretty young coupling. They make for a fine lead in a standard indie romance. There are a few too many issues and too many characters. Filmmaker Jake Goldberger has overstuffed this when he should concentrate on the two young stars. First with Osment, I assumed that his role would be more integral. Quite frankly, his role and Heather should be combined. Also, it needs to cut some of the extras. I don't know what is that Amber's girlfriend's name but her only contribution is listening to Amber in the bathroom. Her character should be incorporated into Jack. Have Rita Volk play Amber's cousin. As for Charlie's dad, it's another addition that pulls focus away from the Charlie Amber relationship. I would love that quirkiness except he does something totally stupid to steal climatic time. I rather have them be a quirky married couple and leave the rest out. They have these two terrific young actors and should make them the sole focus.
A lovable cliche
AfricanBro10 December 2021
A few minutes in and you'll probably figure out how the movie is gonna end; an awkward, shy yet talented teen has a crush on the pretty girl who's dating the high school athlete but is starting to realize he might just not be the one. But they're not teens, nor in high school, they're in their mid 20's; and despite the predictability, they did try to add in a few more bits to make it a bit more fascinating, it didn't work as well as they probably wanted it to but I'm glad they did it. I think it's one of those movies were you already know how it's gonna go but can still enjoy it, if you let yourself.
I watched it because I kept seeing this quote for a while now: "You know what's strange about you? On one hand you're painfully shy, and on the other hand you say these things that I don't think I could ever say." and knew it was from this movie so it was just one of those things I really wanna watch but kept postponing. Yes it's not as good as I thought it was gonna be, in spite of that I still like it. It's close to being good. I don't think it's gonna have you rolling in your emotions, butterflies and all; but if you just wanna sit down, relax and watch a romcom with your brain shut off, this is not a bad way to spend your afternoon.
I watched it because I kept seeing this quote for a while now: "You know what's strange about you? On one hand you're painfully shy, and on the other hand you say these things that I don't think I could ever say." and knew it was from this movie so it was just one of those things I really wanna watch but kept postponing. Yes it's not as good as I thought it was gonna be, in spite of that I still like it. It's close to being good. I don't think it's gonna have you rolling in your emotions, butterflies and all; but if you just wanna sit down, relax and watch a romcom with your brain shut off, this is not a bad way to spend your afternoon.
Solid predicable rom-com
dar04177 August 2019
Tragic
cortesjanet26 December 2017
The entire movie is an absolute waste of time. The only reason I watched the movie is due to the fact that I am a hormonal girl who is madly in love with Freddie Highmore. I do not recommend this movie to anyone at all. Please, I beg you if you are reading this review do not waste two hours of your life watching 'Almost Friends'. Instead, why don't you take a two-hour nap you and your body will thank me later.
Why did it end....Why...Why...
OnjiMooteDaMarle21 February 2020
Just an hour and 45 minutes long felt very short watching this film. It could have been another 3 hours longer and I would have loved watching it.
The music is great, soothing and makes me smile.
Love Odeya (since I watched Odd Life of Timothy Green), she's wonderful and can act well. Freddie has a thing for such films. His presence makes me know this is a warm film that I would love to watch on a rainy day or when I feel sad.
The music is great, soothing and makes me smile.
Love Odeya (since I watched Odd Life of Timothy Green), she's wonderful and can act well. Freddie has a thing for such films. His presence makes me know this is a warm film that I would love to watch on a rainy day or when I feel sad.
Ehhhhh........
i-love-luigi17 February 2018
To start off, I love Freddie Highmore. I watched this movie for him. He's absolutely magnificent in Bates Motel and the Good Doctor (so if you haven't seen either yet, CHECK THEM OUT!)
I was severely disappointed with this movie. The entire script needed to be thrown out as it was incredibly boring and the dialogue stilted and unrealistic. Total snooze fest. Every time I thought the plot was moving forward, it didn't. The acting wasn't terrible but having seen 90% of Highmore's other work, this wasn't his best. He looked like he didn't even want to be there.
The characters in this were uninteresting and cliche, and rather undeveloped. Seriously can NO ONE come up with an interesting love story anymore?
If you're looking for any type of entertainment don't watch this.
A sweet but unmemorable teen romance
Gordon-1121 January 2018
This film tells the story of a shy teen man, who decides to approach the local coffee shop girl who has a boyfriend already.
"Almost Friends" is sweet and relatable, and the characters are sympathetic and likable as well. However, it is just not very memorable, and does not stand out or touch people's hearts. It is good for brain off entertainment, but it does not offer much more than that.
"Almost Friends" is sweet and relatable, and the characters are sympathetic and likable as well. However, it is just not very memorable, and does not stand out or touch people's hearts. It is good for brain off entertainment, but it does not offer much more than that.
Not The Best but Not Too Bad
pattysnake-4808630 December 2017
Basically If you liked Freddie Highmore you'll like this movie. If you don't you won't like it. A lot of people are talking about how the plot was was badly written and the acting was emotionless and the scrip was bland. I have to say I do mostly agree. It was a strange movie, I wont lie. But it was in a way kind of heart warming, in it's own way...
Basically this is a movie you have to shut off all previous judgements and dive in, it's going to surprise you. You'll be able to enjoy it if you don't pick everything that's wrong or weird about it because there's a lot.
Basically this is a movie you have to shut off all previous judgements and dive in, it's going to surprise you. You'll be able to enjoy it if you don't pick everything that's wrong or weird about it because there's a lot.
Awful
paulcsavoie26 November 2017
All I have to say is what the heck happened in this movie. It was a let down from minute 1 to minute i don't even know the movie just dragged on like this sentence. Holy molly I want that 2 hours of my life back. I tell you I am never watching this movie in my life again. Nor should anyone else with a decent sense of movies.
Another slice of life movie that's worth to watch
smurfin-mail17 November 2017
I thought I was watching a romance type of movie through the first few minutes, and I thought a twist would definitely happen with the other girl, turned out I was completely wrong, it's totally not that kind of movie.
It's a slice of life movie and quite enjoyable to watch, there is nothing flashy and nothing fancy, everything is just normal everyday life, well not really that normal per se, but everyone walks in different shoes and has their own path.
There is only one thing that I think is unresolved or 'unconfronted' but come to think of it, even that is just normal in life.
It's a slice of life movie and quite enjoyable to watch, there is nothing flashy and nothing fancy, everything is just normal everyday life, well not really that normal per se, but everyone walks in different shoes and has their own path.
There is only one thing that I think is unresolved or 'unconfronted' but come to think of it, even that is just normal in life.
Worthy Tale
horizonbts-206-6283361 December 2017
I mainly watched this little flick, because I enjoy Freddie Highmore and his great ability to engage any part he is given. Overall it was a middle of the road tale, but very worthy!! It is a sort of a coming of age yarn, that many of us have experienced by just sustaining life and not reaching out to embrace it. We don't always live up to expectations or exceed them with the talent we are given. Lots of sidebars in this flick too with a great effort by Christopher Meloni as the dysfunctional Dad and Marg Helgenberger as the Mom who are divorced. Also a nice added touch is the supporting friend played by Haley Joel Osment, who encourages Highmore to get up the courage to ask out the girl of his dreams. Again a worthy tale nicely tied together by a great ensemble cast. Well worth the money I paid to watch it on streaming video!!
Bad. Just Bad.
melbartman22 December 2017
Slice of life, young people trying to figure it out.
TxMike8 April 2020
It is COVID-19 "stay at home time" so I watched this on YouTube free streaming movies. I became a Highmore fan for the movie "August Rush" and more recently have been enjoying him in the TV series "The Good Doctor" where he plays a young surgeon with autism.
Here Freddie Highmore is Charlie, working in a Mobile Alabama movie house mostly manning the concession stand. He is wise and a talented up-and-coming chef but is stuck, unmotivated, perhaps traced to an automobile accident he was in not many years ago.
He encounters a pretty girl working at the coffee shop but is too timid to have a conversation with her, and certainly not to ask her out. Besides her boyfriend is the local track star.
I would describe this as a "soft" movie, there are several scenes where characters just couldn't, or wouldn't, express what is actually going on with them. It is mainly about Charlie's coming to grips with his lack of trajectory in life and finally deciding to do something about it. The coffee house girl is an important part of that as it causes him to realize some things he was suppressing.
Not a great movie, mostly forgettable, but a good watch for those of us who enjoy Highmore.
Here Freddie Highmore is Charlie, working in a Mobile Alabama movie house mostly manning the concession stand. He is wise and a talented up-and-coming chef but is stuck, unmotivated, perhaps traced to an automobile accident he was in not many years ago.
He encounters a pretty girl working at the coffee shop but is too timid to have a conversation with her, and certainly not to ask her out. Besides her boyfriend is the local track star.
I would describe this as a "soft" movie, there are several scenes where characters just couldn't, or wouldn't, express what is actually going on with them. It is mainly about Charlie's coming to grips with his lack of trajectory in life and finally deciding to do something about it. The coffee house girl is an important part of that as it causes him to realize some things he was suppressing.
Not a great movie, mostly forgettable, but a good watch for those of us who enjoy Highmore.
Time To Romance
iskilipim-398231 April 2018
I just watch this movie. Not bad for a standart watcher and u can watch it too. Have a good and sweet story but not different from others. During your watchtime you will like this movie if u like love theme a bit. Have a standart love story and happy ambience. So that is completely your choice.
Have a good time watcher :)
Nothing great but not the worst either
deloudelouvain22 March 2018
I guess in it's genre it's an okay movie, nothing wonderful but not terrible either. But you have to like that kind of romantic teenager movies then. So I rated it in that optic, because it's certainly not my kind of movies. The two main characters Freddie Highmore and Odeya Rush didn't do a too bad of a job. I always see Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates now since I watched Bates Motel but I guess he can play something else than a psychopath. The story is a bit slow though, not much going on apart from a shy guy trying to get the attention of his crush. From the beginning of the movie you know how it will end, that's not a surprise nor spoiling, it ends good like it always does with these kind of movies.
Disappointing and went nowhere
deniseactress25 May 2019
they met in the coffee shop
ksf-228 April 2021
Brit freddie highmore is Charlie. He likes the girl that works in the coffee shop (Odeya Rush), but she already has a boyfriend. They spend time together, but he's stuck in a rut. And she still has a boyfriend. They both have secrets they aren't ready to share yet. Haley osment is in here as the friend. Chris meloni as the wacky father who took off years ago, but pops back up for a quick visit. And keeps walking around the house naked. In front of Charlie's friends. More pretty bad stuff happens, and now the family is depending on each other to get through it. It kind of goes haywire near the end; some pretty unlikely scenarios, but ... it is what it is. Last 30 minutes of the script needed a tune-up or something. I guess it could have all happened that way. Written and directed by Jake Goldberger. One of the three films he has written and directed to this point.
Good story. Bad writing. Bad acting.
quazimodem-209324 February 2018
I was interested in this movie because of Freddie and Joel. Loved their early movies in their career. Joel has definitely matured and did well here. Freddie a bit of a disappointment... seems the same persona but older.
Anyway, I honestly couldn't finish the movie. The story did seem intriguing but the bad acting/writing was just too corny for me to keep up. I may watch it again some day and maybe finish it...
Anyway, I honestly couldn't finish the movie. The story did seem intriguing but the bad acting/writing was just too corny for me to keep up. I may watch it again some day and maybe finish it...
Odd coming of age movie
nancyldraper12 March 2019
This movie does not deserve its IMDB rating
MovieHead12327 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
What a complete waste of my life. The main guy has always gotten on my nerves, ever since I first saw him in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I don't know why I decided to give this movie a shot. Wait, I remember... BECAUSE of the rating on IMDB! His character is borderline creepy. Can't tell when the guy is happy, sad, etc. His personality is monotone. It's like the way Kourtney Kardashian talks but in personality form. I think I can tolerate watching weirdo Kristen Stewart act more than this guy. And what the heck happened to Haley Joel Osment? As his charm decreased, so did his acting? He used to be great. In this movie, he was just blah. Everything and everyone in this movie was just wrong. The girl says she could never be with a guy like him because he's lost, yet makes out with him not too long after. And not only does she make out with him, but she finds herself having mixed feelings about her boyfriend who she's been with forever. This movie is just like it's protogonist - WEIRD. If you're looking for a good movie to watch, this is not it.
It Deserve Your Watch & you wont Regret it.
chandanji-9435515 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Best Scene: When She Apologies !!
Worst Scene: Opening Scene.
Its about a Shy Guy dealing with normal life stuff Which tries to make friend with a Girl he likes which She is also dealing with life stuffs. & at last they get some Courage (to take Decisions) & Well there it goes the whole movie.
Well its not that of a great One but Man trust me I don't know but it got a tone which you will love. Or Maybe its Just Me Or Odeya Or Maybe i am "Different".
On a Serious note, Don't watch with high expectations as a story or Acting Spectacle. Its Just a Light Hearted normal Movie. & Those who love teen Love stories DO Give it a Watch.
Worst Scene: Opening Scene.
Its about a Shy Guy dealing with normal life stuff Which tries to make friend with a Girl he likes which She is also dealing with life stuffs. & at last they get some Courage (to take Decisions) & Well there it goes the whole movie.
Well its not that of a great One but Man trust me I don't know but it got a tone which you will love. Or Maybe its Just Me Or Odeya Or Maybe i am "Different".
On a Serious note, Don't watch with high expectations as a story or Acting Spectacle. Its Just a Light Hearted normal Movie. & Those who love teen Love stories DO Give it a Watch.
Cliche but Wholesome
dansview26 February 2023
This is part of that genre of indie films about sensitive ineffectual. Semi-loser guys. The ones who can't find themselves and get stuck in one gear.
Frequently they pine for a girl who is out of reach. When the girl shows interest, you have to wonder why. But it's usually because the guy is a good listener and worships her. Such is the case here.
The overly sensitive soundtrack was super annoying. We already get that our protagonist is depressed.
Was it supposed to be a small town? It seems like people knew each other and there was never anyone on the street. Yet it was filmed in the fairly large town of Mobile, Alabama. No one has an accent either.
The most refreshing characters were the male cousin of the girl and the best friend of the guy.
The cousin was a local loser who understood himself but just didn't care. He was funny and ultimately grew.
The best friend was not the typical cocky counterpart to our shy guy. He just had more confidence and a better outlook on life.
The weakest aspect of this project was the very vague back story on our main character. He had a little cooking background, a traumatic experience, and a loser dad. But chances are he would be a dweeb even without these conditions.
I do like the fact that he asserted himself and found some courage when we thought it wasn't possible.
Most of these characters are nice people. There isn't a huge amount of profanity, almost no sex, and no violence.
Usually, I stop watching the minute someone vomits. This picture had a projectile vomit scene that had nothing to do with the plot. I don't know why they felt the need to show it. But I stuck with it.
No one is religious. Their outlooks on life are totally secular. Not nihilist though like some youth-oriented films.
Frequently they pine for a girl who is out of reach. When the girl shows interest, you have to wonder why. But it's usually because the guy is a good listener and worships her. Such is the case here.
The overly sensitive soundtrack was super annoying. We already get that our protagonist is depressed.
Was it supposed to be a small town? It seems like people knew each other and there was never anyone on the street. Yet it was filmed in the fairly large town of Mobile, Alabama. No one has an accent either.
The most refreshing characters were the male cousin of the girl and the best friend of the guy.
The cousin was a local loser who understood himself but just didn't care. He was funny and ultimately grew.
The best friend was not the typical cocky counterpart to our shy guy. He just had more confidence and a better outlook on life.
The weakest aspect of this project was the very vague back story on our main character. He had a little cooking background, a traumatic experience, and a loser dad. But chances are he would be a dweeb even without these conditions.
I do like the fact that he asserted himself and found some courage when we thought it wasn't possible.
Most of these characters are nice people. There isn't a huge amount of profanity, almost no sex, and no violence.
Usually, I stop watching the minute someone vomits. This picture had a projectile vomit scene that had nothing to do with the plot. I don't know why they felt the need to show it. But I stuck with it.
No one is religious. Their outlooks on life are totally secular. Not nihilist though like some youth-oriented films.
Confusing
ThorChristoffersen12 August 2021
I think the only way to describe this movie is confusing and all over the place. I couldn't even enjoy it as a chick flick or romcom. The script was really bad, like really. And the story was like Simple harmonic motion, oscillating, one moment on one side, the next on the complete other. The story really isn't coherent and the personalities aren't developed properly or even make any sense (because of the bad script). I wouldn't suggest watching this movie if i'm being honest, you'll just get confused.
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