Ted Koland's Best Man Down has got to be one of the most creative stories I've seen. Not sure why HBO lists this under comedies, but then, it has Justin Long and Shelley Long ... and anytime you get those two involved there's bound to be laughs. And there are. But most the story is a like an old-fashioned scavenger hunt , or a detective story with Justin Long as the lead investigator along wiith his wife. .
When I read the logline (the best man at a wedding dies) I assumed the news would be delivered by phone or telegram announcing our best man, named Larry (nicknamed Lumpy) had died in a plane crash or something. But best man "Lumpy" (brilliantly played by the great Tyler Labine) dies on-screen in a bizarre, but wonderfully filmed accident. From there our newlyweds (Justin Long and Jess Wexler) cancel their honeymoon to plan a funeral.
Once they arrive home (back in Minneapolis) we go on a series of flashbacks that take us through Lumpy's story which just gets better and better, more interesting and of course, more bizarre. Turns out Lumpy had a deep friendship with a young high school student, Ramsey (purely platonic) that also unfolds. I won't spoil the details of the relationship but it's very sweet (and unique).
Ramsey is wonderfully played by Addison Timlin (Californication) who just gets better and better. (As the story unfolds, she reveals some secrets Lumpy told only to her. How Lumpy and Ramsey meet is also quite dramatic (and funny).
Overall, a lovely film of friends and family and secrets that people hang onto to protect the ones they love. It's a great ensemble piece led by the always-good Justin Long. But, all the performances are superb. What I enjoyed most was Koland's subtle style of directing that keeps everything very real and believable. Definitely recommend Best Man Down.
When I read the logline (the best man at a wedding dies) I assumed the news would be delivered by phone or telegram announcing our best man, named Larry (nicknamed Lumpy) had died in a plane crash or something. But best man "Lumpy" (brilliantly played by the great Tyler Labine) dies on-screen in a bizarre, but wonderfully filmed accident. From there our newlyweds (Justin Long and Jess Wexler) cancel their honeymoon to plan a funeral.
Once they arrive home (back in Minneapolis) we go on a series of flashbacks that take us through Lumpy's story which just gets better and better, more interesting and of course, more bizarre. Turns out Lumpy had a deep friendship with a young high school student, Ramsey (purely platonic) that also unfolds. I won't spoil the details of the relationship but it's very sweet (and unique).
Ramsey is wonderfully played by Addison Timlin (Californication) who just gets better and better. (As the story unfolds, she reveals some secrets Lumpy told only to her. How Lumpy and Ramsey meet is also quite dramatic (and funny).
Overall, a lovely film of friends and family and secrets that people hang onto to protect the ones they love. It's a great ensemble piece led by the always-good Justin Long. But, all the performances are superb. What I enjoyed most was Koland's subtle style of directing that keeps everything very real and believable. Definitely recommend Best Man Down.