I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of reality. There is an overabundance of sexual appetite that it could be considered a soft-porn film. The cast included the great Christine Estabrook as the Mom. Susan Egan played a lonely Los Angeles attorney who finds happiness in the supermarket with a strange woman. They have endless hours of sex everyday. Julian McMahon played a soap actor in which he was one before he made it big on Nip/Tuck. The story about LA singles and their local supermarket would be better if they refrained from the sex scenes so much. It was too sexual to be realistic. The characters seem caricatures of actual people. The supermarket doesn't ring up once as the backbone of the story. It would have been better if they had incorporated the supermarket to help understand the characters. I should know since I work in a supermarket myself.
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Sylviastel24 June 2019
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danielletbd13 February 2008Meet Market Seedsman Group, 2008 Directed By Charlie Loventhal
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Charlie Loventhal's Meet Market jumps right into the action in his no-frills comedy about a group of L.A. singles who troll the supermarket on Saturday nights to hook up. Breaking the fourth wall, his characters introduce themselves as they stand in their pre-chosen aisles, surrounded by the items that make them feel the most comfortable, allowing their eyes to stray in brief moments from the camera lens to patrol those passing by, setting the tone that as much as they may talk about wanting to find love, they have wandering attention spans. Meet Market is a story about awakenings for its many, many characters, who all want basic things out of life but go about searching for them in the wrong places.
To an outsider, it seems nearly impossible that in a metropolis as large as Los Angeles, every other person could work in the entertainment industry, but spend a day here, and you'll see that this town truly does run on the blood, sweat, and tears of filmmakers. Meet Market uses that city-specific quirk to its advantage, creating laugh out-loud jabs at the ridiculousness that often comes out of such people's mouths, most notably that of Hutch (Julian McMahon, who also Executive Produced). He is the stereotypical self-absorbed actora soap opera star, no less-- who loves to hear himself talk, a trait which McMahon pulls of with such ease it is like he has had years of experience to pull from and dozens of cast members to mimic. He thinks everything that pours out of his mouth is purely philosophical, even when his pearls of wisdom include: "An actor is only as good as his teeth." Somehow McMahon's half-swarmy, half-charming Hutch ( (perhaps because he never wears a shirt) still manages to rope in two intelligent women of substance, creating the very soap opera staple of a love triangle.
Aisha Tyler is one of those women as Jane, the self-proclaimed "kooky" character who dresses like a librarian (complete with the pointy glasses), uses words like "poopy," and sprays air freshener in sporadic bursts while she still sits on the toilet. Her knack for comedy is at its best here, playing something of a "stars in their eyes" simpleton to her best friend Lucinda (Krista Allen)'s more sardonic, jaded realism (even when thrown into absurd situations). In another actress' less capable hands, Lucinda's blunt nature ("I tell it like it is," as she puts it with an unapologetic shrug) could come off as overly aggressive and offensive, but Allen's natural down-to-Earth demeanor lends itself well to a character who is as free in spirit as she is with the F word. There is some question as to how these two opposites became friends in the first place, but as the film goes on, they learn about themselves, each other, and their friendship as much as we learn about them, and they rub off on each other in obvious ways.
Meet Market is the type of cheeky, slightly crude romantic comedy that countless young filmmakers attempt to make in just as many variations, but what makes Meet Market unique and ultimately successful is it's amazing-- and large-- cast of "That Guy" actors: you will surely recognize their faces from tons of Television Guest Star roles, even if you don't know their names. Without such talent in place, the majority of the subtler, drier humor would undoubtedly be lost and the shock value stuff would be over the top. The extremely underrated Alan Tudyk once again shines as Danny, the screenwriter who uses his art to try to get laid, going on a string of dates that start out with potential but quickly spiral downhill. Missi Pyle is one such woman, as a chuckle worthy hash-sniffing sexual predator who resorts to taunting him when he doesn't want to sleep with her as is Jennifer Sky, the weight-obsessed woman he picks up at said supermarket. He spends the majority of the film digging advice out of his trainer (Laurie Holden) but can't quite grasp the deep intimacy that has been right there in front of him this whole time. Elizabeth Berkley redeems herself quite nicely from Showgirls purgatory as Linda, the doe-eyed small-town hopeful who believes every "You've got what it takes" she hears from men who just want to get her on the casting couch until one such meeting takes a wrong turn, and she finds salvation in a new power. Susan Egan is Tess (and Christine Estabrook is her mom)an existential drone who embarks on an impetuous relationship that for the first time makes her really feel alive, only to realize she still needs more.
Though Meet Market features some physical comedy and fun with adult-themed props, Loventhal is never hokey. His characters are in-your-face in the way strong individuals need to be, but his seasoned cast, as no strangers to independent film, actually manages to keep them grounded. Thankfully Loventhal trusts his actors enough to rely on them to carry the story, instead of using crazy camera movement or odd staging to draw interest. He lingers on his actors' imagesones that are so saturated, they may as well be oil paintingsand allows their expressive faces to say it all. Meet Market is one straight-to-DVD release that deserves to be plucked quickly from its shelves. -
mabamboy14 February 2008Usually when a movie goes straight to DVD there's not a lot to look forward to. With Meet Market, I was pleasantly surprised. The overall look and feel is excellent, no shaky camera or impossible to understand sound. Director Charlie Loventhal has crafted a fine, funny, quirky comedy of the universal quest to hook up.
Using the aisles of a southern California supermarket as the hunting ground, Meet Market introduces us to an attractive group of hopeless romantics, sexy predators, and just plain horny people.
The guys are represented by Alan Tudyk, playing Danny, the ultimate "unlucky at love" loser. Constantly challenged by his personal trainer, played by the uncredited Laurie Holden, to step up and be a man, he is ultimately shocked when he gets his chance to "measure up" to her. He is the perfect combination of uncertainty and ridiculous panic.
Also on the male front is Julian McMahon. Leaving the smooth sophistication of his "Nip/Tuck" character behind, McMahon's Hutch is as vapid as they come, a moronic, self-absorbed soap star. McMahon delivers Hutch's absurd pronouncements with deadpan earnestness that is hilarious. His "climactic" revelation of whom he really loves makes you smile and nod your head in agreement.
Loventhal has assembled a real bevy of beauties. All are sexy and each has her moments, with Missi Pyle and Laurie Holden particularly funny, and Krista Allen, Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Sky steam up the lens. Aisha Tyler is a nice mix of sexiness and propriety. And Suan Egan and Suzanne Krull take us on a walk on the other side of the street.
There is no real "story" here, and that's a disappointment. More structure would have been helpful. It's almost like the movie's not quite done. It's more a series of vignettes, of the various people all in the same boat.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention David Robbins' jaunty musical score. It keeps things rolling along nicely.
All in all, not bad for straight to DVD. I've seen a lot of "sexy comedies" in the past year in theaters that weren't as good. -
cindyaprilmeadows15 February 2008This was one of the funniest movies that I've seen in a long time. Great cast, with great directing and photography! Loventhal doesn't use gimmicks to get his point across, just the great acting by the entire cast. Each story within itself is funny and enjoyable. The cast all took great character risks and it comes across fantastic! L.A, is such a crazy town and this movie makes you laugh at things that others find "the norm" here in L.A. The relationship between Aisha Tyler and Krista Allen is so entertaining because we see it all the time which makes it sincere and funny at the same time. Julian McMahon is amazingly funny and I love that he can do this and not take himself so seriously. Alan Tudyk's struggles throughout the movie find you routing for him the whole way. Every actor (and then some) needs to see this movie. Very fun and very well made! Congrats to Loventhal for this gem!
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nephalinesyenite12 September 2008Before renting this film, I read the cast list and expected to watch a hilarious comedy. What I got was a collection of vignettes on the L.A. singles scene. This film truly suffers from lack of plot.
Maybe my television screen isn't large enough to show wrinkles, but I actually thought this film was made years ago because many of the cast members such as Julian McMahon, Alan Tudyk, and Elizabeth Berkley looked younger and in better shape than they have in awhile.
Julian McMahon is believable as a narcissistic,vacuous,soap star. Alan Tudyk was delightful as an average guy looking for a long term relationship. His date with Missi Pyle was the scene that I most enjoyed and even laughed at.
Alisha Tyler's uneven acting made her character charming one moment, and a clueless stereotype, the next. While I could understand the frustrations of Elizabeth Berkely's character, I didn't feel connected to, sorry for her, or even filled with "you go girl!" when she takes matters into her own hands. There just wasn't much there - a better actress or better writing would have pulled me in. The lesbian relationship was sweet, it should have been to been farther developed.
I think I can see what Loventhal was going for here but I felt the writing needed more biting satire, more darkness, to work. A focus on the stories of one or two characters, and more connections between the others would have made a more coherent film.
If you rent this, you won't hate it, but it won't have you rolling on the floor either. -
gardiner-sabrina15 February 2008Meet Market reveals the extremities of being single in L.A. by using creative characters that are funny in each of their attributes.
It's not the typical main stream romantic comedy that's like all the other movies. This movie gives you so much insight on each character and you feel you can relate to each one. There is truth to each and the acting and writing together make it hilarious.
The movie definitely has a creative writer and was casted perfectly. JULIAN MCMAHON IS SO FUNNY! He plays a studly soap-opera type who is topless in every scene. I've never scene this side to his acting ability and now I'm more of a fan! And same for Laurie Holden (Billy) playing such a bully-type character. I didn't know she had that range of acting ability-wow. Of course, the guys were handsome, but you see looks aren't everything! And same for the girls!! (Alan Tudyk so likable/always wonderful)
Oh, and Missi Pyle is the craaaaziest!!!!
I could go on...but, I hope to see more movies written like this and with such talent so we can enjoy something fun and different! -
purplegiordano21 February 2008I was first drawn to the movie because of the concept. I love simple ideas but they have to work in the movie. Fortunately this one does. It's cool when it all come together.
We're in a country where one out of four people getting married today met online. This movie should be a dating class at the Annex Learning Center for people who like to meet wacky people in person and not on your computer. Why not just cut out the middle man...
Back to the flick. The actors gave good performances and the story was totally interesting to watch unfold. I watch tons of movies and this one was ten times better than some of the crap I get on Netflix that actually made it to the theaters. Not sure who picks what get's released and what doesn't. Who cares. Bottom line-- good flick. Damn good flick!!! -
bjhalyaman10 February 2008This is probably one of the funniest movies I've seen lately. I laughed out loud at many spots, something I rarely do. The way it targets the insanity of trying to find that one person who isn't insane or crazy, trying to connect to fill the loneliness,to find that right person is both humorous, and at times, heart rendering.
The casting is superb, each melding into the 'type' they are supposed to be. Great characterization particularly from Julien McMahon as the Himbo, Alan Tudyk as the much confused and put upon seemingly 'normal' man, Elizabeth Berkley as the innocent turned Avenging Angel... oh the heck with it, the entire cast are good.
Anyone out there dating, especially in L.A. (which is a zoo all unto itself), should see this movie. If for no other reason, than to be able to laugh at yourself. Enjoy!!! -
movieholic9226 August 2008Not the greatest film, but surely entertaining. With Julian McMahon's moronic, self-obsessed Hutch and Alan Tudyk's dorky personality and failures in love...this movie makes for a great laugh and some fun.
Although the very end left me sad, for reasons you must figure out on your own, and maybe you never will...I still found this movie to be a good find. I'm glad I received it, it lifted my spirits up...plus Julian McMahon cannot look any hotter and be any funnier. His dead-panned lines are delivered so perfectly, and how he continues to stare off in space is absolutely funny. A great cast, a good script...a good flick!