Unhitched (2005) User Reviews (19)

Makes you want to fall in love

[carlarina · 7/10 · 10 July 2006]

It's not a GREAT movie, but a good one nonetheless. Perfect for a relaxing weekend, with your partner or your best gal pals.

Most importantly, the plot was well-thought through and put together, unlike some romantic comedies which are utterly ridiculous and in which nothing gels.

The lead characters are extremely likable, especially Olly (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green). You totally understand why Sarah (Amy Smart) would fall in love with him. He has his quirks (total klutz and a sorta "born-loser") but he has a really good heart. Murray is the best friend whom everyone should want to have. Someone who would do anything to make sure that his best friend gets what he rightly deserves.

One of those movies which gets you to believe in the traditional notions of love once again. To be faithful and truthful to the one you love, and to be willing to do anything to make him/her happy. And also, that being in love brings out the best in a person.

Cheeky English chappy steals the show, and he isn't English!

[bacooda · 7/10 · 12 February 2007]

I'm one of these people that loves to think that new romantic comedies can all be as good as Four Weddings and A Funeral, or Notting Hill, before I go to see them. But they can't, sadly.

However, they all have their place, and some of the better ones in recent memory (Just Like Heaven; So I Married an Axe Murderer; Addicted to Love) all have one thing in common: memorable characters put into memorable situations.

The Best Man/Unhitched does, but it isn't Stuart Townsend, who does a decent job of things as the leading man (and girls, he's just as cute but at least somewhat vulnerable unlike LeStat in Queen of the Damned). It isn't Amy Smart, who does a decent job of things as the leading lady (and fellas, she's every bit as cute as we remember her in Road Trip, and gets more screen time, thank the gods).

So who is it? Seth Green of course. And this little fella doesn't get my vote simply because I'm 5'5" like he is (give or take an inch or two). Instead it's because: his accent is really rather good; his character is fun and unpredictable; and we'd ALL be rooting for him or doing what he does in the movie, if our best mate needed our "help".

So is the script decent? Not bad. At times it doesn't flow, and the first half of the movie the dialogue and situations seem a little forced. But there IS an honesty in it, almost as though this or at least part of the premise has happened to the writers or someone they know. The second half of the movie is far better and moves along nicely.

The acting? Not bad. Everyone except Seth Green just does what is required of them and not much more. The Seth-meister (and I feel like I can call him that) is far more animated and approachable than his turns as Oz in Buffy, or in films like Rat Race and The Italian Job.

Can we believe the romance and the motivation behind Olly's (Townsend) actions? Somewhat. He's a bit of a wuss. "Come on Olly, catch a wakeup!" you'll be wanting to shout at the screen.

Will we feel like we enjoyed the past 90 minutes at the end of the movie? I sure did. I'm guessing if you go in with the same low-ish expectations as me then you will as well.

Verdict: 7 out of 10 - It's nothing special, but as a date movie, a cuddle-on-a-rainy-day-DVD or a pick-me-up after some bad news, it works...

Bonus Hollywood value: Seth Green should be teaching Don Cheadle (in Ocean's 11) how to do an English accent!

'And may the best man win...'

[gradyharp · 6/10 · 5 February 2007]

UNHITCHED is a fairly well made, generic Hollywood love story that provides a reasonably entertaining evening because of the actors cast in the roles. The story by director Stefan Schwartz and Ed Roe is recycled fluff with nothing new added, yet despite that fact the pacing and acting bring off a fun little film.

As marriage enters the agenda of old friends, promiscuous James (Steve John Shepherd) is scheduled to marry Sarah (Amy Smart, always a pleasure to watch) and asks his best friend Olly (the talented and hunky Irishman Stuart Townsend in a very nice comedic turn) to be his Best Man. Olly, a writer whose first chapters have been lauded by his publisher (Simon Callow) and that early praise has thrown him into writer's block forcing him to take a menial job as a PA under grumpy feminist Tania (Johdi May), fears accepting the role of Best Man out of the challenge tied to writing the wedding reception speech. He is encouraged not to accept the role by his roommate friend Murray (5'4" Seth Green, who has many comedy roles to his credit - this one being the first with a fine British accent). Murray knows of James' peppered past and sets out to stop the wedding - especially when he discovers that Olly has fallen for Sarah, mistaking her for Sarah's Maid of Honor Becka (Kate Ashfield).

Olly is a true friend and will sacrifice his longing for Sarah out of his loyalty to James - until Murray proves that James indeed is a promiscuous lothario. And the chase, with many a pratfall, begins as Olly ultimately sides with Murray to prevent his losing Sarah.

Townsend makes a fine turn out of his obvious role, proving that he not only can master dramatic and intrigue roles, but light comedy ones as well. Seth Green may be small but he is a powerhouse of physical comedic talent. Amy Smart doesn't have much to do, but when she is on screen she glows with intelligence as well as beauty. It is the cast that makes this film work and they are enough of a pleasure to watch to merit sitting through another re-telling of a tired story. Grady Harp

Okay, typical romantic comedy

[timhayes-1 · 6/10 · 13 March 2007]

Unhitched is your typical romantic comedy. Boy meets girl. Flirtation ensues. Will they get together? Of course they will because this is a romantic comedy and they always do in this type of movie. Thankfully, Unhitched has enough fun with the getting to the denouement that it entertains the viewer despite the familiarity. Seth Green is hilarious as the best friend trying to help his bud out. And Stuart Townsend is fine as the bumbling lovable loser who falls for his friend's fiancée. Luckily for Townsend the friend turns out to be a jerk and he really should be with this girl. All in all Unhitched comes across as an enjoyable if not somewhat predictable piece of film. If it weren't for the predictability, I'd have given it a higher rating since it is well acted and written. Its just that we've seen it all before.

Light, cute fluff

[mikes2001 · 6/10 · 21 September 2011]

I would have titled this summary an Okay, typical romantic comedy, but somebody already used that title!! In fact, my review is not much different than that review but I just wanted to add my two cents. Or two shillings, whatever that may be, as this movie is set in London.

It's a nice, light Romantic Comedy. There's no earth shattering observations and there's no attempt to relate the characters situation to any deeper event or philosophy. Which is cool. If I wanted that I'd be watching something other than a cute RomCom!! I wouldn't be happy if I paid $10 a head to see this in a theater, but as an available instant view on the web it's OK.

I wonder if somebody like Russell Brand could have turned the budding groom into a crazier, more gonzo character, but I don't think that would have helped the movie much. For what it is it's OK.

Sometimes charming, sometimes not

[Superunknovvn · 6/10 · 30 July 2006]

"The Best Man" explores well known territory. The best man falls for the bride who is about to marry a cheating, selfish bastard. We've seen it before and we've probably seen it better, too. Still, "The Best Man" gets away with rehashing a story that's older than Prince Charles' mom, because it's really charming at times. The mixed ensemble of British and American actors make a lot out of some rather trite lines in the script. Seth Green steals the show. The movie is at its worst when it's trying to be cute or sell Townsend as a lovable clown, when he's really so clumsy he should be locked away. And, oh, the "wrong chapel" joke at the end, that one's older than Catherine Zeta-Jones' husband! Still, "The Best Man" doesn't try to be anything else than a nice little romantic flick which gets a chuckle out of you every now and then and that's just what it is. Good clean fun to watch with your partner on a comfy evening at home.

Hitch a ride, if you have to, to see this sweet film, all you romcom fans

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 2 March 2008]

Olly (Stuart Townshend) has aspired to be a writer from childhood. Yet, after gaining an advance of 50 grand from a publisher, Olly saw it all go up in smoke when he developed a major writer's block and could not complete his book. Instead, he has taken a job as a personal assistant to be small publishing firm that specializes in self-help works for women. It is a position he detests. Fortunately, Olly has two close friends that make life bearable. One is a somewhat uncouth businessman, Murray (Seth Green) and the other is a polished university mate, James (Steve John Shepherd). When James becomes engaged and asks Olly to be the best man, the young writer agrees. Yet, when he attends an engagement party for the couple, Olly falls instantly for the bride-to-be, beautiful Sarah (Amy Smart). Murray suggests that Olly pursue Sarah, and perhaps aid his own cause by digging up some dirt on James. But, wouldn't that be the ultimate betrayal of his, admittedly, snobby friend? This is a sweet story for the target audience of romcom lovers. Although the tale is somewhat tried and true, it still has some originality, too. For example, Olly receives an invitation to go out on the town with Sarah and her friends but declines, saying he has to stay home and "deworm the cat". Now if ever there was a great line of refusal, that's it. But, in addition, the film's cast is quite fine, with Townsend a dear as the heartsick best man and Smart a delight as the object of two men's affections. Green is also quite funny, sporting a British accent, as the film takes place in London. Costumes and production values are high as well. If you are a fan of funny love tales, hitch a ride to locate this one, if you have to. You will be very glad that you made the effort.

Unfunny Yuppie Posturing Without Spark

[Richard_vmt · 2/10 · 5 November 2008]

My standards for comedy are so low that I can't think of one I didn't enjoy. Therefore, it is doubly damning that I found this film tedious and unfunny. I guess if you are a 12-year-old infatuated with Yuppies these cut-outs might stimulate your imagination. But basically none of the characters light up.

At fault is the failure to provide the little touches that make us identify. Now, with the main character, the film starts by pointing out he lost his ability to write at just the moment he received his first advance ($50k). That's something but apparently the only upshot of that fact is he fears to write a short speech as best man in his friend's wedding. What promised to be a key insight into the character is dropped. The rest of the film is the tormented posturing of Yuppie types fulfilling various roles in a forthcoming wedding.

With this misfire at character building, he blends in with all the other males who have no defining traits and all look equally out of a clothing catalog.

Yet all the males seem intimately involved with each other and their male networking, even though none of them should have much to interest anyone, so that I began to explain it to myself as if they were a group of Gay men who somehow lucked into roles as participants in a wedding. In fact, if this had been the premise, the film would have coalesced a little better. As for the women, apart from a formal glamor they too had little to interest anyone. And all chemistry between the opposite sexes seems missing.

But there were two incidents at variance with this. One is his life with his female employer who is very dissatisfied with his employment. It happens that he discovers she is only feigning to be a married woman and this discovery suddenly empowers him as a man. But then the scene cuts without telling us whether they made hay while the sun shined. In a similar incident, a female discovers his ruthless gambits to break up his friend's wedding and she is similarly empowered. Again a hint of lust, this time from her. And a scene cut.

It is as if the film is compulsively drawn away from life and towards the purely manneristic involvement in the wedding planning.

As the film progresses, it is merely tedious and when some slapstick scenes arrive I was already so anesthetized I felt as if I were seeing it through a psychiatric haze. Finally, he realizes he should be the groom. But no exuberance is actually conveyed to the audience. It doesn't make up for the leaden film we have endured. A late scene during the "action packed" denouement features a brief shot of him jet-skiing across the Thames before the London Bridge, a bit of American vulgarity in a film with phony British accents. Conventionally, there would have been at least enough of this footage to give a feeling of exhilaration in the audacious flight over water. This too was poorly done.

Give me back my money.

functional rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 10 September 2015]

Olly Pickering (Stuart Townsend) and Murray (Seth Green) are childhood friends. They drift apart when Olly goes to college making new friends like James. James and Murray hate each other. Olly graduates and starts writing. Despite early promise, he soon suffers a crisis of confidence. He reconnects with a successful Murray and settles into a drab life without ambitions. James asks Olly to be his best man but he's afraid of writing the best man's speech. On top of everything, he falls for the bride Sarah Marie Barker (Amy Smart).

The story is functional rom-com. There are a couple oddities. I can't accept Seth Green as British. It's funny that Amy Smart has no accents while the sister played by Kate Ashfield is definitely British. Stuart Townsend doesn't have it in him to do slapstick comedy. Despite all of that, the story has all the elements of the rom-com formula and it's somewhat functional as such.

Beware complete crap

[perkop · 1/10 · 31 August 2007]

I guess this is one of those joint productions where the American side insisted on some of their leads. So it came that you have American actors with really crappy British accents. Extemly annoying. I watched the movie for about 15 minutes. Funny thing is that some moron in the video store swore that the movie is incredible, that he watched it twice. He said: "It's an English movie, a comedy, you know how great they usually are". He's right, they usually are great but not this one. I'm going to the videostore right now to return it, I'm so excited about his film I'll beat the crap out of that guy if he's there. I just have to share my excitement with him.

Hits the spot

[hotfootfilms · 10/10 · 11 January 2006]

One of those rare movies that makes you laugh, makes you cry and leaves you feeling good. Great performances and a fantastic 'look'- it has definitely joined my list of "must see movies". I had not seen Seth playing Englsih before and he was brilliant and funny. Amy Smart was Smart and gorgeous. Stuart was fab too - why isn't he on the A list yet?

THE PLOT: James (Steve John Shepherd) is to get married to Sarah (Amy Smart), and has asked his old college chum Olly (Stuart Townsend) to be his best man. Olly is delighted, although having suffered from writer's block for the past five years he is worried about composing the speech. His role becomes even more complicated when he starts to develop some affection for the bride-to-be.

Olly's childhood friend Murray (Seth Green) has always borne an animosity towards James. Not only does he encourage Olly's fondness for Sarah, he also sets about trying to sabotage the marriage with some outrageously funny antics.

Throughly enjoyable

Unhitched = Unwatchable.

[j-a-ireland-1 · 2/10 · 15 December 2007]

Unhitched ... unwatchable.

Clichés; scenarios seemingly lifted almost directly from other films (The Graduate, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones Diary ... the list goes on.); sappy soundtrack. That the actors cannot be blamed is the best that can be said for this thing. It seems like they tried at least.

Two "name" American actors no doubt were foisted on the production in a vain effort to make this derivative snore fest have even a wisp of a prayer at generating any interest in North America (video and cable only ... I cannot imagine this thing got theatrical release there ... but if it did I'd guess it disappeared fast!) and break even.

One wonders if the editors knew what a t*rd they had on their hands when they were cutting this thing together, or whether they just hoped no one would notice that we've seen so much of this movie done elsewhere before ... and done better.

Don't waste your time. I'm sorry I did. In fact, I'm going to stop writing now to stop the drain on my limited minutes in this li

Not a complete waste of time, but almost...

[fuente-2 · 3/10 · 20 February 2006]

It's a bit like Stefan Schwarz's earlier effort Shooting Fish, only this one's got Seth Green and a somewhat raunchier sense of humor. The sweetness of the romantic plot sits uncomfortably with Green's antics, and the script is just a mess. Olly's literary ambitions are proclaimed loudly at the beginning, but they don't show up again for ages. In fact, the beginning is just reams of exposition with nowhere to go. And there's only so much comedy to be squeezed out of a: an apartment in the red light district, b: a yuppie acting like a jerk, and c: a romantic lead who's a lovable klutz.

A few of the jokes are good, though, but apart from that, the only redeeming feature of this film is its puzzling choice of occupation for its romantic heroine: She's one of those people that hands out questionnaires at the end of test screenings to gage audience reactions and see if they wouldn't want a cheeky orangutan added to the cast or whatever. One can't help wondering why this career was chosen for her: was it an attempt to get out of the preview process, a result of the preview process, an attempt to look good in comparison with the even more asinine film-within-the-film, or what?

A Huge Misfire

[faustbos · 4/10 · 22 August 2007]

I expected much much more from this film. Normally I enjoy any project associated with Seth Green but even his involvement in this project couldn't give me enough to keep me going. File it under seen it all before, and done much better. The screen play is tired, the direction was miserable, and the editing was stale.

Simple plot. 2 childhood friends, who have gone their own way in life, come back together when one is getting married. (can you guess where this is going already). The one not getting married was supposed to be a writer but after submitting the best first 2 chapters of any novel and getting a 50000 advance to finish his book, he gets terminal writers block.

The expected wacky, nonsensical scene after scene follows with a climatic ending that is best suited for the season finale of Days of Our Lives. The pacing made me want to gnaw off my arm, but it was already gone from the previous screening of Death at a Funeral.

You know you're in trouble, when I spent the entire film wanting to see the movie based on the first two chapters of the unwritten Novel.

However, I saw this at a film festival. I was with a 21 year old guy and a couple of girls around the same age. The boy hated it, the girls loved it, and they all hated Becoming Jane earlier in the day.

Thats probably more helpful if you're wondering whether to shell out the bucks for this cold turkey.

At times cliché, but still adorable!

[KittyGrimm · 8/10 · 18 November 2008]

This is coming from someone who doesn't often watch romantic comedies. Often, romantic comedies involve the typical Jane Austen-like ending (meaning always the same), but for once, it's good to see even the smallest bit of change in the genre and the change in this particular romantic comedy–not that it changes all other clichés of the film–is that the protagonist is a man. Ollie is an Irish writer suffering from a five-year-old case of writer's block that has caused him all the trouble be can get and his troubles get worse when an old womanizing school mate of his asks him to be his best man at his wedding and Ollie finds himself falling painfully in love with the bride, Sarah. Though he tries to oppress his feelings and move on, his best friend Murray goes through the most insane schemes to bring Sarah and Ollie together.

Typical? Yes. Predictable? Very. Climax? Corny as a cornfield. But I can't deny that I did enjoy watching this film, even if it did mean I would have to wash the girly side off of me for a week. I must admit, I only wanted to see this because I've always had quite the crush on Stuart Townsend and I thought seeing him as a dork would be enjoyable, because what kind of girl can resist a guy who can laugh at himself? Naturally, I had to adore him as a lovable loser and I thought he was very enjoyable to watch. Of course, I cannot forget his chemistry with Seth Green, who is absolutely hilarious as the best friend, who, I have to say, was one clever son of a gun! The way his insane antics worked was both hilarious and intriguing at the same time and clearly, though he isn't even British, Green has done his homework when it comes to British humor (I sensed quite a lot of Jeff Murdock of "Coupling" in his performance).

Unfortunately, Amy Smart's performance was not at all remarkable. Her acting, if acting is what you want to call it, was very flat and her character also seemed just as such. To me, she seemed much like the kind of character who's only there to be the typical suffering love- interest without any quirk or edge whatsoever.

Above all, I thought the film was very much flawed on the lines of its lack of an original plot line, but it was enjoyable to watch even if it was just for Townsend and Green, who were most definitely the highlights of the film. I give the film an eight for its quirks, but I won't praise it for the plot.

Bad movie

[biswashok · 1/10 · 26 July 2021]

Story is fine ..but this man acting really puts me sleep.

Bloody Brilliant

[picked_on_at_school · 8/10 · 9 July 2006]

"Best Man Worst Friend" was entirely enjoyable. The humor, the acting, and the story melded together to form an entertaining piece of art.

I personally loved it due to the part that Seth Green's character, Murray Brown, had in it. He's quite the character. From the crotchless panties to the ostrich delivery man, Seth Green brings the destined lovers together in the quirkiest way possible. Although it was interesting to hear Seth Green speak with a British accent, after seeing him in other films with no accent, I think he pulled it off amiably.

Amy Smart's performance was as charming as usual. A great casting choice I think. She fills the role of a beautiful, intelligent, woman who rethinks her path to happiness through marriage fantastically.

I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good laugh. Bravo!

"Stuart" great as always

[to_toni · 10/10 · 21 July 2006]

I loved this movie romantic,funny and clean. I hope it comes out on DVD! I love Stuart Townsend he was so funny & lovable he just drew me in to this movie as every other movies,shows I've seen him in... sigh... He's hot,he's adorable,he's got something that no one else has and wish we saw more of him I just wonder who he ticked off because he really should be as the poster before me mentioned an A lister. If you're a Stuart Townsend fan ya gotta see this movie, if your not a fan you just must of missed him don't miss him any more keep an eye out for him I think you'll be pleased and mesmerized once you experience him you will be a fan!

Quirky modernization of Midsummer Night's Dream and Cyrano de Bergerac

[dd084 · 8/10 · 27 February 2007]

I recently picked up the movie at the videostore with nearly no expectations whatsoever. I had never heard of the film, but was in the mood for some romantic-comedy fluff. As I fired up my DVD-player, I prepared myself for the worst. Instead I was pleasantly surprised with an entertaining amusing take on Midsummer Night's Dream and Cyrano de Bergerac.

The quirky humour is introduced straight from the start of the movie and continues all the way through, with all the wonderful twists and turns you expect from Midsummer's, starring the very charming and handsome Stuart Townsend as the Cyrano figure.

The performances ranged from decent to good, with Stuart Townsend and Seth Green being the only two who seemed to actually work on their performances. (Has Amy Smart ever played something other than the pretty girl?) As it's based on these two extremely well-known stories the plot is very familiar, but I found that this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the film at all.

I very much recommend this film to anyone who enjoys romantic comedies, or would like to see new interpretations of the classic stories.