Watch Best Man Down

Best Man Down is a 2012 comedy-drama film directed and written by Ted Koland. The movie stars Justin Long, Jess Weixler, and Tyler Labine in the leading roles. It begins with a young couple, Scott and Kristin, played by Long and Weixler, on their honeymoon in Arizona. They are happy and enjoying their time together when they receive an unexpected phone call that will change their lives forever.

The call is from their best man, Lumpy, played by Labine, who tells them that he won't be able to make it to their wedding the next day. They are both disappointed but try to make the best of it. After their wedding, they return home to Minneapolis and get back to their normal lives. However, their plans are interrupted when they find out that Lumpy has died of a drug overdose in a hotel room in Minnesota.

Overwhelmed by sadness and regret, Scott and Kristin decide to postpone their honeymoon to stay in Minneapolis and plan Lumpy's funeral. While preparing for the funeral, they discover that Lumpy had a secret life that they knew nothing about. They slowly begin to uncover the truth behind Lumpy's mysterious death and who he really was.

The movie explores the complex themes of friendship, loyalty, and the unexpected directions life can take. It follows the journey of two people who thought they knew everything about their friend but discover a side of him they never knew existed. They slowly realize that Lumpy was not the bumbling, immature, and irresponsible person they thought he was, but rather a person with a kind heart, a love for life, and an ability to make everyone around him happy.

Throughout the movie, flashbacks to Lumpy's life are interspersed, showing his relationship with various people in his life, including a troubled teenager whom he helps. The contrast between Lumpy's former life and the despair of his final moments makes for an emotional rollercoaster that leaves the audience moved and touched.

The movie is driven by the strong performances of the three leading actors. Justin Long shines as Scott, who initially appears to be a happy-go-lucky newlywed but is revealed to be dealing with his own demons. Jess Weixler is wonderful as Kristin, who struggles with her own guilt and grief as she discovers the depths of Lumpy's life. Tyler Labine is the heart and soul of the movie, bringing a lovable sincerity to Lumpy's character that is both tragic and heartwarming.

The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the harsh desolation of the desert at the beginning of the movie, and the juxtaposition of the urban landscapes of Minneapolis with the natural beauty of Minnesota’s great outdoors. Despite the film’s dark themes, the camera work is frequently directed towards moments of comedy, often with subtle wit that elicits spontaneous laughter.

Overall, Best Man Down is a touching and empathetic tale of the unexpected directions life can take and the importance of friendship, kindness and the impact that we have on those around us. The strong performances of Long, Weixler and Labine, combined with the moral complexity of its themes and the emotional resonance of its story, make it a must-see movie for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with plenty of heart.

Best Man Down is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 36.