Watch The Groomsmen

The Groomsmen is a 2006 independent comedy-drama film written and directed by Edward Burns. The movie stars Edward Burns himself, along with Matthew Lillard, Brittany Murphy, and a host of other accomplished actors. At its core, The Groomsmen is a story about a group of lifelong friends who are navigating their ways through the many challenges and changes that come with moving into adulthood. The tale revolves around Paulie (Edward Burns), who is about to marry his longtime girlfriend Sue (Brittany Murphy). Paulie's friends, including his younger brother, Jimbo (Matthew Lillard), serve as his groomsmen, and as they prepare for the impending nuptials, they take stock of their own lives and relationships.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that each of the characters is struggling with their own personal issues. Jimbo, for example, is grappling with his recent divorce and the fact that he may never have the family life that he had always imagined. Meanwhile, Dez (Donal Logue), one of the other groomsmen, is trying to come to terms with his sexuality and his unrequited feelings for another friend.

The movie's narrative is enhanced by the exceptional performances of its cast. Edward Burns shines in his role as the slightly-bemused and perpetually-conflicted groom-to-be. His chemistry with Brittany Murphy, who gives a standout performance in one of her final roles, is palpable, and the two have a very believable onscreen relationship that juxtaposes nicely with the more tortured relationships of the rest of the film's characters.

Matthew Lillard also stands out as Jimbo, imbuing the character with a compelling blend of vulnerability and bravado. He brings a raw emotional intensity to several scenes, particularly those involving his ongoing struggles with his ex-wife and his new girlfriend.

Another standout performance comes from Heather Burns as Katie, the only female member of the group. Katie's unrequited feelings for one of her male friends and her struggles with body image issues are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Burns' performance is convincing and nuanced, and her scenes lend an added level of emotional weight to the movie.

The Groomsmen is also notable for its deft handling of complex themes such as friendship, love, and sexuality. Throughout the film, the characters grapple with questions of loyalty, trust, and what it means to truly know and care about someone else. There is a real sense of intimacy between the characters, and their conversations feel natural and authentic.

The movie's pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the audience to really sink into the various complexities of the story. It is also beautifully shot, with a light and airy visual style that underscores the film's more introspective moments.

Overall, The Groomsmen is a heartfelt and nuanced film that explores the many intricacies of human relationships. Its themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery resonate deeply, and its strong performances and expert directing make it an indie classic that still holds up well today.

The Groomsmen is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 57.