Watch With Friends Like These...

With Friends Like These... is a 1998 comedy film directed by Philip Frank Messina. The movie tells the story of four friends, Joey (Robert Cosatanzo), Mickey (David Strathairn), Trevor (Adam Arkin), and Willie (Jon Tenney) who are all struggling actors chasing after their big break in Hollywood. The film shows how the four friends deal with the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, while trying to keep their bond intact.

Throughout the movie, the friends go through a series of mishaps and misfortunes. They live together in a small apartment, share their dreams, and sometimes their love interests. They are all desperate for their big break in Hollywood and are doing everything in their power to get it. However, the big break they were waiting for never comes.

As the story progresses, the friends are unwillingly drawn into a tangled web of events. An Italian mobster Johnny DiMartino (Adam Ferrara) hires them to take part in an intricate heist. The friends eagerly accept the offer. However, their plan quickly spirals out of control, leading to chaos and confusion.

Meanwhile, the friends also deal with their own problems. Joey struggles to overcome his disappointment with his acting career and his girlfriend. Trevor is continuously being rejected by casting agents, while Willie tries to deal with his dysfunctional relationship with girlfriend Jill (Amy Madigan) and addiction to alcohol. Mickey, who is considered the most successful among the friends, is struggling with his marriage and his aspirations to become a director.

The film's humor comes from the interactions between the four friends and their quirky personalities, their ill-fated attempts to become successful actors and the mishaps during their heist. The comedic timing, witty dialogues, and the funny characters breathe life into this movie.

One of the greatest strengths of With Friends Like These... is its cast. Robert Costanzo, David Strathairn, Adam Arkin, and Jon Tenney are an excellent ensemble that brings their characters to life. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, making it easy for the audience to relate to them. The supporting cast, including Adam Ferrara and Amy Madigan, also delivers commendable performances.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy. The music is a mix of contemporary and nostalgic tunes, which brings out the nostalgia of the 90s. The music is well incorporated into the film's storyline, adding another dimension to the movie's ambiance.

Despite its humorous storyline, the movie also touches on serious themes such as the courage to pursue one's dreams, friendship, and loyalty. The film's central message emphasizes the fact that no matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem, the support of true friends can help overcome them.

In conclusion, With Friends Like These... is an entertaining and heartwarming comedy that depicts the struggles and challenges of aspiring actors. The film's storytelling, comedic timing, and heartwarming themes make it a classic of its era. Its humorous and light-hearted nature makes it a worthwhile watch for anyone seeking a few laughs and an escape from harsh reality.

With Friends Like These... is a 1998 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 54.