For the first time on DVD, from comic filmmaker John Hamburg (Meet the Parents, Zoolander, Along Came Polly, Meet the Fockers) comes this offbeat tale of inept lounge singers Sam (Sam Rockwell, Matchstick Men) and Eddie (S... more »teve Zahn, Out of Sight), who find themselves breaking into the burglary biz when they?re mistaken by a low-level mobster (Paul Giamatti, Sideways) for the best safecrackers in town. Now two guys who can?t carry a tune are carrying off a series of hysterical heists in this comic gem that critics hailed as "the most original comedy of the year" (Newsday).« less
Michel D. (michelann) from WALNUT GROVE, MO Reviewed on 8/6/2015...
Whenever you get this combination of funny guys together the movie is going to be hilarious and highly entertaining! Steve Zahn, Paul Giamatti, Mark Ruffalo, and Sam Rockwell find better success in the heist business than music.
Reece A. from MENTONE, IN Reviewed on 11/29/2011...
I really liked this movie. It's very funny, but also very quirky. Which means it might not be for everyone. The characters and comedy are Napoleon Dynamite-ish in a way so not everyone is going to enjoy this. That being said, if you are a fan of Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, Paul Giamatti, Mark Ruffalo, or (like me) all four, then get ready for a fun movie.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
The only thing it needed was more bad singing.. Really!
klownboy | Minnesota - Where if its not mandated, its prohibi | 01/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A BAD lounge act is mistaken for the top safe cracking team in Rhode Island, and tries to fake their way through.
Jewish mobsters, country jam samplers, sweet moustaches, low quality knock-off jeans, and one wierd prosthetic pepper a great comedy. The movie introduces, but then quickly abandons the cliche'd plot device of the "need-some-money-before-next-Tuesday-clock". Instead it drives itself with the relationships, bent and wierd, but perceivable as real, between the characters. (Unlike the writing that drags around most of the lame-o comedies you see today.)
Sam Rockwell is quietly assembling an impressive body of work. Take a look at this one and you can say stuff like "I was way into Sam Rockwell's early stuff a long time ago." and Steve Zahn remains hilarious even though he's the straight-man in this one. Paul Giamatti turns in another great effort, one of the many that have turned him from a borderline character actor into award winning leading man material. They play off of each other and the rest of the cast perfectly.
The story has pretty wide appeal and I haven't run across anyone who hasn't enjoyed it, from my quasi-yuppy sister to my sports nut drinking buddies. Great for a date night, or just when you feel like watching something surprisingly warm, funny, wierd, and good. For comparison, its in that low-budget gem territory occupied by "Bottle Rocket" or "Napolean Dynamite".
It's a crime that this thing didn't do better, expecially when you see repetitive "funny wig-and-voice" crap coming from the SNL vets making millions. Take a chance. You will laugh more than you did at Goldmember, smile almost constantly, and feel great when it all wraps up. Definitely needs a DVD release, and maybe a couple of showings on Comedy Central to prime the pump.
"
Sweet Stache!
identityunknown | earth | 02/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great underrated comedy cult classic gem from Director John Hamburg (who also wrote and directed Along Came Polly, and wrote "Meet The Parents", "Zoolander" & "Meet The Fockers") This film has amazing acting and comedy and the writing is superb. A great flick that never gets old. Should Be Required Viewing For All. The extras are also great including hilarious commentary with John Hamburg and actors Sam Rockwell and Steve Zahn. One interesting part in the commentary was when they said that Marilyn Manson came up to Mark Ruffalo at a party and said "Sweet Stache!". I guess he's also a big fan of the movie. Also includes some cool deleted scenes and director John Hamburg's student film "Tick".
Highly Recommended 5 out of 5
"
Absolute Brilliance!
Joseph A. Altieri | San Diego, CA | 08/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"FINALLY!!! I can't believe it took this long for this film to get released on DVD. Obviously due to Paul Giamatti's new found fame and appreciation. This movie is start to finish fantastic. The writing and direction are smart, funny, and slightly left of center. Both Steve Zahn and Sam Rockwell are hysterical as the inept, yet introspective lounge-singers-turned-safecrackers. But, honestly, it is the supporting cast that really puts this film over the top. Paul Giamatti as Jewish Mobster Big Fat Bernie Gayle's right hand man "Veal Chop" shows off his incredible comic chops throughout the film. His ability to be vulnerable, while still achingly funny is testament to his amazing talent. Big Fat is very well played by Michael Lerner, and Harvey Firestein as Good Stuff Leo is also a scream. Finally...kudos to Mark Ruffalo as the mustache'd REAL safecracker...he is another riot! Enjoy...I can't recommend a film more highly!"
Greatest movie ever...
Linds | Nashville, TN | 04/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie is absolutley amazing! It is so freaking funny. Its one of those movies that you can't possibly explain, you just have to see it. Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, Paul Giamatti...they're all awesome. I mean, the guy's name is Veal Chop. That's just great. Also, Mark Ruffalo is in it. He's really good as Frank. Very funny. I think my favorite part is when Sam Rockwell tries to sing "The Walk of Life" by Dire Straits. Or the Shelly Hack part. Or maybe the flammable pants. I don't know. Anyway, if you are a fan of comedy, especially quirky comedy, you have to see this. I first saw it on the Independent Film channel and the first 5 mins of it had me hooked. I really wish it was on DVD. I bought it at Hastings the other day for $3.99(VHS). I would be willing to pay much more for a DVD...so let's get to it..."
One of the best movies you've never seen
Tyler F. Delisle | Portland, ME | 11/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was extremely surprised and very dissapointed to discover that this movie wasn't available on DVD. I saw in on HBO while staying at a hotel and immediatly fell in love with it. The movie carries that same satirical, crime comedy that many other great movies by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie also have. As soon as I got back to my computer, I looked this movie up hoping to add it to my DVD collection, but I suppose it is one of those great cult films that will be forever underappreciated and lost in the flood of bad, unoriginal movies that clog the entertainment industry."