This buddy movie set in 1959 is a nostalgic look at a group of guys beginning to take on adult responsibilities. The plotline that brings these men back together in their childhood hometown is the wedding of Eddie Simmons (Steve Guttenberg, COCOON), who before he will marry his fiancé (which we never see throughout the film) must give the girl a quiz on football that she must pass. It is these kinds of quirky details that fill this funny film.
The other guys in the group include: Laurence “Shrevie” Screiber (Daniel Stern, CITY SLICKERS), who is already married to Beth (Ellen Barkin, THE BIG EASY), but has nothing in common with her; the ladies man with a gambling problem Robert “Boogie” Sheftell (Mickey Rourke, 9 1/2 WEEKS); jokester/ alcoholic/ trust-fund moocher Timothy Fenwick, Jr. (Kevin Bacon, FLATLINERS); talker and tag along Modell (Paul Reiser, TV’s MAD ABOUT YOU); and Billy Howard (Timothy Daly, TV’s WINGS), who impregnated his longtime platonic friend Barbara (Kathryn Dowling, CLARA’S HEART).
The film deals with issues of marriage, jobs and addiction. It never ramps up the drama or tries to make a grand point, but plays the story with a “this stuff happens” tone. Sometimes the biggest laughs come from random side moments that add texture to the story and create a better understanding of the community these boys live in.
In the end, the story is a slice of these characters lives and not all of the problems presented are tied up in tidy bows. The film is more honest about life and allows us to guess what’s going to happen. Being consistently funny and filled with well-observed characters, the film is an enjoyable treat down memory lane.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
