Nice Guys Sleep Alone (1999) User Reviews

Had hoped for better but not disappointed

[lobotomyboy63 · 7/10 · 5 December 2009]

I'm giving this movie a 7 because I like what it tried to do. It had some funny bits and other redeeming qualities. The buddy's cynical, ironic take on matters (like his coaching for the phone call) were possibly my favorite parts. They seemed true-to-life and humorous, when you think about it.

I don't feel like I totally wasted my money or time on the film but I had higher hopes for it. I wasn't convinced by the two principal female characters.

**Spoilers follow**

Sometimes there's a point in a movie where I disconnect and the rest of the movie can't rise beyond a certain level after that.

1) The moment where Maggie breaks up with the drinker would be that moment in this film. If she knew he was such a lush, if he really didn't interest her, etc. then... A) Why "take a rain check"? B) Why say, "If you gave up the drinking, maybe this could work" or whatever?

She didn't seem that charmed, enamored, starry-eyed, or anything else up till that point. My cynical reaction: he has money and if he just quit drinking, she'd give him a chance. If he drank but DIDN'T have money, she probably wouldn't have allowed for the rain check etc.

2) When he sends her flowers (at the friend's house) and they appear in the kitchen with brass knuckles, gun, etc.---that just didn't work, didn't work in spades. I viewed that as, "We had the same chance, decided to ignore the drinking, and how dare he..." because after all, they talked about how he was so eligible and all that when the flowers arrived.

It's themselves they should be blaming. Maggie called a spade a spade and he balked; she got off easy.

3) Maggie dissed Carter twice. First, she flipped him off (thinking he was Rufus's kid) and second, when she yelled on the phone, thinking he was the rich guy. Then they end up together? I don't think so. His self-esteem and/or pride won't allow it, and she isn't going to respect him for it.

I'll give it a 7. More realistic than most, but it still falls very short.

The truth about dating

[FlickJunkie-2 · 7/10 · 17 July 2000]

The best comedy comes from simple truths about life. ‘Nice Guys' captures so many of the essential truths about the dating game that, despite its shortcomings, it is extremely entertaining.

Carter (Sean O'Bryan) is a really nice guy. He is such a nice guy that women are dying to be his friend. At least that is what they all tell him at the end of the first date. Maggie (Sybil Temchen) is a New York veterinarian who is starting over in Louisville, Kentucky working on a thoroughbred horse farm. With the dubious guidance of his best friend, Carter asks Maggie for a date, and the fun begins.

The movie is peppered with vignettes about dating and the games the sexes plays. What makes it funny is that it is all so true, and without much exaggeration. There are quite a few good sight gags and liberal guffaws throughout.

This was a low budget independent production written and directed by Stu Pollard in his first attempt at both. The writing was honest and insightful, but uneven. At times, the dialogue was terrific; sharp, biting humor the captured the essence of this absurd ritual called dating. At other times it was gut wrenching drivel. The same was true of the cinematography. He had some beautiful shots of Kentucky, and then other shots were set up all wrong.

The acting was about what you would expect from third tier actors. Sean O'Bryan was nice enough, but so bland that one might suspect that he was boring his dates into friendship. He did exude great sincerity though, which worked very well with his character. Sybil Temchen was the best actor in the film and seemed very confident in her role. She was strong and self-assured in her role as the vet, but confused and uncertain in dating mode.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise for a film with untested talent and limited resources. I rated it a 7/10. It is a fun movie with something for just about everyone who has ever been on a date as an adult. At some point you may even find yourself saying, `Yeah, that happened to me too.'

A good find!

[dzlcomedy · 7/10 · 15 December 2018]

Surprisingly funny and heartfelt, this is a nice story about two people who've lost faith in love. The rom-com is set in Kentucky, a refreshing change from the seemingly endless New York- and LA-based films of the same genre. Despite my unfamiliarity with the cast, I thought they were all very strong. A good find!

a cute film with beautiful views

[erinfiskjunk · 18 February 2003]

This is a cute and quirky film exploring the foibles of the dating scene.

It's an endearing look at the "nice guys" plight as he tries to find the one woman who is willing to be more than "just friends". I found myself cringing in embarressment as I have also probably treated some nice guys with the same friendly indifference. Not only is the story easy to identify with, it is set in the beautiful countryside of Kentucky. I found the cinematography breathtaking, complete with sweeping views of lush rolling hills and stunning horse farms. It's a beautifully shot film and a sweet story that has you rooting for the nice guy all the way!`

Okay entertainment!

[macpherr · 5/10 · 31 January 2001]

This movie is about the pre-dating period. Where people are analyzing each other to see if it is worth while to date after all. I guess everyone can identify with this movie. The nice guy "Carter William Sanderson" Sean O' Bryan (Frankie and Johnny ) is self doubting his own dating strategies. His friend " Pat " Blake Steury thinks that he has all the answers but his advice proves to be wrong but harmless. This movie is funny and I recommend it. Very funny. My favorite scenes: the two friends talking in the horse races. Everyone would like to have friends like that. The group of students watching horses in the stall.

A fun flick about honesty and the dating game.

[=G= · 5/10 · 22 May 2001]

"Nice Guys..." tells of a 30-something male school teacher who is frustrated with dating because he follows the rules and always strikes out. Well, almost always. This little "sleeper" offers a fresh, honest, and amusing look at the foibles of first dates, doesn't try to out do itself, and knows when to quit. No blockbuster but an enjoyable watch worth renting.

This movie tops the list of the worst films I have ever seen.

[hrmkelly · 1/10 · 27 November 1999]

Nice Guys Sleep Alone is truly one of the worst pieces of cinema I have ever encountered. It plays heavily on every Kentucky stereotype without the added benefit of humor. I'm not a native to Kentucky, but the director managed to insult my intelligence as well. There were superfluous horse shots to remind us that the movie was indeed filmed in Kentucky. If that were not enough, there were characters drinking Maker's Mark for breakfast while others spent every waking moment (and penny) at the race track. (Not to mention the inbred boy who leaves halfway through the movie to go to a frog gigging contest.)

This movie really did have the potential to be an endearing humorous film. The tale of a strong, independent woman pursued by a charming, "nice guy" and all the pitfalls that ensue could have been entertaining. However, the plot was eclipsed by poor script writing and humorless stereotypes. Initially, I was intrigued by this movie, but after seeing it, I wouldn't even reccomend renting it at the library for free.

Nice movies are worth staying up for

[imboden · 10/10 · 15 October 2003]

My wife and I rented NICE GUYS SLEEP ALONE, and it was a wonderful surprise--an undiscovered gem that sparkled for both of us. It had winning characters, a story line that was clever without being gimmicky, great dialogue (with a few laugh-out-loud lines), appealing actors who seemed perfectly cast, and production values that were far above the level of the typical small indy film.

Nice guys deserve a second chance and so does this film.

[hrmkelly · 1/10 · 12 September 2000]

I am a reformed Nice Guys viewer. After a little coaxing and a bit of artistic explanation, I was encouraged to give Nice Guys a second chance. I just viewed the movie for a second time and I must admit that it's a pretty charming movie. It's still not the best film I've ever encountered but it's certainly not the worst. There are HIGHLY exaggerated stereotypes of Kentuckians but I can now appreciate them for their comic value. Overall, I have to say my initial impression was off base. Nice Guys Sleep Alone grows on you.

If your a "nice guy" you must see this movie!!

[quattro-1 · 10/10 · 18 July 2001]

This movie is great. I saw it on HBO and liked it so much I bought the video and DVD. It's a must see for any "nice guy". Very funny and true to life. One of the best romantic comedies around. Buy it now. Don't wait.

Stu Pollard will cure your laughter jones...

[martinifan · 15 October 2003]

I should qualify this review by saying that Todd Rundgren's song `Can We Still Be Friends?' could have been the soundtrack to my adolescent years (and beyond). I was constantly being told by girls what a `nice guy' I was, and the whooshing noise that accompanied that phrase was the sound of those same girls leaving me to hook up with the closest `dangerous' type at whiplash speed.

So I was prepared to be let down by Stu Pollard's film Nice Guys Sleep Alone. `He won't get it right', said I. `He'll never convey the true essence of what it's like to actually be that guy- that hopelessly romantic, kind of pathetic, basically very nice guy.'

I was wrong. He got it right. Quite.

Nice Guys Sleep Alone is a breath of light-hearted fresh air, and a high-five to all those guys- and gals- that have felt like suckers at one time or another for not being into games. Writer/Director Pollard has created an engaging, heartwarming, and above all, very funny story about love, relationships, and the games people play. His wit and comedic sensibilities are well served by a highly talented cast, and the chemistry and comedy of the characters drew me in instantly. Oh, and I fell in love with Sybil Temchen. Her character, Maggie, and Sean O'Bryan's character Carter are the reason we watch romantic comedies. They're perfect together, and you really want them to work things out.

Pollard also knows a thing or two about what to do behind the camera, which is evident at once. Rumored to have been shot for under $900K, this looks like a multi-million dollar production. Watch the DVD version, and you'll learn that Pollard trimmed the story down substantially in order to quicken the pace and streamline the story. It's a task most directors face, but was probably all the more difficult, having been the screenwriter. But Pollard wanted to serve the story, and the audience. He did just that. Wonderfully.

Nice Guys Sleep Alone is a great movie for anyone looking to feed their laugh-jones. Great for a first date, or a fifteen hundredth, this is a romantic comedy you don't want to miss.

A terrific film for romantic comedy fans and anyone who has been on a bad date.

[chellew4 · 10/10 · 21 September 2000]

It all starts with the dreaded phrase - `lets be friends." For anyone who's had their heart sink at these words, "Nice Guys Sleep Alone" is the movie for you. Writer/director Stu Pollard presents a quirky view of dating and game playing in the unusual and lovely setting of Kentucky horse country. Charming and funny, this is a sweet story with some really fun over-the-top characters and scenes. Additions such as attorney Slick Willie and his hilarious Pre-Relationship Agreement, and the hard-drinking Robert, the quintessential `catch' complete with crazed southern-laced French are what make this movie so fun.

There are characters you can't help liking and may possibly recognize, and some parts of the story will hit very close to home for those brave folks on the dating front. Many will readily identify with the well-intentioned but misdirected assistance of friends, and old familiars such as the call waiting trick. `Nice Guys Sleep Alone' is definitely a movie to see and proof positive that good movies are better than a bad date any old time.

Is it a sign ... or just a movie?

[dannmiller · 31 October 2001]

Nice Guys Sleep Alone takes what is wrong about dating and turns it into something funny and very entertaining. "Let's be friends" is that dreaded line that no guy wants to hear. When Sean says that he doesn't need anymore friends ... he was speaking for every guy that has ever been in that position. A very funny movie which everyone would enjoy seeing. And, even learn a little about what life is like being a "nice guy."

great flick

[sinisterministerstudios · 9/10 · 3 November 2005]

good film, fun time. the characters were likable, and easy to relate to. the dilemma was certainly identifiable. the humor was fantastic. good quips, through and through, delivered with some solid timing. some of the high school romance was a bit cheesy, but in a good way. the kind that makes you think "oh high-school, how i miss you." the main character is everyone's best friend, or the kind of guy everyone should have for a best friend. he's a class act through and through, and definitely makes for a great protagonist. the support characters are great as well. the best friend is very Randall-like. (clerks reference) and there's nothing like the wise-old-farmhand character to put a lighthearted twist on the drama. anyways, great film, definitely check it out.

I found an unexpected delight in this deliciously romantic comedy.

[kychick74 · 11 February 2003]

What a charming film! Nice Guys Sleep Alone is a hysterically true-to-life account of the dating games in which we all participate. As a woman who has reviewed The Rules, The Anti-Rules, and the social rituals of Venus and Mars, I found myself laughing with enlightenment and commiseration. Check this one out!

Great ordinary movie

[ih82brag · 10/10 · 15 December 2003]

This film was pretty cool. Slik Willie was awesome. He kept me interested, I was always wondering what he was going to say next. The locations of the Churchill Downs is always good.I also liked the horse in the stable scene.Good flick.

A delightful, funny film that deserves a wider distribution.

[cheese-20 · 9/10 · 16 October 1999]

This movie is deliciously funny because so many of us can relate to the perils of dating. I really enjoyed this film, which is set in my home town of Louisville, KY. The well-meaning, but totally off-base, friend is the best part of the film. The scene in the park is hilarious, and the part that showed a Kentucky horse farm in "action" had me rolling in the aisle. However, I was a little disturbed by the stereotypes of southern women. I know it was purely for comic effect (and it was funny), but I've lived in Louisville all my life and I've never met these women. Overall, I hope that this film will be more widely distributed. It deserves a larger audience. I've seen many big budget films that weren't nearly as good. Stu Pollard has done a great job with this one.

Excellent date movie

[deckmm · 10/10 · 19 April 2001]

Stu Pollard did a wonderful job of portraying the ups and downs of dating and life in general. Using the backdrop of Louisville and the horse racing industry made the cinematography beautiful!! Everyone should read the "dating contract" before venturing into their next relationship. :) Five stars for this movie!!!!!!!

Deft comic look at the perils of modern dating

[reni_la · 9/10 · 8 September 1999]

I saw this film at a festival, but it deserves a wider audience. Though it is set in Louisville, KY, (and makes great use of its setting) the dating & relationship issues apply to everyone - in a way that many big Hollywood movies do not.

A great Date movie! A Must see

[tyler-26 · 10/10 · 27 October 2000]

This was one of the most entertaining movies about dating I have seen. I couldn't stop laughing! Stu Pollard did a fantastic job focusing on the humor and hardships of dating. I have rented the movie several times and told everyone I know about it. It is truly a must see movie. The movie has a great ensemble of actors, Vanesa Marcil, from General Hospital, Morgan Fairchild, several up and coming stars and many great extras from Georgetown University. Make sure this is the next movie you rent>

Pretty good flick on the horrors of dating.

[adrienneee · 9/10 · 27 February 2000]

I had the privilege of screening this film at the Texas Film Festival and found it to be a funny little movie about the perils of being nice. Well written, fairly well acted and pretty original (no small feat in the date movie market), I found it to be a very enjoyable film. Not Lawrence of Arabia, but still worth seeing. Great scene involving a pre-relationship agreement

A rare film with style and substance

[mikewiethorn · 10/10 · 22 April 2003]

In a society of mouth-breathers and knuckle-draggers who think that "Fear Factor" and "Joe Millionaire" are high art, NGSA is a refreshing and much-welcomed film.

I mean, let's face it: if you give most women a choice between a confident, intelligent, honest man, and a man who is weak, dumb, and unfaithful, most women will choose the latter. After all, jerks are "exciting" and a "challenge." However, Maggie (Sybil Temchen) has matured enough to appreciate a good guy, Carter (Sean O'Bryan). At the same time, Carter has decided that it's time to be a "bad boy," thinking that women will begin to respect and appreciate him.

All in all, it's a funny, smart, and thought-provoking movie that will appeal to those who understand the difficulty of dating in the real world (in other words, people who don't watch "Friends" and soap operas).

Very highly recommended. Also stars Vanessa Marcil.

The best romantic comedy I've seen in a while.

[vixnsf · 10/10 · 19 August 1999]

Nice guys captures the true to life expectations/disappointments facing anyone dating today (or contemplating it). Stu Pollard writes a hilarious screenplay. Two of my favorite scenes are the phone call between Carter & Maggie, instigated and instructed by Pat, who has a completely different idea of "dating" than his best friend Carter. The second one is at the wedding with Lorraine (Morgan Fairchild) and her husband Edgar, whose comments are timely and consistent. As an added bonus, Li'l Rufus gives a brief yet hysterical performance of the hazards as a distant admirer. This is a great film!

Must see, feel good movie of the year.

[Hoya89 · 10/10 · 20 August 1999]

This movie was a refreshing romantic comedy that appeals to both sexes. The humor was intelligent and creative. I was also amazed by the audience reaction. I cannot believe that this movie has not made it big. People do not know what they are missing.

Ahhhh memories....

[txbritgal · 10/10 · 12 October 2000]

I must admit that I picked this film up at my local video store on a whim. I saw the coverbox with an actress (Vanessa Marcil) I admired. I read the summary on the back of said coverbox, and thought it sounded like a fun film. I was VERY surprised to find just how much I thoroughly LOVED this film. The entire length of the film felt like deja vu. I may be female, but let me tell you... Nice "Girls" Sleep Alone also... in any case, I was drawn to the characters, and felt their pain and laughter. They almost became friends of sorts... in all honesty I was sorry to see the credits roll. This is the type of film that shows America that there is more to dating than going to those "meat market" bars for romance. There are many people in this world who are "nice", and as such get labeled the proverbial best friend, kid bro/sis, etc.... It was so refreshing to FINALLY see a movie show that "nice" people CAN find love and happiness in this crazy, mixed up world as well. My hat is off to Stu Pollard! I think he did a wonderful job of weaving the comedy and romance within his film. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! I have told all my friends to see this film, and I STRONGLY suggest anyone in the mood for a good romantic film check it out as well! Who knows, maybe there is a sequel in there called "Nice Girls Sleep Alone" for the future?