Newlyweds (2011) User Reviews

This is how an "indie" is made!

[rwdrex · 7/10 · 16 January 2012]

Though I've spent much of my life enjoying and at times worshiping Woody Allen I've never actually related to his film's characters. But I did relate to the people in this film by Ed Burns. I enjoyed the drama and laughed my ass off at the realities of it all. And the low budget, shot on a shoestring, added to the charm.

The film has a simple premise, a newlywed couple spend a couple of days of drama with the wacky in-laws and then must come to terms with their own relationship and it's newly discovered quirks.

I love the in camera, documentary-style confessions of the characters. It allows for added depth and contrast to what the audience sees. And the performances are dead on. No wooden acting. Very fresh and real dialog with a quick moving story.

The last Ed Burns' film I saw was She's The One, and then after seeing Confidence I kinda lost track of him. I am glad I saw this film, just to know that he's still doing quality stories. Now I gotta go back and see what I've missed.

Highly recommended to those who miss the character and heart in the current big budget crap coming out of Hollywood. Kudos to Ed Burns and crew.

Good film making just can't be this easy

[aslett · 7/10 · 19 July 2012]

Despite treading in those dangerous waters of 'a newly married couple's love and trust being put to the test' Newlyweds is a surprisingly comfortable film to watch.

Edward Burns is the Writer/Director/Actor/Tea & Sandwich Maker & etc. playing genial Buzzy. With his reedy voice and understated charm Burns reminds me of Gene Kelly - who he physically resembles but for an extra twelve inches in height. He's a regular guy working as a trainer at a gym. He has a prim, young and well-to-do wife, Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald). We're informed early on that despite the fact they don't see much of each other the relationship thrives on this. We have to be told the fact because we don't actually see it in the 90 minute span of the film. Still, you have to bear it in mind as one of the questions the film poses is rather like that old joke: Should a married couple be Frank and Earnest? ("No, one of them should be a girl!" is the answer they give in Utah). For despite being newlyweds they are safe and contented. Their personalities and personal situations don't seem to allow for doubt and jealousy, drama and, perhaps, passion. And as neither is particularly big on self-analysis or inveterately curious about the other much has been left untouched and undiscovered. There is a lot of talk about 'telling the truth' and being 'honest' while wordlessly asking the question 'about what?' The major catalyst comes in the shape of Buzzy's sister Linda who has come to New York from the west coast to get an old boyfriend back (played by Kerry Bishé – who wins a gold star on her resume for a terrifically deft portrayal of a girl who's immature, unstable, provocative, self absorbed, heartbroken and a dozen more things I can't think of the words for). Throw in Katie's ex husband and her bickering sister and spouse and you have a tight ensemble cast who seem to be having a lot of fun with their characters and manage to present them in a way that allows us to criticize them but never come near to hating them.

Something I love about the film: Burns has developed the Annie Hall faux documentary interviews to a new level that follow relevant scenes to behave rather like the person's conscience speaking. I know Kurt Vonnegut had a gripe about writers telling us what a person thinks but I've never had a problem with it (if a writer can tell us what underwear someone is wearing they can sure as hell tell us what they're thinking). But how do you do it in film? Having every character doing voice-overs would be dumb. So while we might wonder what the real motives of characters are in some of the emotional exchanges the 'interviews' act as a clarifying narrative. OK, I'm assuming they are telling the truth as far as they see it. I'm assuming a lot. That's the way it came across to me. And this has an intriguing effect on the way you feel (I felt) about the outcome. You may not be sure how all of the plot lines are going to unfold but you don't dread a negative outcome due to these personality building blocks that give it all a sense of karma.

This is the most accomplished of Burns' films that I've seen. It has a grace and polish that makes me disbelieve stories of how quickly it was made. Surely there was a lot of workshop rehearsal work before shooting? Good film making just can't be this easy.

Edward Burns delivers his style of relationship movie

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 23 May 2016]

In NY, Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin FitzGerald) are in their newlywed bliss. It's both their second marriage. Her sister Marsha is constantly fighting with her 18 year husband Max. Buzzy gives Katie's loser ex-husband Dara a charity vacuum cleaner to sell. The couple is surprised by the arrival of his half-sister Linda (Kerry Bishé) from LA. Katie had never met her. She has come across the country on a whim to stop her ex Miles from getting married. Her irresponsible ways start affecting the newlyweds.

Edward Burns delivers an ultra low budget indie. He uses the faux documentary concept. It is surprisingly well made. The characters are fun. He's trying for Woody Allen adjacent. It's not big laughs but it's loads of fun. I really like the Burns FitzGerald chemistry. FitzGerald is funny as frantic. Their struggles are endearing. It's one of Burns' better work.

Tiresome, Lame and Derivative

[Cinnyaste · 1/10 · 12 January 2012]

The dread begins with "A Film By Edward Burns," the auteur who long ago lost his boyish charm and hasn't offered an original idea since the mediocre "The Brothers McMullen."

Plainly, "Newlyweds" is awful -another nail in the coffin of independent film. Made cheaply in digital, it's a groan-inducing faux documentary that looks a lot like "Husbands and Wives" minus Woody's insight and wit. Yeah, that's it! Let's make "Husbands and Wives Too." Grab a Prosumer camcorder. Hire some really bad actors. ACTION!!! Then add lots and lots of ar ty ju mp-cut s.

It's crude for crude's sake: as if a naughty ten year old just learned the words 'fuck' and 'blowjob' and gets a thrill at the shock of constantly saying them.

Here, Burns is again a working class Peter Pan, incessantly navel gazing... wait. Who cares? There's no one in this no-name (except for Burns), untalented (including Burns) cast who lands anywhere near the Universe of endearing. They instead warp straight to Nasty.

You'll enjoy this film if you're a masochist who derives jollies from an alleged comedy inhabited by characters kvetching about trivia.

Please, please, I beg of you. Promise you'll stay away. Please. (Reviewers with positive comments are either insane, plants or cast members.)

"I do" like Newlyweds.

[meeza · 9/10 · 2 July 2012]

I have always been an avid fan of Edward Burns' movies because of the sharp and authentic narratives he constructs in his films, all based in New York. Sure sometimes it feels he is a disciple of Woody Allen; but in my opinion, never a carbon copy of Woody but more of a homage for the legendary spectacled writer-director that is W.A. So yes, there are some that are burned out on Burns' incessant telling of character-oriented movies based in New York; but why should he charter other narrative waters when his work has been so solid as a writer-director. So once again I was engaged to a Burns film. This time being his latest Burns' offering "Newlyweds". The movie stars Burns and Caitlin Fitzgerald as newlywed (ya!) New York couple Buzzy and Katie. They are both entrepreneurs, Buzzy owns a gym and Katie a restaurant. They both failed at marriage the first time around with other people, but this time decide to "walk the aisle" a little differently. Their matrimonial philosophy is not to be around one another too much; their work schedules help with that game plan as Buzzy works days and Katie works night. Katie's older sister Marsha despises Buzzy and that is more than the buzz. Marsha is longtime married to egotistical Max, who at times becomes a Mad Max due to Marsha's constant whining; o that Marsha Marsha Marsha. And another Max Factor why Max wants to get out of the marriage is that he wants to have sex with a younger woman. What rocks the boat in Buzzy and Katie's novice matrimony is the arrival of Buzzy's younger sister Linda, a slacker-type in her early 20's who travels from L.A. to New York so she can reunite with a past boyfriend that she unceremoniously dumped a few months before. Even though Linda is quite "linda", she still stirs up the pot in several ways due to her reckless behavior and puts a stop to the "forever hold your peace" part of Buzzy and Katie's marriage. Burns is a master of independent filmmaking as he astonishingly shot "Newlyweds" for just $9000; I think Paris Hilton's Chihuahua cost that much. Burns once again wrote a strong script that many can relate with the characters' dilemmas. None of the acting performances were in the "standout" category, but I would not exactly file for a thespian annulment with the cast of "Newlyweds". My favorites were Max Baker as Max and to a certain extent Kerry Bishe as Linda even though Kerry was a bit over-the-top at times. Burns was thespian Burnlike with his performance as Buzzy, and Caitlin Fitzgerald was more adorable than believable as Katie. This newlywed cinematic game might not be for everyone; but if you are into character-oriented independent movies, than I feel you will get a big "whoopee" with a "Newlywed" viewing. ***** Excellent

Poorly written, no command of dialog

[jkeith-443-583346 · 1/10 · 6 August 2012]

What the f##k! This f##king movie uses the word "FUCK" so f##king much it's clear that the author is a f##king idiot with no f##king vocabulary. Well, "Shit" seems to be a close second in this f##king movie.

Writer shows a complete lack of class by continuing the Hollywood trend to write scripts with the filthiest language repeated as many times as the screenwriter can us these words rather than showing any talent to use the written word for meaningful dialog.

Next time try to actually use the entire English language to write the screenplay and you might actually have an interesting and entertaining movie not a movie your mother would be ashamed to go see.

Characters who step out of their relationship and into real life

[napierslogs · 8/10 · 3 May 2012]

The opening scene of "Newlyweds" looks like it could have come out of any Woody Allen movie (or "Husbands and Wives" to be more specific). Two couples are sitting in a restaurant discussing the various ins and outs of married life. And then they turn to the camera and start saying what they really think. The editing from typical romantic dramedy-styled scenes to documentary-styled scenes is where the comedy comes in.

It's a smart comedy where the humour is born from the characters and the dialogue. Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald) are in their first year of marriage and are trying to be down-to-Earth and realistic about it. Communication and not spending much time with each other is key. On the converse, Buzzy's best friend Max and Katie's sister Marsha are in their eighteenth year of marriage and they are disgusted by Buzzy and Katie's attitude. Marsha can't stand Buzzy and that's what it all comes down to.

I was originally a little put-off by the documentary-styled revelations and worried that an entire movie about the differences between two couples would become irritating quickly. But that's exactly when a new wrench was thrown into the mix in the form of Linda (Kerry Bishé), Buzzy's sister. In the beginning we had husband versus sister-in-law where somehow the sister managed to keep herself on the side of "right", but now we have wife versus sister-in-law and nobody is going to get out of that catfight unscathed.

I was constantly delighted with how each character would respond to Linda's antics – which involves a lot of guy-obsessed drunken behaviour. Their passive-aggressive covers devolved into semi-aggressive acts. And just like in "Carnage", it still remains funny.

I wouldn't be surprised if some people take offense to the writing of the female characters in this film as they were all despicable in their own way. Edward Burns' Buzzy was the only one written so "cool" that he remained likable and sympathetic throughout, or at least to me.

I've been an Edward Burns fan since "The Brothers McMullen" (1995) and it's impressive how he keeps letting his writing shine through. Made for only $9,000 "Newlyweds" is on the skimp side of settings and shot set-ups, but as this proves you really only need a handful of characters who come to life to make a good film.

Perfection. This movie is perfect

[bp0023 · 10/10 · 31 January 2012]

Newlyweds was a perfectly made film. I was in awe at the simpleness of the cast and script. Ed Burns made this film short, sweet and to the point. Bravo to Ed and to the cast of this film. He did everything right in my eyes and I have not been able to say this in a long time, but it was worth every penny I spent to watch this film. I said the same thing when Nice guy Johnny came out. I really hope Ed has other projects for this cast. I could not believe the budget for this film was $9,000. Ed is making great films on a bologna and cheese budget, he is a true role model for up and coming screenwriters his films keep me writing everyday, it is refreshing to me when I watch a film like this. I was compelled to write a review about this film just to let people know there are good films being made out there. It is not all garbage.

Here are second time around Newlyweds, making for VERY interesting happenings

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 21 July 2015]

Buzzy O'Rourke (Edward Burns) has married a wealthy divorcée, Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald) fairly recently and with some haste. A divorced gentleman himself, Buzzy didn't want to wait a long period of time to find the marital bliss he didn't have the first time around. They are living happily in Tribeca Manhattan and tell viewers in testimonies that having opposite work schedules helps them find enough space to remain smitten. Yet, this is soon short lived. Buzz has a crazy younger sister, Linda (Sherry Bishe) who just shows up from Los Angeles for an extended vacation. Right away, she loses a valuable coat of Katie's, having not prepared for the climate change and then leaving it at the home of a "one night stand". Unknown to her brother, however, Linda is pursuing a lost love, whose marriage proposal she once turned down. Now, he looks good but, shocker, he just married someone else. Yet, Linda still goes after him. Then, Katie's independent sister, who has been married for twenty years, suddenly breaks with her hubby, Max (Max Baker), when he starts flirting with a client. Now, she wants to bunk with the Newlyweds as well. On top of everything else, Katie's ex-husband shows up periodically for rent money, if he's short. This swirling dramatics is rendering marital discord for this second time around couple. Will Buzzy and Katie be able to keep the bliss alive? This viewer adores Ed Burns and believes him to be far overlooked in the Motion Picture Industry. He acts, he writes, he directs, all with great skill. As in all of his others, the setting is Manhattan and its unique appeal. Its depiction of the somewhat harried denizens is handled deftly by the cast, despite being mostly unfamiliar thespians. Costumes, script, and terrific direction make Burn's latest offering shine. Yes, this viewer ultimately believes Looking for Kitty and The Brothers McMullen his best works. BUT, all of Ed B's movies are gems so don't miss this latest work; make time for it NOW.

Liked it a Lot.

[Travallor · 8/10 · 26 January 2012]

I like indie movies like this on small budgets. Minus his voice(kidding), I like, Edward Burns, his writer/director roles. This movie shows that one doesn't need big budgets and high priced music scores to invoke emotion. I felt for the couple who has to have their respective sisters' stay with them. The dialogue was real, authentic, so were situations some of us can relate to. It was a everyday sort of film then a Hollywood romantic comedy, or even a NY style comedy - you know the ones that are made in NY, with the characters live in expensive dwellings, five steps up from the pavement, have high paying jobs(in advertising), finds the girl/guy of their dreams(who is poor maybe),walk around a lot with music, throw in some unrealistic drama for good measure, and happy ending. This is not one of those movies. This is a story about a husband and wife on their second marriage and their respective sisters, and what happens over a period of a week. How they deal with their marriage. Sound boring. It isn't. I didn't like the documentary style interviews in between, but it seems to work here just right. The entire caste was great, job well done. Another thing I like was there was no drawn out scenes on landscape, nature, water etc, to set the mood for whats to come, or (piano) music to invoke emotion. The were no dull or boring moments of the camera panning or lingering. The ending was great. Happy or sad, how one takes it, but I loved it. All with US$9000 and a Canon SLR camera.

I loved this moving and would like to watch it again!

[gavintiegirl · 8/10 · 2 January 2012]

I really enjoyed this movie. I loved the scenes....the dialoque... Both sisters enraged me.... I thought Katie was beautiful and Buzzy was charming and sexy. I was wishing I was Katie many times throughout the movie. I will work for free if I can pretend to be married to a character played by Ed Burns. ;)I wanted to choke Linda, but I felt bad for her. I was excited for Marsha's new adventures... All the characters were awesome...they drew me in and made me feel their emotions. I didn't want it to end. I wanted more of these characters and more of the city. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes in the restaurants and on the city streets. I thought the movie was shot well. The sounds in the movie were rich. The movie was very raw to me...in a good way. I loved how the characters talked to the camera and said the things we were thinking. It relieved that feeling of frustration your normally get when watching movies and the characters are annoying you. Awesome! I enjoyed Kerry Bishe in this movie more than in NGJ. She stirred up my emotions more in this movie. She played the part of Linda very well. She was so pathetic and yet bitchy. Good stuff.

I would watch this again... I have seen Purple Violets several times, which is another Ed Burns film. That is a fantastic movie as well. I liked Newlyweds just as much as Purple Violets and I liked both of those a bit more than Nice Guy Johnny. That might give this review perspective.

Overall, a well made, interesting film that has left me wanting more of these characters. Perhaps a cable/web series to expound on these characters. Congrats EB!!!!

Worth opening a good bottle of wine for

[homefan · 8/10 · 25 October 2014]

It actually took us three goes to complete the viewing of the Burn's indy gem. Quite Allenesque in it's deep examination and joy in the the humour of everyday relationships. Superbly acted, interestingly shot, but most importantly, very truthful. A normal couple gets turned every which way with Shakesperean ease and we can relate to the finesse of dealing with family. Burns was type-cast, but his supporting cast were tremendous. Delighted to see the range from Bishé (who I loved watching in Halt and Catch Fire). I think the title is rather disappointing. Worth opening a good bottle of wine for and enjoying with the love of your life.

Fine Enough to Force Me to Review

[MystifiedMe · 10/10 · 3 September 2012]

There wasn't one single thing about this movie that I didn't like - and like a lot. Well... there was sister Marsha, who's pain-in-the-ass character was a big part of what made the film so good.

Buzzy and Katie have it all figured out - now that they've learned from bad first marriages, don't have to spend too much time together, tell each other everything, and have great sex. What could possibly screw up this ideal new marriage? All together now, we that have been there - FAMILY. Enter Buzzy's wayward, heartbroken, irresponsible, and unexpected sister Linda. Then throw in the marriage death throes of Katie's sister Marsha and husband Max who haven't had sex in 15 years. Suddenly secrets sneak in, sex is withheld, loyalties are tugged in opposite directions, and bath towels are enough to cause a wonderfully realistic meltdown.

When I saw, after watching, that Edward Burns had written, directed, cast, and made this spot-on life-as-it-really-is movie for under $10,000, I was awe stuck. Thanks, sir. I loved it.

Finely written and finely wrought

[phyllisknox · 9/10 · 21 April 2013]

If you are looking for a mind-numbing action film, this one is NOT it! But if you are looking for quirky humour, biting wit, some sweetness and real connection to a story, (oops almost forgot....and you also love New York City, even though it was shot in T.O. I think) take the time and enjoy this film experience. This picture is in the school of Woody Allen's New York "relationship" films. Its an interior bristling with irony, conflict and resolution, and fun. Edward Burns writing is seamless, suspenseful, mature and real. Skillfully acted, beautifully on the edge, I cared about these people. Burns has written and produced an Everyfolk picture here....thank you thank you.

One false step

[Bill-412 · 9/10 · 9 May 2019]

Excellent writing and acting, with one regrettable exception. Fitzgerald cannot handle her climactic scene, displaying anger and betrayal. Not even close.