Almost Married (2014) User Reviews

Decent enough (almost Lads movie) with a plot twist to boot

[manamal77-134-918955 · 6/10 · 30 December 2015]

Choose by the wife (who often judges a book by its cover) - she thought it was a chick flick, was it?

Almost married wasn't the soppy crass movie I had thought it was going to be - but that's what happens when you don't read up on it first :)

To be honest all this has really to do with getting married is how (maybe) your LAD is perceived to handle the lead up to the big day when he has been on a stag night he cannot remember.

A lot of drinking swearing and stupid decisions from the lads mixed with some heart felt moments from Kyle (Phillip McGinley)& Jarvis (Mark Stobbart) "especially in Kyle's garage"

You are drawn in to Kyle's pain from the very start - "Ouch that must have hurt"... From here you join Kyle on is (WTF happened) journey accompanied by best mate Jarvis - now pay attention during the movie or the movie will end with you saying ..Eh.. (I did say there is a twist)

Not the best movie out there but not bad - It's worth a watch...

ME

Misleading reviews?

[Quotius · 5/10 · 2 September 2014]

I'm not sure if I was watching the same movie as the other reviewers that have all left 8 and above, it begs the question of what they rating they give a good film.

Personally I'm a big fan of British movies, I do what I can to see them and rent them when they come up. I have a lot of faith in the acting and writing of fellow Brits to deliver. From Blackadder to Four Lions there's a lot of genius in British comedy. Sadly none of it is here.

That said the dialogue and direction are good, there was plenty of quality that helped mask an underlying problem. Eventually the dialogue seems to become very repetitive. After an hour I'd got bored of the whining of the protagonist and the sheer banality of his mate, with too few laughs to lift the movie from being dreary. Just because a movie has men wee-ing in it and talks about STI's doesn't make it edgy or even particularly clever and it certainly doesn't make it funny.

5 stars isn't bad for me and its a nod to the positive aspects of the film. It's better than I could do, but it isn't good.

Brainless British Copy of Brainless Yank Comedy Style

[danew13-303-737223 · 3/10 · 23 August 2014]

The best thing about Almost Married is smoking hot Emily Attack (Atack). Other than her the plot of this film mimics such Vince Vaughan gems of the absurd as the Dilemma....where you have an obvious problem and an equally obvious solution, something that eludes the two buddies who are the main characters...a future bridegroom and his self serving manipulative best man.

They take a serious yet simple problem and morph it into a saga-like road trip in an attempt to find a hooker who may have given the groom the clap only a few weeks before his wedding. Unlike the In-Betweeners, the two guys are adult English working class pals who act so gormless you may understand why some school GCSE scores are so low.

There are few laughs in this film because stupidity is passed off as comedy without any basis or punch-line for humour. By the film's end it had become so tedious I couldn't wait for the credits.

I'm looking for some intelligent comedy being made other than Woody Allen films. The British used to be good at this. This film isn't one of those products.

Serio-Comic Analysis of British Masculinities

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 8 October 2014]

In terms of plot, ALMOST MARRIED recalls early Seventies efforts such as PERCY'S PROGRESS (1974) in its almost relentless obsession with the penis. The basic framework is straightforward: Kyle (Philip McGinley) is reluctant to go through with his marriage to fiancée Lydia (Emily Attack) in the belief that he has contracted a sexually transmitted disease. After a picaresque series of adventures, including a dash up to Newcastle to visit its brothels, he discovers that he is perfectly healthy, and that the disease has originated from somewhere else.

Ben Cookson's film contains a relentless stream of bawdy jokes, allied to a peculiarly British modesty when it comes to talking about sexual matters. While Kyle and his best friend Jarvis (Mark Stobart) are perfectly happy to dream up increasingly ludicrous methods of overcoming Kyle's problem in the pub over several pints of lager, they are obviously ill-at-ease when they visit the sexual health clinic. At one point Jarvis shouts out "I'm not gay!" to all and sundry, even though he has accompanied Kyle to the hospital. Kyle himself finds it very difficult to talk to the doctor (Val McLane): Cookson's camera focuses on his increasingly troubled countenance as he tries to tell the truth about his sexual past.

The film also depicts the fragility of male bonding: the only way in which Kyle, Jarvis and their mates can get on is to make jokes at one another's expense. Being serious is considered 'weak' - especially at the pub. The only time when Kyle can face up to his dilemma is when he has broken free of Jarvis and set out on his own to confront Lydia with what he thinks is the truth about what happened. ALMOST MARRIED ends with a freeze-frame of him leaving Lydia's house and setting out on his own - for the first time, he understands that he does not need his mates' support to survive.

Set in an unspecified northern town, ALMOST MARRIED has a strong sense of place, as it contrasts the respectable streets of suburban houses with the seedy bars and brothels where Jarvis and Kyle hang out. It is almost as if they are apprehensive about appearing too 'normal' - i.e. ready to settle down and enjoy married life - in case it infringes on their masculine self-images. McGinley delivers a convincing characterization of Kyle, who tries to sustain a laddish image while trying to reflect on his past and future life.

ALMOST MARRIED treads familiar thematic ground, but it does so in a refreshingly unsentimental way.

Highly Recommended

[katysteel · 4 July 2014]

It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud - but I did during 'Almost Married' - from start to finish.

I am a bit squeamish when it comes to the sort of subject matter handled (with a degree of sensitivity amongst all the jokes) in this film, but the brilliant dialogue and nuances between the characters meant that I got so involved with the storyline that nothing seemed gratuitous or jarred in any way.

As a northerner who now finds herself residing in The Big Smoke, it was particularly enjoyable for me to see the perfect pub and working men's club - type interiors from my homeland :)

Highly recommended.

Laugh out loud Comedy

[mail-5619 · 7/10 · 10 July 2014]

Sitting in the cinema, I very much enjoyed laughing out loud many times during the film. There aren't many films that I would say that about; this is truly one of them.

It's not just a comedy; there is good depth to the story and the characters, with some darker moments and very serious challenges to deal with. The film is looking at male and female differing attitudes towards sex, relationships, truth and honesty. What does happen on a stag do? This is one humorous take on it.

There are some nice twists to keep you thinking. In the end the story is left a little open for the audience to make up there own mind, which works well.

All in all is worth watching.

Never judge a film by it's cover

[justin-141-697592 · 8/10 · 24 October 2014]

Almost Married had been on my list of films my wife and I would one day get round to watching. I off course was judging the film poster and the trailer, expecting a typical narrative of a young couple about to get married, have a crisis, resolve it, and live happily ever after. I was so wrong! Director Ben Cookson film is a refreshing surprise. It is funny, but dig deeper and issues, of dishonesty, lies, deceit, and betrayal bubble to the surface.The film feels like an observational documentary, raw unrehearsed with a surprising ending. My wife and I enjoyed the story line and the friendship between Kyle and Javis. You only need to look at Kyle's expression at the very end to know the truth.

Almost Married is a good investment of your time... so don't miss it!

..sometime it takes a second time

[bjarias · 8/10 · 30 September 2014]

If you've watched this film and given it a low viewer rating score, just go back and watch the last 15-20 minutes or so again. Because that's the heart of the film.. that and the scene where his close friend reveals to him what ultimately becomes the damning confession when linked with the ending. It's a pretty darned good little film. Maybe lots of viewers would want to be the 'fly on the wall' and see what transpires shortly thereafter.. I know I would. There's lots left to a thought process that takes place off-screen in this film. It's not always the most entertaining of methods to put forth to the viewing audience.. but it can at times be very effective. Watch the film again.. then decide how you ultimately feel about it.

Great British comedy that will have you laughing right from the opening scene.

[maggiewilliams1989 · 9/10 · 19 August 2014]

Almost Married perfectly depicts "young" British culture with its hilarious yet disastrous consequences. Although the protagonist was male, I found myself laughing hysterically and connecting with Kyle as I followed his journey of desperation to uncover the truth related to that fateful night. The young British cast only added to the credibility of the film and their on screen chemistry helped me (and each member of the audience no doubt) relate to the characters and their story.

The highlight of this comedy is that it does not push into the absurd - an irritating tactic used in so many other British comedies for a cheap laugh. It refines itself by touching on the darker moments within relationships and the boundaries of trust, whilst still retaining a decent level of humour.

Definitely a film I'd highly recommend and I look forward to seeing what else the talented Ben Cookson has up his sleeve!

Honest and clever first effort

[benjamin-wilson-1983 · 10/10 · 9 June 2014]

I was lucky enough to be invited to a private screening of Almost Married, I didn't know what to expect as this is director Ben Cookson's first film and I admit I wasn't going into the cinema with any great expectations. What I was treated to was both surprising and extremely satisfying. Almost Married isn't afraid to shock the viewer, with scenes of male urination and visits to GUM clinics, although none of this is done gratuitously, what AM does so brilliantly is to address issues that are relevant in today's society, it does it with a cheeky smile on it's face and some crude jokes along the way. STDs and binge drinking are as much a part of British culture as Strawberries at Wimbledon and Fish and chips on Margate beach are now a days, so it's refreshing for a film to be brave enough to highlight these issues. It would have been easy for AM descend into ever increasing crudeness for crudeness' sake, thankfully this is simply not the case, the issues are handled with a degree of sensitivity and at times tenderness that is virtually always missing from low budget Brit comedy Flicks such as this one. Emily Attacks' performance was fantastic, giving the viewer laughs as well as moments of genuine emotion as she realises the relationship she loves so much is ebbing away from her. The two leading men play off each other brilliantly, Philip McGinley is perfectly cast as our protagonist, the desperate Kyle, who concedes to having made a huge mistake on his Stag do and will do (pretty much) anything to avoid telling his wife to be that he has contracted an STD. Mark Stobbart provides the majority of the laugh out loud moments as Kyle's sidekick, the outrageous, outspoken Jarvis, who conjures up increasingly interesting ideas to get Kyle off the hook and out of trouble, his unique wisdom and words of advice make for some extremely funny moments. The entire cast manage to keep the balance between funny and tender perfectly, even scenes involving prostitutes in a brothel are handled with maturity and discernment. The final scene of the film throws up an unexpected and brilliant twist that you won't see coming. I left the cinema with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction after 97 minutes of pure entertainment. In short, this is a superb directorial debut and I would recommend anyone to go and see it, you won't be disappointed. Bravo Ben Cookson, I for one am excited to see what your next venture will be. This will surely be the start of a long and successful career in film.

Great lads film - perfect for Inbetweeners and American Pie fans...

[deanstobbart · 10/10 · 15 July 2014]

If you like your comedies lude, crude and cringey, then this film is perfect for you. A truly British film, it is in-line with all of the best lads-flicks gross-out films like The Inbetweeners, American Pie, Farrelly brothers etc.

One marriage, two mates and an STD threatening to ruin the big day, you can see the scope for stomach-turning gags, awkward conversations, lies, deceit from the synopsis and the film doesn't fail to deliver.

Even though it probably is a film to watch with mates, I watched it with my wife and she really enjoyed it too. It did lead to a few uncomfortable questions about STDs, so if you've something to hide, best avoid...

The central friendship between the two mates is excellent and the highlight of the film. There's a nice balance between p*ss-taking and friendship that keeps the narrative moving along.

It also goes further than a simple gross-out film with twists and turns I didn't see coming - but I won't spoil it here.

To be honest, I'm surprised this didn't get a huge release as it is one of those easy films to watch and plays to the very popular lads-culture from anywhere between mid-teens to mid-thirties, I reckon.

If gross-out's your thing, it's perfect. If it's not, probably not your cup of (s)Tea(d). Enjoy!

British gold from first time director

[tizzitadream · 10/10 · 11 July 2014]

Being more a classic horror fan the idea of a contemporary rom-com held absolutely no appeal for me but on this particular night it wasn't my turn to choose the movies so with a heavy heart I sat down to watch. That heavy heart did not last for long though as from the opening sequence of butt naked paint ball this film had me in stitches. I think it is important to point out here that this film has no right being described as a rom-com, the romance is minimal and although the film is laugh out loud funny, there is a poignant, dark undercurrent here that examines issues such as relationships, trusts and the taboo. The chemistry between its lead characters is the films biggest achievement meaning that even when the film is at its most raucous and outlandish there is a believability that is so often sadly lacking in the genre. I found myself drawn into the highs and lows of their intertwining relationships, I was genuinely rooting for the couple and a happy outcome to the film (which for a horror fan is a strange thing to wish for, usually I prefer to see a film end with an axe to the head). On top of this the film looks great, it is a real triumph for the first time writer/director (Ben Cookson) who is definitely one to watch for the future... Highly recommended!

Dark and Clever - with a twist!

[Tootrue1 · 9/10 · 23 June 2014]

I never usually review films on here but I recently watched Almost Married and thought it was so well written and edited that I had to put something up! It is very funny, but it's not a rom-com... (I saw the film before seeing any of the trails so I was going in completely open- minded, and I think that served to increase my enjoyment of the film). If I had been expecting some run-of-the-mill chick flick...I may have got a little shock! It's far cleverer than that.

It's witty, gritty, honest and actually pretty dark in places. There are a few gross-out moments, and a generous helping of your definitive lad- comedy... but it's also charming, compelling, brilliantly performed, and the twist definitely has the 'omg' moment. The subject matter is not to everyone's taste, but come on.. we've all been there!

(right?)

I haven't really.

Solid film, dark humour with plenty of laughs

[millwalltom · 9/10 · 26 June 2014]

I downloaded this film on iTunes after seeing it in the top ranking films and I wasn't disappointed. There's a great young British cast who portray characters that I can relate to, we all have a mate like Jarvis or know a Kyle! I watched the film with my girlfriend who also found the film entertaining, the post Indian restaurant scene back at the house got the biggest laughs in our house. The story takes a couple of twists along the way and keeps you poised right until the end. I read a review of the film that said it was filmed in just 3 weeks!! Thats some going. Check the film out for an entertaining story of love, friendship and worry...

Laugh Out Loud Funny

[olijackson · 10/10 · 20 July 2014]

This film had me laughing from start to finish and there are enough clever plot turns to make it stand out from the usual type of Comedy Brit Flick.

Phil McGinley, Emily Attack and Mark Stobbart are definitely actors to watch, all 3 of them carrying the film.

Having said that, there are also some really brilliant moments involving the lead characters parents. That cringe worthy moment went future in laws discuss their beloved child's wedding.

I will be really interested to see what the director Ben Cookson comes up with next. He has a natural flair for creating comedy with the camera and the locations/scene settings really add to the overall impact of the film.

Recommend this film wholeheartedly.

Should be at a cinema...on your TV sometime soon

Brilliant film! Why the low rating???

[johan777-1 · 9/10 · 16 March 2018]

The movie kept me glued to the screen. In the same league as the hangover or even better. Does not deserve this rating. If you have a brain you will enjoy this film.