The Amateurs

The Amateurs ~ When I first heard about this film, I thought, isn't that essentially the plot of Kevin Smith's Zack and Miri Make a Porno? I was even more surprised to find it was made in 2005. Of course it couldn't possibly be as good as the Smith flick, but it does take a slightly different slant.

Here, Jeff Bridges is a small town entrepreneur who convinces his neighbors to make an amateur porno to make money. This is a film powered by its quirky characters that is reminiscent of old school things like the old Don Knotts films or Norman Lear's Cold Turkey. Ted Danson is especially amusing here.

The flick has a certain naïveté and charm that the Smith film lacked. This aspect is refreshing and adds to the comedy. Imagine Andy Griffith meets Kevin Smith. Yikes. Ahem, well, imagine it if you can. Check it out, it's a feel good, fun watch, if a bit predictable in parts, but fun.