Nice Guy Johnny (2010)

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The plot: After meeting a free-spirited woman, a pushover begins to stand up for himself and his dreams.This is a bog-standard Manic Pixie Dream Girl movie. The repressed, passive protagonist is unhappy in his life, though he's too much in denial to admit it to himself. He reluctantly agrees to give up his dreams and allow his fiancée and future father-in-law to plan out his life for him. However, in the process, he meets a free-spirited girl who reawakens his rebellious spirit, and he slowly begins to realize how unhappy he truly is. It's the same exact story that's been told dozens of times in the past ten years, and every time it's the result of hack writing. Every character is a one dimensional stereotype, and the plot is just as predictable as every other hack romantic comedy.I can't really see why anyone would waste their time with this. It's inoffensive, bland, and has attractive people in it, so it's going to pick up some fans, but this cookie-cutter movie gets made every few months. Why not wait for next iteration, which will probably have better writing and acting?

NICE GUY JOHNNY is another offbeat, casual story written and directed by the inimitable Edward Burns. It boasts a good story, some very fine actors, and carries a message that we all too often forget. This is that polished little gem of a film that surprises the viewer with its quiet manner and message. Johnny Rizzo (Matt Bush, a VERY promising your actor) spends his nights as a radio sports talk show host, a career he loves but one that his fiancée Claire (Anna Wood) feels is not a money maker and has made Johnny promise that if by age 25 he does not make at least $50,000. a year, he must go to work in a cardboard factory. That time has come and Johnny reluctantly prepares for his interview for the 'new job'. Johnny is nice, loves, Claire, but is frustrated at the promise he's made. Enter Johnny's philandering Uncle Terry (Ed Burns) who wants Johnny to stay with his dream of being a radio host and in order to try to dissuade the ardently faithful Johnny, Uncle Terry invites him for a weekend at the Hamptons. There Terry, unknown to Johnny, uses the home of one of his married 'regulars' and encourages Johnny to have a last fling before his upcoming marriage and before he goes for an interview for the cardboard job. Johnny is nice and respectful and will not jeopardize his relationship with Claire. But he meets a tennis pro Brooke (Kerry Bishé) and soon finds himself in an innocent but apparently compromising position with Brooke: Brooke respects Johnny's engagement status but finds him different and more real and honest than most men and tries her best to win him over. But Johnny rides the waves of discontent his night away form Claire cause, and at Terry's insistence and Brooke's influence makes a decision that changes his life. The script is sharp, tightly written, and the acting by everyone in the small cast is first rate. Matt Bush is a very fine new actor who is able to stand his own with the pro Edward Burns very well. By the end of the film nice guy Johnny has completely won our hearts - and makes us wish we had the thoughtful courage of this lad to alter our own lives. Very fine film. Grady Harp

A very funny, yet solid storyline. Bright and full of laughs, as surely we all identify with that big decision- follow our dreams and our hearts OR do the easiest thing with the greatest promised reward. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. Yes there is profanity, sexual innuendo and drug/alcohol use. Where isn't there? It was never gratuitous. I was fortunate enough to see this at the Savannah Film Festival and listen as Mr. Burns' spoke about his decision to make this movie, using fresh talent who pegged what I believe his intention when he wrote it. All 20somethings should watch and heed; us 30somethings look back and wish we had.

All I can say is that I was intrigued by this project for two reasons. The first is that I have admired Ed Burns' work in the past. The second is that I had read about the unorthodox, low key straight to DVD and ON-Demand way this film was being marketed and it intrigued me. It was either a sign that Burns had confidence that positive press and word of mouth would empower this project or a sign that it was a piece of crap. I am happy to report it is the former. The film is is a testament to the power of a well crafted script and good acting. The film stars virtual unknowns. Burns is a secondary player in the film. The story is strong. The characters are likable and the message is subtle but powerful. It is worth the investment of time with this project.