claritadeb73
This is one of those movies perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon. There's no point watching it if you don't like romantic drama, it won't be for you. The story pootles along with charming scenes to do with self-discovery and relationships. I wasn't completely convinced of all the characters' motivation, it was a bit *Hollywood* with the artistic license. It is far fetched but that is for comic effect I should image. It's not laugh out loud funny, just absurd and farcical. The performances are solid, I think they save the shaky storyline somewhat. Ben Affleck is good in these thoughtful roles, don't agree with other reviewers on this. He's much less corny than most of his contemporaries in these kind of films. Cleese stole his scenes, pure class and not overly wacky. I did enjoy the soundtrack, it wasn't the usual upbeat pop-rock rubbish that 'quirky' romcoms are stuffed with these days. You won't waste an afternoon watching this with a cuppa while nursing a hangover.
Siamois
My expectations for this movie were pretty low. Ben Affleck's resume is very much hit and miss, with the misses being sometimes being of epic proportion. As well, I had seen two recent movies by director Mike Bender (Upside of Anger and Reign over Me) which certainly did not live up to praises and high ratings they received. It was thus with skepticism that I decided to kill time watching Man About Town, expecting a total dud. I was proved wrong.Much like its successor Reign Over Me, the main character here is going through issues and everything is rather organic and poignantly directed, contrary to the usual remote third person view employed in "safer" Hollywood work. There are some light comedic moments here but what makes them work is how human and heartfelt the struggles are depicted. And while Ben Affleck will never be the second coming of a Ed Norton or Anthony Hopkins, here he gives a very honest and balanced performance and we cannot help but sympathize with this character caught in the artificial life of Los Angeles and talent agencies.If anything, one plot tread about his book takes perhaps too much importance in what is otherwise a sober treatment of character and the issues he has to deal with in his personal and professional life. The entire cast is extremely good and was well chosen, although it does feel like they could have done more with John Cleese. One exception: I really felt Bai Ling was off in her performance.Overall, this is a very enjoyable movie with a satisfying conclusion instead of the usual eye-rolling fest with the easy way out.
corlissr
I never thought much about Ben Affleck until I saw him in "Hollywoodland". He was remarkable in that film, so when I saw "Man About Town" on cable, I decided to watch it. I've never been more surprised in my life. It's a good movie - not mind-blowing, but fun to watch. However, there is a situation in the film involving Ben's teeth that qualifies as one of the funniest things I have ever seen on film...or maybe it's just me. Nevertheless, I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard at anything in a movie. Affleck was hilarious...and the writing was priceless. As I said, maybe it was just me...or perhaps it was the wine (nah!), but I say watch it for yourself and see what happens.
neverfeartruth
Thankfully not a lot of people saw this movie, but it's scary that a film like this could be made in 2006. I enjoy politically incorrect movies when they make fun of people's ignorant perspectives, but this film was flat out racist. How many Asians are really represented in the film industry on or off camera. Here you have an unlikeable Asian character who has a "chip on her shoulder" because the "white man" won't let her in the film industry. She's poked fun of like the director's saying "take off the training wheels- you're just untalented." But, let's pose this question: is it really unjustifiable for her to have the perspective that the industry is a closed industry. Open your eyes and look at the amount and quality of work that's out there for minorities, especially Asians. Go to the DGA or SAG and get the facts. It seem like the director is saying that the industry is not closed- people make it on their own talent. If Asians are underrepresented, is he saying they have no talent (just look at Ang Lee, Zhang Yimou, Gong Li)? Why mock a person with no talent and make her Asian, who belongs in Chinatown to a buffoon-like family of kung fu artists. The fact that this director is Jewish and has no ability to make reference to being a victim of prejudice is hypocritical and plain idiotic. It seems like he had his own personal vendetta and made this horrific picture. How would he feel if people thought every Jew in the industry is working because of nepotism.
AD
