A Few Best Men

A Few Best Men is a rollicking Australian-British comedy film from 2011 directed by Stephan Elliott. It features a vibrant cast, including Laura Brent, Xavier Samuel, Kris Marshall, and Rebel Wilson. Its laughter-inducing screenplay was penned by Dean Craig. The film unfolds in the stunning backdrop of Australian Blue Mountains, adding a visually savory delight to the audience’s experience.

The movie revolves around the character David Locking, played by Xavier Samuel, who falls head over heels for Mia Ramme, portrayed by Laura Brent, during a holiday romance. The whirlwind courtship leads to impulsively deciding on forever, with marriage proposals and engagement rings exchanged in the dead of the night. The heart of the story lies in David's attempt to introduce his three British friends, aptly chosen as his best men, to his soon-to-be in-laws. The scene is set for an unforgettable wedding and the hilarity ensues when cultures collide, and everything that can go wrong, does.

David’s best men are a motley crew of well-meaning but often clueless chums. Tom, portrayed by Kris Marshall, is a cheerfully incompetent teacher, Graham, played by Kevin Bishop, is known for his knack for inappropriate behavior, and lastly, Luke, depicted by Tim Draxl, is a man tormented by his recent break-up. The eccentric nature of these characters adds a layer of unpredictable comedy to the narrative, making every moment an amusing surprise for the viewers.

Mia's parents are an equally interesting mix, which is home to a wide range of weird and wonderful characters. Her father, Jim, performed by Jonathan Biggins, is a stern and somewhat intimidating senator, while her mother, played by Olivia Newton-John, is a former showgirl with a penchant for letting loose. When these two very different families collide, it sets the stage for a series of misunderstandings, forced camaraderie, and comic challenges.

A Few Best Men have elements of classic farce, with slapstick moments, mistaken identities, and outlandish situations aplenty. It's a throwback to the robust comedy of yesteryears, not afraid to resort to physical comedy or comedic timing to elicit a laugh. It is clear the film does not take itself too seriously, and that light-heartedness adds to the film’s charm.

The direction injects an appealing visual rhythm to the film, making it not just a treat for the funny bone, but also for the eyes. One of the most memorable aspects of A Few Best Men is its decision to set most of the action against the backdrop of the sprawling Australian countryside. The film does a wonderful job of capturing the wild, untamed beauty of the region, making it one of the best-looking comedy films in recent memory.

Beneath the laughter and jest, the film subtly explores themes of friendship, love, and the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone. Considering friendship as the pivotal narrative, the humor of A Few Best Men lies in its incisive exploration of mateship, loyalty, and the propensity for friends to tease and humiliate each other in the name of brotherly love.

Further, the use of vibrant wedding settings is not trivial. It opens up unprecedented comedic opportunities while also examining the sociocultural aspects of these ceremonies and the inherent pressure they bring.

A Few Best Men is sure to appeal to those wanting something lighthearted and amusing, without being overly sappy or overthought. This comedy romp isn't trying to be profoundly astute or push any serious socio-political commentaries; instead, it’s a film comfortably rooted in its own genre, reveling in its simplicity, focused solely upon delivering a merry joyride that guarantees laughter and hilarity. It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking to unwind with a comedy that delivers laugh-out-loud set pieces, absurd situations, and a generous dose of fun.