Best Man Down (2012)

Best Man Down Poster

A newlywed couple cancels their honeymoon and returns to the snowy Midwest to make the funeral arrangements for their best man, who died unexpectedly after their ceremony.

Movie Synopsis
"Best Man Down" is a 2012 American drama-comedy directed by Ted Koland, including Long Scott, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine, and Addison Timlin. The story unfolds around the sudden death of a wedding celebration's finest male and how it affects the lives of the groom called Scott (Justin Long), bride, Kristin (Jess Weixler), and a teen, Ramsey (Addison Timlin).

Plot
The story opens with the wedding event of Lumpy (Tyler Labine), the very best man, and his good friends Kristin and Scott occurring in Phoenix, Arizona. The celebration rapidly becomes a headache after Lumpy unintentionally dies from falling onto a cacti spot, forcing the newlyweds to cancel their honeymoon plans and arrange for Lumpy's funeral service in rural Minnesota.

Scott and Kristin's effort to give their friend a respectful send-off quickly evolves into a journey of self-discovery, as they reveal hidden elements about Lumpy's life that they were oblivious to. Their experience leads them to Ramsey (Addison Timlin), a lonely and withdrawn teen who turns out to be Lumpy's friend.

Character Development and Themes
Along their journey, the dynamics in between Scott and Kristen start to fluctuate. The couple address and handle the realities of their relationship that they've been ignoring previously. Kristin's compound abuse becomes a point of concern when Scott finds she's abusing prescription medication. Likewise, Scott, a workaholic, must confront the toll his career is taking on his personal life, making them question if they're prepared for the compromises and changes that include marital relationship.

An emphasize of "Best Man Down" is the unforeseen friendship in between Lumpy and Ramsey. This relationship offers depth to what appeared to be a one-dimensional character. Ramsey's character grows gradually as she deals with hardships and the loss of her only good friend, Lumpy, who seems to have actually been her only psychological support in the middle of her turbulent household conditions.

Ending
In the end, the film takes the audience on a roller rollercoaster of emotions, with balance in between light-hearted comic relief and wholehearted psychological minutes. Scott and Kristin, having actually dealt with their own individual problems, return to their busy city life with a much deeper understanding and regard for one another. They finally hold a quiet, genuine funeral service for their friend Lumpy, with Ramsey present, paying aspects to the misfit that unexpectedly brought them closer and forced them to face the truths of their life.

Overall
"Best Man Down" might initially look like a funny about a wacky wedding failed, however as the story unfolds, it looks into much deeper themes around relationship, self-discovery, and the essential dynamics of human relationships. With engaging efficiencies and a gripping storyline, the movie effectively transforms tragedy into a soul-stirring narrative about challenging and resolving individual issues.

Top Cast

  • Justin Long (small)
    Justin Long
    Scott
  • Jess Weixler (small)
    Jess Weixler
    Kristin
  • Addison Timlin (small)
    Addison Timlin
    Ramsey
  • Tyler Labine (small)
    Tyler Labine
    Lumpy
  • Shelley Long (small)
    Shelley Long
    Gail
  • Frances O'Connor (small)
    Frances O'Connor
    Jaime
  • Evan Jones (small)
    Evan Jones
    Winston
  • Michael Landes (small)
    Michael Landes
    Priest
  • Peter Syvertsen (small)
    Peter Syvertsen
    Roger
  • James Michael Detmar
    Uncle Willis
  • Jane Hammill
    Aunt Helen