I bought "Men Seeking Women" for three dollars at a Blockbuster while on vacation. It had no cover, no rating and a production company I had never heard of. This kind of activity is my cup of tea, although it is a hit and miss hobby...i discovered my favorite movie this way and it seems the rest ive wanted to shut off within the first five minutes.
The first five minutes of "Men Seeking Women" thankfully showed some promise. After an impressive opening credits sequence, it eases into its story with a series of funny scenes developing three best friends- Les (Grant Shaud), Nick (Anthony Palmero) and Al (Will Farrel). They are in their early 30's, and were born right next to each other. Yes this is very far-fetched, but it gives them a sense of brotherhood and commradery.
On their 33rd birthday, they go clubbing and strike out so bad its depressing, even more so being that this is the third birthday in a row they have gone home empty handed. They go back to their apartment and stay up late, discussing their complaints about how their life isn't where they wanted it to be and more so how they can't find a woman.
Les strikes up a plan. To get themselves motivated, he suggests they make a bet where whoever can stay with a girl for a few months is the winner. They each ante $2,000 and resort to personal ads to start things up.
This is where the film's best moments are. In my favorite scene, they answer ads in front of eachother with a superficial confidence that quickly wears away as they stutter and say ridiculously stupid things.
"Men Seeking Women" isn't wacky and gross-out, but surprisingly more honest. Its jokes all center around the fact that these three men are extremely pathetic losers. Their professional and social lives are in the drain, and the underlying story is if they are ever going to get out.
I was also surprised that the ending wasn't as predictable and trite as I was more than expecting it to be. This is where some of the flaws come in, however. For example, one subplot is wrapped up in a jarringly serious scene, throwing the film's balance off.
I love the players in "Men Seeking Women", but especially Will Farrel. Farrel's early role is a performance that foreshadows a much-deserved mainstream acting career that he later obtained with films like "Old School" and "Elf". He creates his character Al brilliantly with child-like wariness and boiling-point frustration.
This is a fun film not to be taken seriously. Its one of those romantic comedies that is equally entertaining when viewed with both the guys and the lady.
