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Second Best

Play trailer Poster for Second Best R,  2004,  1h 26m,  Comedy/ Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 44% 16 Reviews Tomatometer 33% 250+ Ratings Popcornmeter
44% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 33% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Elliot (Joe Pantoliano) is almost 50 years old and still an aspiring writer, slowly meandering through life. Well aware of his failure, he appears at ease with his lowly status in the social order -- that is, until his old childhood friend Richard (Boyd Gaines) returns to their hometown. Unlike Elliot, Richard leads a glamorous lifestyle as a big-shot film producer. It's only a matter of time before jealousy starts eating away at Elliot, bringing to light long-held grudges and secrets.

Critics Reviews

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Frank Scheck The Hollywood Reporter Jun 15, 2005
While the dialogue and characterizations frequently resonate with uncomfortable truths and some genuine humor, the central character's quirks are far more irritating than illuminating. Go to Full Review
Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Jun 1, 2005
C
Might have made a good stage monologue, but as a film it's overstated and barely baked. Go to Full Review
Jack Mathews New York Daily News May 27, 2005
2/4
Though the essays are smartly written and Pantoliano manages to make Elliot vaguely sympathetic, Second Best is a long slog in the dumps. Go to Full Review
Film Threat Dec 6, 2005
3/5
Jake Tracer L.A. Weekly Oct 27, 2005
Second Best tries too hard for sincerity, when it's actually more sincere when cynical. Go to Full Review
Jonathan W. Hickman Entertainment Insiders Jun 4, 2005
3/4
Eric Weber's spot on character study of the restless and down trodden white America male is a bit of bittersweet magic. Go to Full Review
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Second Best

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Eric Weber

Director

Joe Pantoliano

Elliot

Boyd Gaines

Richard

Jennifer Tilly

Carole

Peter Gerety

Marshall

Bronson Pinchot

Doc Klingenstein

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Second Best

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Movie Info

Synopsis Elliot (Joe Pantoliano) is almost 50 years old and still an aspiring writer, slowly meandering through life. Well aware of his failure, he appears at ease with his lowly status in the social order -- that is, until his old childhood friend Richard (Boyd Gaines) returns to their hometown. Unlike Elliot, Richard leads a glamorous lifestyle as a big-shot film producer. It's only a matter of time before jealousy starts eating away at Elliot, bringing to light long-held grudges and secrets.
Director
Eric Weber
Producer
Callum Greene, Anthony Katagas, Joe Pantoliano
Screenwriter
Eric Weber
Production Co
Keep Your Head, Tenafly Film Company
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 16, 2004, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Nov 15, 2005
Runtime
1h 26m
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