Shut Up and Sing (2006) User Reviews

What exactly was the demographic this sought?

[dwahahn · 5/10 · 8 October 2010]

Watchable, but OK to watch once and forget about. While the acting was decent, the premise was just not believable or worth caring about. Would you really fly across the country to attend/perform at the wedding of a man you loathe? The stock 'jerky right wing guy' character's "life-changing event" was so out of left field and then seemingly an afterthought :10 later. I can't figure out to whom this story was supposed to appeal. Too man-centric to appeal to women, too touchy-feeley whiny to appeal to most men. My only guess is "married closeted gay men," a very small demographic, which could go towards explaining the lack of commercial success. Molly Shannon was fun, the cast were decent eye candy, and the singing, though presumably overdubbed, was excellent. Fellas, watch it w/ your female significant-other to appease her after 3 or 4 nights of heavy doses of sports on the tube.

Great music

[ctomvelu1 · 6/10 · 18 October 2010]

Quasi-musical that will largely appeal to white, affluent, male New Yorkers. Several old college buddies who used to sing a capella reunite for a pal's wedding in the Hamptons (which right there tells you something about the target audience). Some time has passed since they last saw each other. Some have matured and changed, some have not. The cast is mostly appealing, if way too thin and good-looking (so much so that you might think you're watching a reunion of a group of gay friends). The musical interludes are the best parts of the film, by far. Some of the dialog (including a "seize-the-moment" speech by one of the way-too-thin and good-looking wives) and situations (finding a hooker for a divorced buddy) are cringe-inducing. Hey, but this is a low-budget indie, after all. The biggest name in the cast is ex-SNL member Molly Shannon, who plays a boisterous, occasionally crude wife whose schlemiel of a husband couldn't be any more different. Some of you may recognize Mark Feuerstein, who starred in a TV show called ROYAL PAINS and is presently appearing in a theatrical release, KNUCKLHEAD. Except for Shannon, the cast looks like it was put together from Broadway plays and TV soap operas. No fatties or uglies allowed, thank you very much. Oh, for the hetero guys who catch this, keep an eye out for Elsa the 23-year-old Swedish nanny. Also way too thin, but she does love sex.

Couldn't watch more than 20 minutes...

[gustopurr · 1/10 · 13 March 2012]

I never review movies, but this movie got on my nerves so bad, I felt compelled to write about it. You may think me unfair to rate a movie so harshly after only seeing 20 minutes of it, but that was all it took to see that the dialog was horrendous (i.e. pretentious, annoying, irritating and unbelievable.) I wonder if the screenwriter was purposely making the characters douche bags, or if he thought he was making them hip and cool. The acting was not great, but it may, again, be the fault of the script. I would never be friends with people like this, and therefore, had no absolutely no interest in investing myself in their lives for one more minute.

Pale imitation of the better movies it rips off

[matt-sargent-1 · 2/10 · 7 October 2010]

Rips off so many other, better movies, it's hard to know where to begin. But I guess "Return of the Secaucus 7" is as good a place as any. And did they REALLY think they could steal the famous Girl On The Ferry monologue from "Citizen Kane", and think no one would notice? There are comedic rants that just fall flat, such as a Seinfeld-influenced "what's up with those 4-way stops?" bit, that's yelled at full volume, and lacks any actual humor. A grown man who can't negotiate an intersection? Absurd. But not in a funny way.

The rest is just tedious, not-actually-witty witty repartee.

Avoid this. See "Secaucus 7". Or "Citizen Kane". Or pretty much anything else.

Best Movie of the Year!

[ecopen · 10/10 · 14 March 2006]

I had the opportunity to see this film at the 2006 HBO Comedy Film Festival in Aspen, and went into the screening with very little expectations. When the last scene faded out on the New York City landscape, there was a brief moment of silence and then everyone leapt out of their chairs into a standing ovation. The clapping didn't stop until finally Bruce Leddy and the producer Eliza Steel came up to the front for the question and answer session. I don't know much about the film industry or these festival screenings, but I thought people were supposed to be asking questions - instead people took turns standing up and outright praising them for the experience they had during the film. I have to agree with that sold out audience - it was absolutely fantastic. Not only was the script incredibly written and the acting spot on, but the film reaches deep inside all of us and literally pulls at your heart strings. This intelligent comedy does what most movies fail to do which is to connect with all of the human emotions involving relationships from the very highs to the very lows. At the end of the movie, I think the reason everyone was silent for a moment before they jumped up to clap was because they were not ready for it to end! I can not wait for this movie to hit theaters so everyone has the privilege to take this journey with this group of friends to the Hamptons and learn a lesson about life and love that will make both men and women laugh and cry. It is no wonder that the movie ended up winning the Audience Award at the festival.

Below The Mark....

[namashi_1 · 4/10 · 10 September 2009]

Bruce Leddy tried his best giving the budget to make 'Shut Up And Sing' aka 'The Wedding Weekend'.

The problem lies in the plot, Some moments are interesting, but usually bland.

A group of guys who sang together in a college a Capella group reunite 15 years later to perform at a friend's wedding and discover how their lives have progressed -- and in some cases regressed -- since their college heyday, an idea that seems dated and the lack of face-value, disappoints all the way.

Acting wise: Molly Shannon is the only actor who does her part well, while all the others try hard, though some manage.

on the whole 'Shut Up And Sing' isn't what you expect.

A better alternative to Grown-Ups 2

[Jasonlrdg4 · 8/10 · 13 July 2013]

"Grown-Ups 2" premiered in theaters yesterday, but rather than encounter the usual adolescent and perhaps redundant slapstick in a movie about a reunion with old friends, I watched "The Wedding Weekend" last night, which was originally titled "Shut Up and Sing", but was changed because that names was the name of a documentary by the Dixie Chicks or something.

Anyway, for those who watch the Law & Order franchise, the guys should be immediately recognizable to viewers. Mark Feuerstein of USA's "Royal Pains", should catch the viewers' eyes immediate despite the fact though his screen time is less present than the movie who's on USA's "Royal Pains". Molly Shannon is absolute funny as one of the guy's wives, uncensored, unapologetic and frustrated about her life with her husband.

I also have to admit that I like the guys' a Capella singing in the movie. It was very cool and crisp. They must have had a lot of practice when they were rehearsing for this film and also the guys must have had a great deal of background in theater because they all have great singing voices.

At the same level, the acting performances were really great. It is very rare that an independent film can achieve this level of quality. I would take this movie over "Grown-Ups 2" any day of the week.

Shut up and See this Movie

[monica-omalley · 10/10 · 19 April 2006]

I had the opportunity to go to the Gen Art film fest this year, and must say this movie was my favorite. It is like the feel good-movie of year. I love how the movie makes me laugh, while really plucking on my heart strings at the same time. Unlike many recent films, this movie was sincere and did not rely on special effects or political plot lines to keep your attention. My friends and I could not get those modern acappella covers out of our heads. Whether it was John Mayer or Ben Folds or Phil Collins or Frank Sinatra, this movie features songs for every taste. The movie really leaves you with a smile on your face, and for the first time in awhile you are actually entertained. Try to see it and look forward to the soundtrack.

Pretty fun and entertaining...

[wag67 · 8/10 · 30 April 2007]

Actually a great movie, pretty fun and entertaining. They manage to squeeze some good mileage out of a tried and tested formula, with some very nice performances. Rosemarie DeWitt is especially fun to watch, and Molly Shannon's shtick mostly refreshing, while Liz Stauber manages to fill a small role with unexpectedly biting, dry wit. The men are all fine too, and their camaraderie feels fresh and real. The dialogues are loving crafted and witty, but manage to avoid being annoyingly clever. At the end I was perhaps missing a hint of a wider perspective, or deeper insight, into some of the themes previously touched upon. The story stayed firmly in romantic comedy territory, though, but it didn't diminish the pleasure of watching this film.

I LOVE this movie!!

[amandaisnline · 10/10 · 30 March 2013]

I'm a movie lover and I have not seen a movie this good in a long time!! My new favorite. Laughed through the whole movie. Sooo funny and the singing was great as well! The actors were well picked ,so many talented awesome people in this film , wonderful screenplay,fantastic director,touching and heartfelt moments throughout the film,a movie that is silly yet makes you think,even see life in a new way,plus you gotta love Molly Shannon,A movie you can watch over and over and not get sick of,a lot of truth in this movie,serious moments,an amazing film about friends,there's a male and female view on a lot of different topics, may be called the wedding weekend but not a chick flick yet girls would love it but guys would love it too,a movie for both the sexes,I can go on and on about this movie,Lol if I had 3 hands I'd give it 3 thumbs up !! :) loved it <3

Funny, inventive Movie

[Cavalier180 · 9/10 · 17 July 2006]

Shut up and sing is a great mixture of humor, friendship, and making you take the time to remember the good things in life.

While not a well know cast, Molly Shannon is hilarious along with a few new faces. It has good music, a well written script, and of course how could I forget an insanely hot nanny!

The scenery/setting is great and makes you want to be spending the weekend on the beach with friends. It reminds you of the important things in life and not to take the small things too seriously.

I would recommend the movie to just about anyone...maybe only those who truly hate music would not enjoy it.

Very entertaining

[rjcarlson · 10/10 · 3 August 2006]

This film hits me on all levels. I really enjoy films with good music and this certainly has that element. The acapella songs makes it unique. Acting was good and the casting was very good. I was in a multi-generational audience and everyone was having a good time. And finally, there are a few twists that keep things interesting. I think everyone who sees this will come away with someone in the film they identify with and someone they would like to be. I liked it better than many of the latest Hollywood releases that follow a very predictable script. Fresh faces! Better than "Sideways" in many respects. I could see my buddies in several of the characters.

Very Funny and Charming Film

[kcashian · 10/10 · 21 March 2006]

While the movie does have a cappella singing in it, you don't have to be a big fan of that music to appreciate it (although it is really good in the movie). It's really about the pre-midlife crisis that these guys who used to be in an a cappella group are now facing in their mid-30s as they get together again to sing at a wedding. The acting is really solid and there are so many good characters that you're bound to relate to one of them. Molly Shannon shows she can do a lot more than prat falls playing an outspoken wife who is at times hilarious and also very serious. Guys will love Elssa the Swedish nanny that they all dream about in the movie (a very funny sequence) and women will swoon over the Keanu Reeves-like character Spooner. There are so many laugh-out-loud lines in the movie that I want to see it again to catch them all (unfortunately it's not in theaters yet, I saw it at the HBO Comedy Festival). I saw that it is playing at the Gen Arts Film Festival in NYC in April so try to see it there. YOU WILL LOVE THIS MOVIE!

A smart, witty and wisdom-filled exploration of mid-life crisis

[cyclingfan · 10/10 · 31 May 2010]

If you have ever wrestled with thinking you married the wrong person, or that your life is wrecked because you've lost your job, or you feel like the best years of your life are behind you, or you find it hard to enjoy the present because you are consumed with worry about the future, or you feel that your dreams are dying, then The Wedding Weekend has some messages you need to hear. Bruce Leddy has crafted a masterfully written story and has combined with other obviously talented individuals to provide a cast and musical score that reaches into your heart and soul while wrestling with some of the most fundamental and heart-rending questions we may face in life. While the issues dealt with in the story can be heavy, the script does a superb job of providing intelligent, well-timed humor to balance things out. The genius of the humor is that it fits naturally with the flow of the story, often reflects real life and is not forced just to try to generate a laugh. The story line is well complemented with some outstanding a Capella music that left me humming the score for a couple of days after I saw the movie. The a Capella version of "The More I See You" is hands down the best version of this classic tune I have ever heard. Other reviewers are a bit critical of the cast, but I enjoyed them all, felt like some of them reflected some real people I know (and even me!) and felt like they all successfully allowed their acting to focus on telling the story rather than ending up with the movie merely being a vehicle in which a big-name star might implicitly be saying "hey, watch what I can do!" I don't know what life experiences inspired Bruce Leddy as he crafted the script, but this 49-year-old viewer found the story and the dialog to be witty, genuine and packed with real-life wisdom and messages that, if heeded, can make our lives much more joyful. If you like the style of humor in "When Harry Met Sally" or Steve Martin's version of "Father of the Bride", I think you'll really enjoy The Wedding Weekend. This movie's story line would make a good gift for a couple in marriage crisis or even for newlyweds. Listen to Richard's (Reg Rogers) eloquently worded toast at the wedding and you'll know why I say this.

A must see!

[provgirl · 10/10 · 8 September 2006]

I saw this movie at the Rhode Island Film Festival a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. If you like to laugh, enjoy good music, a good story line and some honest emotion then you will love it too. I met Bruce Leddy, the director, and he is a wonderful, humble guy. The film won the audience choice award, which was no surprise as it received a lengthy standing ovation. The audience was clearly on a high after seeing this film and gave a lot of positive feedback. Hopefully it gets the recognition it deserves and will be shown in theaters. It's a movie that anyone can see.

I've paid $10 to see a lot of movies in theaters that don't hold a candle to this one.

Shut Up and Sing is a MUST SEE!!!

[xbabylovex · 9/10 · 4 April 2007]

Shut Up and Sing, or ("Sing Now or Forever Hold Your Peace"), is definitely a must see. I'm not sure which title is being used, but I saw the showing of it at the Garden State Film Festival about two weeks ago. I laughed the entire time. I highly recommend this film. The Director did a great job on casting. Molly Shannon was, of course, hilarious, and the actor playing Spooner was gorgeous as well. That's just my opinion, but the all around plot was very creative. It's about a group of college guys, who used to sing A Capella together, and their lasting friendship. One of them is getting married, and they face the hardships of growing old and what marriage life is like. It's definitely a new type of film, and for that reason I recommend it!! I personally loved it.

Funny, Heartwarming, Nostalgic

[filmfan26 · 10/10 · 22 March 2006]

"Shut Up & Sing" is one of the best films of the year! Although it sounds cliché, it will absolutely make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life. What stands out most is the stellar cast, which is made up of talented actors who compliment each other brilliantly. Reg Rogers and David Harbour are two of the many names from the ensemble that you will remember ... and hear often! They are incredible. And the singing? Well, you will leave the theater humming the catchy tunes and hoping that a soundtrack is well on its way. As for the crew, I was shocked to learn that this is the director's first major motion picture. The characters are intertwined so well and the stories are told with such emotion and heart. In a time when we are looking to go see quality movies and film-making at its best, "Shut Up & Sing" needs to be one of those films.

HBO Audience Award Winner

[dottmartin · 10/10 · 26 March 2006]

This past week in Aspen, Co. I happened to select "Shut Up and Sing" as one of my Independent film choices at the HBO Comedy Festival. I have been attending the comedy festival for the past five years and I can absolutely say this is the best movie that I have seen that has been presented at the festival. "Shut Up and Sing" also received the "Audience Award" for best movie.

I loved the humor , the characters were full and believable and very well acted. "Shut Up and Sing" reminded me of "The Big Chill". Only funnier and more current. The music was wonderful as well. The selection of songs that the group sang were good and fit in well with the overall theme. Their voices were well matched, strong and lively. I am still humming the opening song which is stuck in my head.

I never see a movie twice, maybe that's just being part of the Baby Boom generation, never enough time. But I did see "Shut Up And Sing" twice. (I had a Best Audience award ticket). The movie was as enjoyable the second time as the first. People were leaving the theater singing and with big smiles on their faces.

I was so excited about this film that I have told all my friends how good this movie is and we are all awaiting the finished product!

Fabulous Movie!

[hawaii7779 · 10/10 · 14 June 2009]

This movie is definitely a must see! A movie like this is one that I can watch over and over again. Humorous but definitely charming with the beautiful Hamptons as the setting, not only is the movie absolutely entertaining, but the songs are unforgettable. It makes you want to go out and buy the soundtrack immediately, if not sooner. This movie makes you appreciate your closest friends as the ones who completely understand what you are going through. And not only do they understand, but they help you out no matter what. With the combination of a witty cast, fabulous director, and absolutely incredible songs sung by one of the greatest a capella groups, this is one hit that everyone has to see!

Better than Sideways!

[lorrie-22 · 10/10 · 19 August 2006]

Shut Up and Sing is hilarious...touching...best film of the year! I laughed practically nonstop...and was moved to tears in places. Takes you to a whole range of emotions. Convincing acting and good character development. Each character reminds you of someone in your life. This is a film I could see over and over again which is highly unusual for me. Appeals to a variety of ages. My 17 year old son and and his male and female teen-aged friends loved it too. They want their friends AND parents to see it. Full of fresh ideas! I guess that's why it appeals to such a wide range of ages. This film has an intelligent story line and a cappella is hot! The singing definitely sets this film apart. Catches one's undivided attention from the very beginning. Surprises at every turn. An absolute must see!

A witty, smart comedy about real people with real issues

[la_storyteller · 9/10 · 24 March 2006]

A very impressive, intelligent comedy. I love this movie! It's funny, emotional, witty, clever, and it's one of the best comedies I've seen in a long time. I laughed a ton, cried some, and found myself being in the story with the characters. What a great script and solid story! The writing is truly fantastic, the direction superb, and I found myself thinking about the movie days later, and even laughing out loud at the jokes I couldn't get out of my head. After seeing so many dumb comedies in the past, it was a nice change of pace to see a smart movie written by someone who obviously treats his audience like intelligent, mature, cerebral adults.

I can't wait for a wide release of this film so I can go and see it again!

Sideways meets The Big Chill

[83jrg · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

Wrestling with what happens, not after graduation, but AFTER after graduation may at first seem kind of unambitious, but director / writer Bruce Leddy keeps you laughing through the whole thing even as he skates through mortality, repressed anger and regret, longstanding feuds among friends, and of course a brush with authority -- you know, the typical components of comedy. A delightful movie with many scenes that you'll remember vividly long after you've seen the picture. Leddy skillfully zooms through all kinds of thirty-something angst without getting turgid or tedious, keeping a patter of jokes -- sometimes deep, sometimes on the (ahem) immature side -- bubbling along so that the ride is fun. Kind of like Sideways, kind of like Big Chill, but with more jokes and EXCELLENT singing.

Review

[swsuffolkitalian · 10/10 · 22 February 2011]

From beginning to end everything was well thought out. Bruce Leddy who directed this film did not leave any detail unturned. Cast was so responsive to his every suggestion and directive. When I was in the Hamptons and doing a few scenes there were times where the day would go so quickly due to the diligence of the production staff and the other actors. This film has moments when they look back at the past and integrate it with the present. The connection between the characters are believable. The scenery choices were amazing. Molly Shannon was a great choice for a comic relief for she can relate to everyone. This film can instantly be a classic.

Big Chill with Great a capella music

[sa-62 · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

A great ensemble flick (and the quintessential date film) with superb music elements - mostly a capella (who knew a capella was so cool?). SNL's Molly Shannon is a comedic standout, but what makes this film special is its ability to make you laugh at the quirky characters' buffoonery, while simultaneously feeling their angst. I recognize several of the other actors from TV and film work, and there are a couple of neat cameos from some of the Rockapella members who sang on the PBS TV show "Where In The World IS Carmen Sandiego?" I saw this film at a festival screening in NYC and the diverse audience went nuts, which bodes well for the film's mass appeal. This film is more evidence that good story-telling and offbeat music choices will always be in demand. I expect that this film will enjoy wide popularity and that writer/director Bruce Leddy will become a cinema stalwart.

This movie is a happier, laugh-a-minute Big Chill.

[Dee5921 · 10/10 · 18 March 2006]

I saw "Shut Up and Sing" at The US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado in March 2006. This film eventually won The Audience Award for Best Movie.

Picture a group of college buddies, 15 years later, going to the wedding of one of their (college) a cappella group members. They meet in The Hamptons for their pre-wedding singing rehearsal along with spouses, significant others, nannies and children. The follow -along story line is hilarious and filled with more good one-liners than I could ever remember. A small touch of seriousness does not interfere with this 2000% laugh out loud comedy. I can't wait for the movie to hit the country so I can see it again....and would love to have the soundtrack.....a cappella never sounded so good. I don't recall seeing any of these actors before, but keep an eye out for: Chris Bowers ( Spooner ), David Harbour ( David ), Reg Rogers ( Richard). The entire audience stayed after the showing for the Q & A with Producer/Director/Writer, Bruce Leddy and Co-Producer, Eliza Steel. The theater was SRO with people from age 21 to 70......all of them laughing. No matter your age, you could identify with these people. You could tell by the buzz in the lobby afterwards that this movie was the best comedy. Of the 20 movies I saw during this Festival, Shut Up and Sing was, by far, the most funny, feel-good film.