Shut Up and Sing (2006) Reviews

• Best Movie of the Year!

  ecopen2006-03-14

  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.

• A better alternative to Grown-Ups 2

  Jasonlrdg42013-07-13

  "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.

• Below The Mark....

  namashi_12009-09-10

  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.

• Shut up and See this Movie

  monica-omalley2006-04-19

  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.

• Pale imitation of the better movies it rips off

  matt-sargent-12010-10-07

  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.