Barry Munday stands out from most straight to DVD movies in that it has a terrific cast. Just keep in mind that it's a chick flick, don't expect plenty of laugh out loud moments like most comedies.
What's great about the film is that it has a cast of veteran actors. Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, Hard Candy) stars as Barry Munday, an aging womanizer whose testicles are removed after an injury. Judy Greer does a terrific job as Ginger, the pregnant who claims that Barry is the father. I've enjoyed her work before, but she makes for some great reaction shots in this film.
Wilson and Greer are supplemented by a solid cast of veteran actors. British actor Malcolm McDowell, Chloe Sevigny, Cybill Shepherd, Shea Whigham, Missi Pyle, and even Billy Dee Williams. For this being Chris D'Arienzo's first gig as a director, he did a great job shooting the film.
My only real complaint was that the film wasn't as funny as I had expected. There are only two or three laugh out loud moments, otherwise the humor is extremely light throughout the film. It's also not written as well as other chick flicks that I've enjoyed such as What Women Want, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, or Sweet Home Alabama.
I watched the movie a second time with an interesting commentary by the director, Patrick Wilson, and Judy Greer. Turns out one of the funnier scenes in the movie (Barry's support group) involves Wilson's real friends improvising their lines. Other extras include some light outtakes, bloopers, and a fake PSA for men like Barry.
Barry Munday is worth renting for the great performances by Judy Greer and Jean Smart. Just know in advance that it's a light romantic comedy, so don't expect The Hangover or I Love You Man. Give this one a rent before you decide to buy the DVD.
