The Pallbearer
The Pallbearer
PG-13 | 03 May 1996 (USA)
The Pallbearer Trailers

Aspiring architect Tom Thompson is told by mysterious Ruth Abernathy that his best friend, "Bill," has taken his own life. Except that Tom has never met Bill and neither have his incredulous friends. So when Tom foolishly agrees to give the eulogy at Bill's funeral, it sets him on a collision course with Ruth -- who is revealed to be Bill's oversexed mother -- and Julie DeMarco, the longtime crush Tom hasn't seen since they were teens.

Reviews
ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.
Iseerphia All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.
Lidia Draper Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.
Edwin The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
bk34 I know it has been said already, but a 4.8 rating is criminally low for this movie. I'm guessing, based on my own pre-viewing experience, that the low rating is due to viewer expectations. After reading the cover of the VHS copy I watched, I expected Pallbearers to be a lighthearted, screwball comedy. Although there were comic moments, the movie also explored deeper terrain, and was all the better for it. I thought Pallbearers presented a seamless blend of humor and some poignant stuff about the angsty, turbulent ethos of the early 20's. David Schimmer was neurotic, charming, endearing, and overall fantastic in the lead role (shades of Woody Allen) and the supporting actors were all convincing in theirs. I also thought that the soundtrack fit the movie perfectly, providing the perfect backdrop for tones that were simultaneously wistful, bittersweet, romantic, and humorous. Maybe the movie appealed to me especially because I really connected with some of the experiences and emotions explored; nevertheless, I give it a solid 8 out of 10.
Sara I loved "Friends," I love Michael Rappaport and I love Michael Vartan even more. . .yet I could barely sit through this dreadful film. (I gave it a 5/10 only because it's two hours of staring at Michael Vartan and I'm jonesing for Alias Season 5, so I'll do anything to stare at Not!Vaughn.) The characters are wholly unlikeable, the plot is outrageously ridiculous and Gwyneth Paltrow's admirable acting chops are utterly wasted in this awful excuse for a film.To be very frank, I'm not really sure what any of them were thinking when they decided to sign on for this film. Michael Rappaport in particular is a fabulous character actor. This film did solve one mystery: how Michael Rappaport and Michael Vartan won their fabulous guest spots on "Friends."
pips55 Upon first viewing of this film at release I wasn't much impressed, but upon a recent second viewing (and because I liked it so much a third viewing as well) I have decided that this film is not only well written and well acted (despite what characters the actors may have played before, it works) it deserves to be in my personal top ten. Gwyneth Paltrow plays a 24 year old in search for identity, and it may just be my generation's quintessential "I've had a job for a few years and hate it" "I've just graduated and can't find a job" "Everyone I know is still living with their parents" "Dealing with best friends getting married" movie. Sure, it's heartwarming, but that doesn't take away from wonderfully crafted scenes with perfect poignancy and a good soundtrack to boot. There are also good performances by Toni Collette, Michael Vartan and Michael Rapaport. I highly reccommend seeing this film.
amucomm Some 25 year olds behave like teenagers, coping with the death of a high-school mate, trying to find their purpose in live and love. The script is so lame that I had to force myself to even finish this movie. Stay away from it. 1/10