By: debbie lynn elias
Directed by David Munro and written by Munro and Xandra Castleton, FULL GROWN MEN is the story of Alby, a 38 year old who seems to have contracted that “disease” running rampant among the 30-40 something men of America today – going beyond nostalgia, and even beyond the Peter Pan phenomena, this is a never grow up situation that entails physically growing up, marrying, getting a job (for some), having kids, the house, the two cars, but doing so as merely going through the motions without the emotional conceptualization of what growing up or life itself entail; and often with disastrous consequences. Lucky for us, Munro captures it all but with a zany fun perspective.
Enjoyable, funny, believable, and although it has serious (and very true) undertones, is hopeful, upbeat and “connectable” to everyone. Taking his collection of pristine action figures with him, Alby runs away from home and goes back to his mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Determined to stay a child forever, he leaves his wife and young son (aka playmate) seeking sanctuary at his childhood home.
Completely morphing into his childlike self, Alby seeks comfort in his “best friend in the whole world” – Elias. One little thing – Elias is now a teacher, grown up, accepting responsibility, embracing responsibility. Life, and Elias, have moved on. But, Alby sparks something in Elias that has him yearn for a little bit of the boy he once was and it’s not long before the two are on the road to Diggityland – Elias to get a Teacher of the Year Award and Alby, well, just to goof off and hide. Needless to say, their adventures along the way prove to be some valuable lie lessons for them both.
Set in South Florida, a more ideal location, Munro could not have selected. Long having an image as being a playground for retirees and springer breakers alike, this is the perfect playground for Alby. Visually, the film is more than effective. With retirees giving Alby some sage advice that isn’t done in a preachy manner, maturity rears its ugly head with a sweet kindness. You can’t help but laugh at these old geezers riding around on bikes in their shorts and socks with sandals, goofy hats on their heads, etc., which just goes to further perpetuate the theme of the film and if Alby (and the audience) looks hard enough, gives some insight into what the future will be like if he doesn’t get with the program and act 38 instead of 8. This is one of the few films I have seen the past month or so (and based on what’s releasing in the next 60 days) that actually doesn’t leave you depressed or suffering from the doldrums when the credits finish.
Matt McGrath stars as Alby. I first took notice of him in “The Notorious Bettie Page” but I must say, I am more than impressed with him here as Alby. Complimenting McGrath’s juvenality is Judah Friedlander who is joyous as Elias. His interpretation of the character really aids in setting forth the juxtaposition and dichotomy of the lives and mentalities between the two. And pay special attention for two casting coups – Alan Cumming and Deborah Harry are absolute flashes of brilliance for casting ….Alan Cumming equating the little toy solider action figures come to life and Deborah Harry as the Little Mermaid or Barbie as a female connective of playing with dolls. And the nostalgic value of Deborah Harry – great!
The icing on the cake is comic animation at the end that is absolutely adorable and so befitting the film. Nice touch by Munro.
I was dying to see this film and am so glad I did. It proved to be even more than I hoped. Witty, wise and wacky!!
Alby Cutrera: Matt McGrath
Elias Guber: Judah Friedlander
The Hitchhiker: Alan Cumming
Beauty: Deborah Harry
Directed by David Munro. Written by David Munro and Xandra Castleton.
