Watch The Almost Guys

The Almost Guys is a low-budget independent comedy film from 2004 that follows Richard (Peter Allas) and Alex (Peter Arpesella) as they try to become private investigators. The two friends are down on their luck and desperately need a job, but they lack the skills, connections, and resources to start their own detective agency. Despite their lack of experience, they decide to take on a case that involves tracking down a missing woman, who happens to be the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and eccentric characters, including a street vendor, a strip club owner, a corrupt cop, and a dangerous gangster.

The Almost Guys is a slapstick comedy that relies heavily on physical humor, exaggerated situations, and witty exchanges between the two lead actors. Richard and Alex are portrayed as bumbling and clueless, but also endearing and relatable. Their friendship is tested throughout the film, as they face various setbacks and conflicts, but they remain loyal and supportive of each other. Peter Allas and Peter Arpesella have good chemistry and comedic timing, and their performances carry the film even when the plot becomes convoluted or predictable.

The supporting cast includes Scott Baldyga as Detective Gil, a gruff and skeptical cop who becomes increasingly annoyed with Richard and Alex's interference. Baldyga delivers some of the film's funniest lines and reactions, and his scenes add a needed element of tension and suspense. Other notable performances come from Arnold Weinstock as Mr. Guggenheim, the rich and eccentric father who hires the Almost Guys, and Jeff Berryman as Tony the Hook, the ruthless gangster who is also looking for the missing woman.

The Almost Guys was directed by Eric Fleming, who co-wrote the screenplay with Keith Giglio. The film was shot on location in New York City, and the camera work and editing are functional but unremarkable. The music by Andrew Hollander is generic and forgettable, and the sound design is sometimes muddled. However, the film benefits from some clever and imaginative set pieces, including a hilarious chase scene through a subway station, a tense stakeout in a car wash, and a surreal confrontation in a strip club.

The Almost Guys is a niche film that will appeal mostly to fans of low-budget comedies, buddy movies, and crime stories. It has a certain charm and energy that makes it entertaining in doses, but it also suffers from repetitive gags, flat supporting characters, and a lack of originality. The film's jokes and situations are often derivative of other films in the genre, such as Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon, and The Pink Panther. Moreover, the film's depiction of women and minorities is regressive and stereotypical, which may limit its appeal to modern audiences.

Overall, The Almost Guys is a harmless and forgettable film that will likely fade into obscurity. It showcases the talents of its lead actors and some creative moments of comedy, but it lacks the polish and depth of more accomplished films. It is a relic of the early 2000s independent cinema scene, when digital technology made it easier for aspiring filmmakers to produce and distribute their work. It may find some nostalgic fans among those who remember it from its original release or stumble upon it on streaming platforms, but it is unlikely to attract a large new audience.

The Almost Guys is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.