Welcome To The Men's Group

Watch Welcome To The Men's Group

  • NR
  • 2016
  • 2 hr 10 min
  • 6.1  (82)

Welcome to the Men's Group is a 2016 movie directed by Joseph Culp that follows the conversations and conflicts between a group of men who meet every Wednesday in a suburban house for their weekly men's group. The movie is based on a play by Scott Ben-Yashar, and it is a poignant exploration of the inner lives of men. The movie opens with the group leader, Bob (Phil Abrams), greeting each of the participants as they arrive. The members of the group are diverse, and they all come from different backgrounds and walks of life. The first half of the film is devoted to getting to know each of the characters and their personal struggles. There's Jake (Mackenzie Astin), a young man who is struggling with the pressure to succeed in his career and keep up with his ambitious wife. There's Brad (Stephen Tobolowsky), a middle-aged man who is going through a divorce and trying to figure out how to rebuild his life. There's Phil (Joseph Culp), a former priest who left the church after falling in love with a woman, and now struggles with guilt and existential questions. There's also Kevin (Tim DeZarn), a gruff and stoic man who initially seems to have nothing in common with the others.

As the men begin to open up and share their stories, the movie takes on a more introspective and philosophical tone. The conversations become more intense and personal, and the group dynamic shifts as the men confront their own fears, insecurities, and prejudices. Scenes are often shot in close-up, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions on display.

Despite its serious themes, the movie also has moments of humor and levity. The men's conversations are often interrupted by the group leader's insistent dog or by the son of one of the men who wants to know if they're watching the latest Marvel movie. These moments of levity serve to humanize the characters and add a touch of realism to the film.

One of the strengths of Welcome to the Men's Group is its honest portrayal of masculinity. The film doesn't shy away from the toxic behaviors that can result from confining men to rigid gender norms, but it also shows the power of vulnerability and emotional connection. The men in the group struggle to express themselves and connect with others, but they also find comfort and healing in the shared experience of their struggles.

The performances in the movie are uniformly strong, with each actor bringing nuance and depth to their characters. Mackenzie Astin is particularly affecting as Jake, whose desperation to succeed and meet societal expectations puts a strain on his marriage and mental health. Stephen Tobolowsky is also excellent as Brad, whose journey of self-discovery and acceptance is one of the emotional core of the film.

Overall, Welcome to the Men's Group is a powerful meditation on the nature of masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and the power of human connection. The film avoids easy answers and pat resolutions but ultimately offers hope that men can find support and healing by coming together and confronting their own demons. It's a thought-provoking and emotional experience that is sure to resonate with anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world.

Welcome To The Men's Group is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.

Welcome To The Men's Group
Description
Where to Watch Welcome To The Men's Group
Welcome To The Men's Group is available to watch free on Plex, Tubi TV and Vudu Free. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Welcome To The Men's Group for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2016
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 10 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (82)