The Stand-In (1999)

Admirable film.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

The Stand-In is a compelling story about an actor trying to catch his big break. The story is a realistic look at the cost and pain of trying to follow a dream and the sacrifices that come with that pursuit. Robbie Bryan does a nice job of creating characters that are real and easy to care about.One of the nicer story lines in the film is the relationship between Brian Roberts (Robbie Bryan) and Half-step Wilson (Lou Meyers). The friendship that develops between Brian and Half-step is touching and tender. Meyers gives an outstanding performance, showing both the bitterness of not being able to achieve his own dreams and the compassion he feels as he watches Brian try to chase his dream of becoming an actor.Even more gripping than the film's plot, are the bonus interviews included on the DVD. These interviews show you some of the real-life struggles and sacrifices Robbie Bryan and his collaborators faced to bring The Stand-In to the screen. I think the biggest success of the film and DVD is the fact that Bryan caused me to care not only for the characters in the movie, but, since it parallels his own life, to care about him and what happens in his own career. Well done, Robbie Bryan. I'm rooting for you!

I thought this was a really cute movie - inspiring (makes me want to try acting)- I LOVE Kelly Ripa and it's nice that I can watch this in addition to All My Children - I've already watched it 3 times! Of course I also loved seeing Joe Barbara - especially since Another World went off the air!

Many funny scenes about the people that you don't normally pay attention to in a movie and what they have to do to get work and what happens once they do. Lou Myers was very funny as Half-Step Wilson. Any guy that has a tight group of friends can relate to many of the non-movie related scenes scattered throughout the movie.

A sweet story with some really funny situations of trying to make it in the biz. Great for actors or family viewing. The scenes with the kid and the Negro League Baseball player were very cool. I also like the appearances by Joe Barbara of Another World and Kelly Ripa of All My Children.