All Over The Guy (2001)

43% of critics liked it
(47 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(4,745 ratings)

Actor and playwright Dan Bucatinsky wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of his play I Know You Are, But What Am I?, though for the big-screen version, his slightly fractured love story was given a same-sex twist. Eli (Dan Bucatinsky) is a journalist working with a major L.A. newspaper who is… More Actor and playwright Dan Bucatinsky wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of his play I Know You Are, But What Am I?, though for the big-screen version, his slightly fractured love story was given a same-sex twist. Eli (Dan Bucatinsky) is a journalist working with a major L.A. newspaper who is single and not loving it. Eli is also gay, and makes no secret of the fact that he's looking for a nice guy that he can settle down with. Eli's best friend Brett (Adam Goldberg) knows a woman named Jackie (Sasha Alexander), who says she has a friend who would be perfect for Eli. Thus Eli is introduced to Tom (Richard Ruccolo), a special education instructor and devoted nightlife enthusiast. Eli and Tom's first date turns out to be just short of a disaster; Tom indulges in his overweening enthusiasm for alcohol and tobacco, and Eli is disgusted to learn Tom has never seen Gone With the Wind. Things appear to be over for Eli and Tom before they even started, until they meet by chance while shopping a few days later; this time, a conversation rather than an argument develops, and the two end up spending the night together. Eli begins to think love may have finally found him, until Tom dashes off the next morning, leaving Eli to wonder if Tom has any interest at all in a long-term commitment. All Over the Guy also features small cameo roles by Lisa Kudrow, as an actress not skilled in voice-over work, and Christina Ricci as Eli's cynical sister. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Julie Davis
Written By: Dan Bucatinsky
Genres: Drama, Romance, Gay & Lesbian, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 10, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Dec 18, 2001
Studio: Lions Gate Films

Critic Reviews

Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
It is not a surprise to learn that Bucatinsky is developing a sitcom based on this film, because it plays like an overly long pilot.
Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
It may not be totally fresh and original, but All Over the Guy is nearly void of gay stereotypes.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
As one predictable scene follows another, it becomes progressively more likable and more watchable.
Jay Carr, Boston Globe
Sweet but often tedious.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
Probably plays better on the stage. On film, the dialogue sometimes seems too writerly, too cute.
Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer
A nicely turned and witty screenplay from Bucatinsky.
Blake French, Filmcritic.com
This isn't another one of those annoying gay rights movies -- it just wants to have fun.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Better than "The Opposite of Sex", all-round good fun!
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
A funny and warm little film that really deserved more attention than it got.
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
Sitcom humor substitutes for wit, and tedious angst supplies the drama.
JoBlo, JoBlo's Movie Emporium
I guess it's a middle of the road romantic comedy... featuring gay men!
Scott Weinberg, Apollo Guide
All Over the Guy, while by no means a groundbreaking piece of cinema, is a breezy and fun romantic comedy.
Ted Murphy, Murphy's Movie Reviews
In my humble estimation, what several of my colleagues have missed is the almost groundbreaking manner in which this relationship is presented. There are no recriminations, and no one is struggling with the issue of "coming out." In fact, being gay
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
It says nothing new, but it says it painlessly.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Dean L

This film really was not trying to make a statement about homosexuality. It was more about disfunctional upbringings adversely impacting the way we relate to others. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed it. In not beating you over the head with "accept me because I am… More
This film really was not trying to make a statement about homosexuality. It was more about disfunctional upbringings adversely impacting the way we relate to others. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed it. In not beating you over the head with "accept me because I am gay" messages and simply seeing the main characters (Eli and Tom) as people trying to work through their own baggage and make life work for themselves it may make it more accessible to some. Why else did I enjoy the movie? It was funny. It had some really funny moments in it. PS, if you are looking for a movie starring Lisa Kudrow and Christina Ricci look elsewhere...their cameo's are brief (and though I love them both Kudrow's performance was great). The acting ranges from good to...well...not so good, but for a decent semi-romantic comedy you have found your evening ticket. Enjoy.
Sunil J

I really liked this movie. Its characters are quirky but believably so, which is rare. Really funny.
Leo L

This is one of my absolute favorite movies! Love the track "Please Forgive Me" by David Gray.