The reason why I have come to love and enjoy independent filmmaking so much is that risks are taken. No one is there for the money and no one is there to get famous. They simply want to take a wicked idea, make into an solid film, and get it out to the public. The Amateurs is one of many examples that goes to show when someone is driven about a project, it’ll eventually have it’s 15 minutes.

Jeff Bridges stars as Andy Sargentee, a guy who is down on his luck, broke, and desparate to make money fast. We learn early in the film that Andy’s wife has left him because he can’t keep a stable job. He lives in the small town of Butterface Field, where bordem is a frequent. Andy is known to come up with get rich quick schemes, and now he thinks he found the easiest way. “I’m gonna make a porno film!” he claims. Everything that could possibly go wrong with making this happen does.

Jeff never fails at his performances. Let’s try not to think about Stick It for the rest of this review. From that greasy slick backed long hair to the “I seriously don’t care” attitude, he is a natural with his acting abilities.

Jeff definitely led the show but each cast member brought a tasty share of food to the table. Ted Danson (brings the dessert) marvously nails playing a gay man trying so hard to be straight. His performance could easily be the sole reason why you watch this movie. William Fichtner (napkins and cups) plays Otis, who pitches in money “just so he can watch.” Joey Pants (hamburger helper), who’s referred to as just “Some Idiot” in the film carries the charm, and Patrick Fugit (off brand drinks), the youngest one casted, holds his own against some of Hollywoods finest. I call it now that he will have a long successful career in showbiz.

This was written and directed by newcomer Michael Traeger. Now I know what you’re thinking, “isn’t this the same guy that wrote Dead Man On Campus?” and the answer is “Didn’t Quentin Tarantino write and direct Jackie Brown?” Yes they both sucked. But seeing this has a titanic sized cast that works, gnarly dialogue, and a super duper original story, one should give this entertaining film about a small town coming together to make dreams come true a chance. It would be a damn shame to let this one go unnoticed.

Indie film buffs, think State and Main meets The Full Monty.

Ok, so I had this whole thing planned out where I was gonna say I wanted this interview to look “amateur” to get people more into wanting to see the movie, but truth is I thought it would have been a good idea to film this on my Macbook. I was terribly mistaken. What an amateur.