I'm Reed Fish Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Reed Fish's life turns into chaos when a high school crush returns to Mud Meadows on the eve of his marriage to the small town's sweetheart.
| Jay Baruchel | Reed Fish |
| Alexis Bledel | Kate Peterson |
| Schuyler Fisk | Jill |
| Victor Rasuk | Frank Cortez |
| DJ Qualls | Andrew |
| A.J. Cook | Theresa |
| Katey Sagal | Maureen |
| Chris Parnell | Ralph |
| Shiri Appleby | Jill Cavanaugh |
| Valerie Azlynn | Real Kate |
| Blake Clark | Irv Peterson |
| Tommy Dewey | Rex |
| Reed Fish | John Penner |
| Todd Fjelsted | Bartender |
| Andrew Stubblefield | George Henderson |
| Zackary Adler |
5.90 out of 10 (1376 votes)
Visitor Reviews
charming indie comedy
posted on 15 Jun 2009Reed Fish (Jay Baruchel) hosts a radio call-in show whose audience is as loyal in spirit as it is infinitesimal in size. His listener-ship is comprised exclusively of the citizens of Mud Meadows, a small town discreetly nestled in the pine-encrusted mountains of Southern California (the movie was filmed in the scenic Big Bear area). Although he's come to be known as "The Voice of Mud Meadows" for keeping the town folk apprised on issues of concern to the local community, Fish really isn't all that happy with his life. He actually feels hemmed in by the restrictions of small town life and is beginning to have second thoughts about his impending marriage to a childhood friend, Kate (Alexis Bledel), whom he may be marrying more out of a sense of duty and obligation than out of genuine love or passion. His life gets even more complicated when Jill (Schuyler Fisk), a girl he once had a crush on, returns to Mud Meadows for the summer, stirring up old feelings in him and making him question even more the level of his commitment to Kate.Based on a semi-autobiographical story by none other than Reed Fish himself, "I'm Reed Fish" is an utterly beguiling indie comedy, overflowing with sweet sentiment, rueful humor and outstanding performances by Baruchel, Fisk, Bledel, Victor Rasuk, Katey Sagal and Chris Parnell, well known from his work on "Saturday Night Live." Not only are the characters themselves immensely charming and likable but their responses to the situations they find themselves in are believable and touching as well. "I'm Reed Fish," written by Fish and directed by Zackary Adler, is smart about the complexities of romantic relationships, and the movie is filled with any number of beautiful and lovely moments, the most transcendent being the one in which Jill (Fisk) literally lights up the screen with her musical performance at a local pub. As a writer, Fish is scrupulously fair to the characters he's created, avoiding the obvious temptation to paint Kate, in particular, as a fool or a harridan just so he can enhance Jill's virtues in the viewer's eyes. This equanimity makes the protagonist's romantic dilemma all that much more compelling and empathetic for the audience caught up in the story.As lagniappe, the writer has placed the story in an offbeat film-within-a-film framework that gives the movie an extra added kick at the end.
Excellent Indie-mainstream flick
posted on 15 Jun 2009Parts of the movie were brilliant! The acting was on cue, Schuyler Fisk was so wonderful, I wanted to fall in love with her, too! She actually wrote and performed original songs for the movie! Basically a coming-of-age story set in a very small town, but what sets it apart from some other films is a visceral down-to-earth reality that makes it somehow better. It has that Indie feel to it without any pretension or unprofessional elements.It is a really well cast and well done semi-indie film that will garner success if it gets distributed. The crowd at Tribeca Film Fest were laughing & people had so many questions for the director and writer, it was awesomely received and really a pleasure to watch.
Just saw it on Direct TV - PPV
posted on 27 Feb 2009I just saw this film on Direct TV - PPV last night, and I was really quite taken in by it. My Fiancé did not enjoy it, for obvious reasons, but, we both liked the plot, pacing, acting, and structure of the film.She disagreed with who Reed ended up with in the end, and, I now want to re watch to pick up on more of the clues about who he actually is with, in the end.I think the stand out really was Schuyler Fisk, she did a great job in the movie, has an incredible voice, and, well, I just find so much to like about this thing. A great film, great performances.Loved It.
A charming, gentle movie
posted on 17 Nov 2008I watched this movie via Pay Per View on cable with my daughter last night. Having watched three other movies this weekend, I think I liked this one the best. Reed shows a nearly idyllic view of life in a small town in the summertime, where all the inhabitants are nice folk, and the weather is perfect every day. This movie is really about that moment when you are 20-ish and you really make the big decisions that can determine what the rest of your life will be like. Since the writer put his own real name in the title of the movie, it isn't hard to imagine that this is his story. Yes, this is not the most exciting movie ever, but the main character was very likable, the humor was amusing and the girls very pretty. Compared to "Princess Diaries 2", another PG movie I saw this weekend, "I'm Reed Fish" was easily the more enjoyable film.
A sweet gentle movie.
posted on 27 Aug 2008This film has more in common with a Lifetime cable film than a standard theatrical release. The small budget and short shooting schedule show.The story seems padded and bogs down at times. The incident that causes the rift that is the backbone of the script comes out of left field and is not very believable even in the context of the film. There must be a reason why the goofy guy gets two hot babes to fall for him; just don't ask me what it is. The script doesn't flesh it out and it becomes merely a plot point. Reed Fish's "demons" are mentioned but are only presented in a superficially way.In my opinion, more time should have been spent in humanizing the main characters and less time on the zorse. Still, the "shaggy dog" part of the script was refreshing and added a depth to an otherwise familiar story.The actors are all type cast, but very good at what they do. Alexis Bledel and Schuyer Fisk are adorably amazing. Jay Baruchel once again does an nice job as a schlub. DJ Qualls, AJ Cook and Katey Sagal have their moments.Forget the hype. It is not a sexy laugh riot. But if you're looking to spend 93 minutes with a pleasant cast and a flawed (but agreeable) script, "I'm Reed Fish" is a good place to visit.
very sweet, excellent soundtrack
posted on 01 Aug 2008i loved this movie. i thought it was charming and sweet. i just saw it yesterday. i was so upset that i had not heard of it before. my favorite quote was definitely from rex when he was apologizing for the way he acted when jill broke up with him.... "... or threw that hamburger at you." ha ha ha. i laughed so hard, it was grrreat.(i don't know if including a quote is considered a spoiler or not, i just didn't want my future comments discarded, how sad that would be!)by the way, does anyone know if schuyler fisk was actually singing?i fully intend to purchase the soundtrack as soon as i am able. it was one of the better ones i have heard. (juno being number one on my list of soundtrack fantastics) i loved this movie. i did not know anything about it going into the viewing process. therefore, i did not have any preconceived ideas as to what i thought would happen or what i hoped would happen. i didn't have any anticipation regarding the movie or any hype built up. to be honest, i really enjoyed viewing a movie this way. it helped me to form my own opinions about the plot and gave me the opportunity to experience it as one would if one would an actual character in the movie. i loved the twist in the middle. i was totally not expecting it. the movie was funny. the movie was off beat. the actors did a great job and were totally believable! a perfect ten.
Absolutely Horrendous.
posted on 14 Jul 2008Movie: I'm Reed Fish. Most Appalling Fact: Based off of a true story. Pretty darn close to a true story, actually.Honestly, this is the one person that I wish I have never met. This movie is a so-called "Romantic Comedy," which appears to be the exact opposite. It is of deceit and betrayal, and it may have been the driest movie ever created if it wasn't for some unexpected humor from the anomalous characters—Frank Cortez and Andrew. I couldn't help my uncontrollable anger for this movie that I had to come home to get on the internet to let out a rant. At the beginning, it's quirky, maybe a few "wow,-this-is-stupid,-why-are-we watching-this" type of thing. And then, Reed's "high school crush returns to Mud Meadows on the eve of his marriage to the small town's sweetheart," (plot outline) and it all goes down hill from there. You hate everybody by the end of the movie for their stupidity and devious actions. You will feel nauseous that one person could stoop that low and then never learn from his mistakes, and not even at the end. I mean a Romantic movie? Are you kidding me? There are extremely idiotic reviews which I keep stumbling upon, raving its excellence. I am extremely confused and disgusted. The movie wants you to trust no boy to be faithful in marriage, and not to trust even your best high school friends. While I am at it, the "high school crush" is basically throwing herself at him, and then he is like trying to accept it and she is like appalled by it. Then, she wants him. Then she is like "No, let's not see each other." Then he goes back to the first girl and is crying because he is so upset. He leaves her asparagus on her doorstep as an inside joke typed, "i-love-you-please-forgive-me" action. Then, he doesn't want to be with the girl that he is marrying. NAUSEOUS? If not, waste your money supporting an extremely irritating, annoying, disgusting, aggravating, sickening, stomach-turning, infuriating, frustrating, appalling, nauseating film of "romance and comedy."I actually wish I can give it a 0 out of 10 for this one, that's how horrible it was. I was really upset that an actress as good as Alexis Bledel, would be absolutely wasted to this low of an extent...
Not a romantic comedy, it's actually sort of awful.
posted on 25 Feb 2008I'm Reed Fish, with adorable actors and 'awesome indie date flick' written all over it, it's probably a nice romantic comedy movie, right? Yeah, not really. About a young man who's set to get married to his small town girlfriend, and gets confused when an old flame comes back into his life, this movie will probably not leave you feeling the love and butterflies you'd expect. Though only slightly confusing with it's movie within a movie deal, the real messed up part of this movie is actually the part that's supposed to be romantic and charming. Unless you find a young man cheating on his wife to be, leaving her, and confusing the heck out of both her and the 'other' girl - charming, then no, you will not find this film adorable in the least.At the end of this movie I found myself rooting for no one. I didn't want him to end up with either of them. I mean what did he learn exactly, from all of this? That he wants to go into film making? OK. Actually you know what, I was rooting for someone at the end, and that's for the girl he was supposed to marry. I was rooting for her to find herself someone much better that would make her realize that this guy, is a jerk.
Sweet. But trying to do too much.
posted on 24 Sep 2007If it weren't for the attempt to turn this into some pseudo-Charlie Kaufmann narrative, this film would have been much more successful. The tiny Wisconsin town became a character in itself. Jay Baruchel is quite capable, while Schuyler Fisk is magnetic. If only the writers/director chose not to indulge in that silly 'movie about a movie' approach, going so far as to give writing credit to protagonist "Reed Fish", the escapism so easily bestowed by the film wouldn't be so abruptly and painfully shattered. And for what ends? If the filmmaker insisted on Fish making a film to achieve some cathartic realization (which I can understand), the muddled fashion its presented, such as reintroducing central characters as actors and actresses playing the 'real' ones, is just absurd. It's rushed and handled sloppily. Even the central love interest, who we all fell in love with, is actually only some friend. The 'real' love interest ends up being some partially developed chick. So who cares when they get together in the end? I wasn't even sure who it was. Oh well. I loved this movie except for the third act - which is rather rare.
Reed Fish? Who?
posted on 22 Sep 2007'I'm Reed Fish' is a coming of age romantic comedy set in a small town. The charming small town atmosphere, where everyone knows one another, is well created. Most of the comedic tracks are good except for those involving DJ Qualls (who's very irritating). The story flows well until we discover that what we were watching till now was a movie within a movie. I wonder why the director chose this idea. It didn't work much for me because it took away part of the essence and the movie fails to explain why in the end Kate all of a sudden forgives Reed and why Jill wants to be with him. 'I'm Reed Fish' has a nice soundtrack. Both of Schuyler Fisk's songs are great and the girl can sing. Concerning acting performances, 'I'm Reed Fish' is Jay Baruchel's movie all the way but Victor Rasuk provides funny support as his friend and co-worker. A charming Schuyler Fisk and luminous Alexis Bledel don't have much in terms of screen time and their characters lack development but they do make the best of what they've got. I was particularly bothered that the Jill character was a cardboard. At one moment she's throwing herself at him and then pushing him away. This is repeated but we are offered no explanation of her motivation. Katey Segal is wonderful. Even though the film did not work for me entirely, 'I'm Reed Fish' does imply a certain appeal but this is messed up in a somewhat lacklustre film.
Quirky little film
posted on 05 Aug 2007Reed Fish is, in my opinion, the small quirky type of indie films that the U.S. does well, and which unfortunately are rarely seen outside of America.The film doesn't pretend to be anything except what it is, a small romantic comedy with some life affirming moments and a few quirks. Indeed, the plot quirks (without giving away too much) overshadow what was a simple film up to the end. I had the feeling that to some extent the writers didn't know how to finish their own story, and also wanted something to distinguish the film. Having said all of that, I liked the film. It wasn't pretentious and had its heart in the right place. Its not going to make you think, or win an Oscar, but its a worthwhile hour and a half.
saw it today..and loved it!!
posted on 15 Jan 2007I saw this film today at the Tribeca Film Festival, and think that it is a sure hit...I have been to the festival for the past 5 years and this film is one of very few that has stuck out.Based on the budget and the amount of time that this film was done with, it is incredibly well done. The story Reed Fish has written is fantastic. It is very funny, warm and real. I think this is going to be a big hit. I had a great time with it today and in hearing the cast and some of the crew speak about the film today, it seems as though they are all very down to earth and extremely deserving of the success that this movie is bound to bring to them.
Im Reed Fish
posted on 26 Dec 2006I'm Reed Fish directed by Zackary Adler. Written by Reed Fish. Starring Jay Baruchel, Alexis Bledel, Victor Rasuk, Schuyler Fisk, A.J. Cook, Katey Segal, Shiri Appleby, Valerie Azlynn, I thought this was a intelligent underrated light comedy, and I have to say I was surprised. I think Jay Baruchel, shined in the lead, and I absolutely loved the idea and premise. The story revolves around Reed Fish, a small town radio show host, who is practically the town's messiah. But when a friend from his past comes bck into town for the summer, he starts questioning his simple smalltown life and relationship, among other things. I thought this movie was fresh, interesting, and a very entertaining light-hearded comedy/drama. Both Baruchel and Bledel carry this movie, and it thought it's a nice gem of a movie. Films like this prove that you don't need a big budget, overpaid actors or an outrageous story to make a good movie. Overall I was impressed with it, never bored throughout the movie, and surprised it was this good .8/10 #424 on favorite movie list.
Reed Fish movie
posted on 12 Nov 2006Well I was fortunate enough to be a background actor for this movies, plus had the pleasure of filling in for P.A. Seeing the behind the scenes of this movie I really think made me fully appreciate the film and all the hard work that was put behind it. Jay is a great guy and a great actor, I hope he prosers well in life and whatever he endures. Quall's, is a very funny guy and motivational to comedy. I could not of asked for a better crew to handle this film. Each person who had a hand in making this Movie, I give my graces to. From lighting and sound, the the catering, without the help of so many this movie could not have been possible. To finally see the trailer is awe inspiring, I can't believe that we all did so much work and it turned out so well.Sincerely Yours, Chantel Regouby
Quirky and funny - a great date film
posted on 31 Oct 2006Reed Fish is a small town DJ who took over the radio station from his dad.Reed is also getting ready to get married - that is until an old flame shows up. Many twists and turns and a real surprise about halfway through.Schuyler sings two songs she and Blu Sanders wrote specifically for the movie. She has an amazing singing voice.I think the most surprising twist is the role Shiri Appleby plays. Even after you get the "big" surprise her role still has a "little" surprise for you.Enchanting, endearing... something for everyone. As I said earlier "A great date film"
good movie - go see it!
posted on 20 Aug 2006I saw the movie last night at the film festival in Hamburg. It's a fun movie with a lot of great actors in it. I really enjoyed it and just want to encourage people to go see it. Without giving away to much - I don't think it particularly needed the story within the story - let me just say that. Besides that, it was a lot of fun to watch and the music in the movie is great. Schuyler Fisk is amazing! She has a great voice as well as good acting skills - I really hope to see more of her in the future! The location was well chosen - beautiful shots of the surroundings as well as the village! all in all -> great indie movie, and even more appreciated after hearing from reed fish how much work went into doing this movie in just 18 days!
Who did the casting for this movie?
posted on 25 Jun 2006A cute, small, character driven movie about a guy who looks 15 but is apparently in his mid 20's. On the eve of his wedding, his high school crush comes back to the small town where they grew up. Predictable angst ensues. The soundtrack is good if you like emo country soft rock. The performances are fine, too. Alexis Bledel is very lucky to get so much work considering she only has the one persona. Jay Baruchel channels Zach Braff, which brings me to the main problem with the movie. Unfortunately, it is hard to accept the reality of a town of gorgeous women who inexplicably love scrawny unattractive boys. Worth seeing if you can get it for free, otherwise wait for it to be on Lifetime or MTV.
Excellent movie, charming performances, gets better when you watch it again
posted on 30 Apr 2006I stumbled on to this on my Netflix "instant play" feature as something to watch. The Netflix rating system told me I'd like it, and they were right! So much so that I'll probably buy it soon.The coming of age love story watches the goings-on of Reed Fish, a "literal" big fish in a small town who has a daily radio show he inherited from his dad. The slam dunk in this movie is Schuyler Fisk's performance and music. She's incredibly engaging. Her music is wonderful. Jay Baruchel, as the title character Reed, and Alexis Bledel, as his fiancée, do an excellent job.Some reviewers trash this film for various perceived ills - being rough around the edges - the seeming improbability that two attractive women(Schuyler Fisk and Alexis Bledel) would fall for Reed, - the sometimes stinted dialogue - the complicated story-in-a-storyBut they are completely missing the humour and the point. Reed Fish is a big fish, pun intended, in this little town, and spends his days solving problems for his listeners and otherwise operating as a pillar of his community despite his youth - its meant to be a little weird, I think. There are many moments where the movie laughs at itself for all these "flaws", which I'm sure were engineered in in part to mimic reality. Do yourself a favor - suspend reality for a moment and enjoy it for what it is - a delightfully engaging, charming romantic comedy with a few twists.
A hidden gem! Don't miss it!
posted on 22 Aug 2009What a wonderful gem of a film! I am so angry it flew under-the-radar and couldn't have been something even remotely close to a sleeper hit. I would have been happy with it grossing even 1 Million at the Box Office instead of the paltry $3,130 it ended up with in its entire Box Office run, which, to be fair, only lasted a couple of weeks and was only shown on one screen.It's a good thing Alexis Bledel was in this or I might have missed this great little film. I wasn't all that impressed by the trailer but thought it looked decent. However, being a huge fan of Gilmore Girls, I planned on seeing it anyway for Alexis. I'm really thankful I did. The whole cast is terrific. I especially loved Jay Baruchel in it. I've never been that impressed by him until now. He gives a really nice, natural, and charming performance.I'm just so disappointed that it didn't do better. Did they not even market it? It couldn't have been marketed very well that's for sure. It deserves to be seen. I will definitely do what I can to get people to see it. I'll pimp it out at the video store (unfortunately we only got one copy - we couldn't even get 3? Come on!) and if I can find one I'd like an "I'm Reed Fish" shirt. Then if people ask about my shirt I'll tell them about the movie. Hopefully it can be discovered by quite a few people on DVD.I urge everyone to seek this one out.Grade: 8/10 (A-)