Chuck & Buck (2000)

An oddly naive man-child stalks his childhood best friend and tries to reconnect with their past.

Director:

Miguel Arteta

Writer:

Mike White

Stars:

Mike White, Chris Weitz, Lupe Ontiveros

7 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mike White	...	Buck O'Brien
Chris Weitz	...	Charlie 'Chuck' Sitter
Lupe Ontiveros	...	Beverly Franco
Beth Colt	...	Carlyn Carlson
Paul Weitz	...	Sam
Maya Rudolph	...	Jamilla
Mary Wigmore	...	Diane
Paul Sand	...	Barry
Gino Buccola	...	Tommy
Annette Murphy	...	Tommy's Mom
Glory Simon	...	Witch
Douglas Kieffer	...	Mark
Jonathan Brown	...	Jake
Ruthie Bram	...	Dorothy
Giovanni Gieco	...	Scarecrow

Storyline

Buck is a man-child who has lived his existence in a life of Romper Room, kindergarten collages, and lollipops. When his mother dies suddenly, Buck remembers his old childhood friend Chuck, with whom he feels a need to reconnect after having invited him to his mother's funeral. Buck treks out to Los Angeles where Chuck, an up-and-coming music record executive, is living his life. Buck ends up developing an obsession with Chuck and begins stalking him.

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Plot Keywords:

friend | best friend | funeral | man child | wedding | 

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Taglines:

Can she hear us?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 November 2000 (UK)

Also Known As:

Chuck és Buck

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$250,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$72,831 (USA) (14 July 2000)

Gross:

$1,050,600 (USA) (29 September 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Artisan Entertainment, Blow Up Pictures, Flan de Coco Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Chuck turns to the TV in his office and claims to have signed the band whose video is playing, the TV is showing They Might be Giants playing their song "Dr. Worm".

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Goofs

When Beverly and Buck are deciding who should play Hank, Beverly calls Buck "Mike".

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Quotes

Jolie: What do you do in L.A., Buck?
Buck O'Brien: Um, nothing.
Jolie: I know a lot of people who have that job. It's one of the better jobs you can have. I bet you're very good at it.

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Connections

References Romper Room and Friends (1953)

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Soundtracks

"A World of Joy and Harmony"
Written and Performed by Tony Maxwell
Published by French Boy Music (BMI)

User Reviews

Entertaining look at the stages of life

Highly enjoyable, terrific look at the sometimes difficult transition between childhood and adulthood. Basically deals with the relationship between Chuck and Buck. 'Best' friends in childhood, but who have now taken completely different paths. Chuck is a successful record executive with a beautiful girlfriend. Buck is still immature and longing for the 'good old days'. Buck tracks Chuck down and tries to turn things back to the way they were, which leads to many problems.

Keenly looks at many universal human experiences from catering to that 'inner child', avoiding change, holding on to memories of simpler times, and even facing the fact that people can change and drift apart. It does all this while still conveying it's message (that accepting change is your best medicine) without ever being too preachy or too cute.

Fairs better than other films of similar type (FLOUNDERING, FREE ENTERPRISE) simply because the characters and situations are more consistent. This allows the viewer to better identify with their own similar experiences.

White as Buck is dynamite. Not only does he convincingly play a 11 year old, but he actually LOOKS like one despite being a adult.

Has a good non-flashy finale that,in it's own low key way, really hits home. A winner. Look quickly for Paul Sand as one of the playhouse directors