The Amateurs (The Moguls) (Dirty Movie)

Critics Consensus

The Amateurs is a largely unfunny sex comedy that squanders a talented cast.

19%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 26

54%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 17,284
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The Amateurs (The Moguls) (Dirty Movie) Photos

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Movie Info

A man down on his luck hatches a different kind of get-rich-quick scheme in this independent comedy. Andy Sargentee (Jeff Bridges) is a middle-aged divorcé who is down in the dumps after the departure of his wife, Thelma (Jeanne Tripplehorn), and son, Billy (Alex D. Linz). The fact that Thelma's new hubby is quite wealthy only makes things more troubling for Andy, and he keeps thinking that if he had more money he could be back in her good graces. One night, while knocking back drinks with his friends, Andy has a brainstorm -- pornography is big business these days, so why not round up the local talent and make an adult movie? Andy persuades his friend Barney (Tim Blake Nelson) to sign on as co-producer, and they start putting together a crew, including Emmett (Patrick Fugit), a kid with a video camera who becomes director of photography; Otis (William Fichtner), who volunteers to be the gofer who doesn't really do anything; and as director a guy known only by his nickname, Some Idiot (Joe Pantoliano). Casting proves to be a bit more problematic, especially after they discover that Moose (Ted Danson), who has been cast in the male lead, may be gay when he repeatedly fails to rise to the occasion. The Amateurs also stars Lauren Graham, Valerie Perrine, and Glenne Headly as some of the local women drafted into appearing in the movie; the picture was released in the United Kingdom under the title The Moguls. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
  • Rating:
    R (for sexual content and language)
  • Genre:
    Comedy
  • Directed By:
    Michael Traeger
  • Written By:
    Michael Traeger
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    First Look Studios

Cast

Jeff Bridges
as Andy Sargentee
Tom Bower
as Floyd
Ted Danson
as Moose
Tim Blake Nelson
as Barney Macklehatton
Joe Pantoliano
as Some Idiot
William Fichtner
as Otis
Patrick Fugit
as Emmett
Glenne Headly
as Helen Tatelbaum
Brad William Henke
as Ron
John Hawkes
as Moe
Dawn Didawick
as Clara
Jayne Taini
as Mrs. Morelli
Lauren Graham
as Peggy
Jeanne Tripplehorn
as Thelma
Alex D. Linz
as Billy
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News & Interviews for The Amateurs (The Moguls) (Dirty Movie)

Critical Consensus: The Golden Compass Loses Its Way
Trailer Bulletin: Jeff Bridges in "The Amateurs"
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Critic Reviews for The Amateurs (The Moguls) (Dirty Movie)

All Critics (26) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (21)

View All Critic Reviews (26)

Audience Reviews for The Amateurs (The Moguls) (Dirty Movie)

  • Nov 03, 2011
    First rate cast of regular faces clowning around in a less than first rate feature that tries but doesn't quite deliver. Small towners unite to make a porno to bolster their less than promising fortunes.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • May 28, 2011
    The Amateurs is a terrific comedy about a man who seeks to make a quick by making a porno and enlists his buddies. They set out to make an amateur porn film. The plot may seem a tad uninteresting and maybe offensive to some, but it's definitely not. The film is a well acted, and plot film that actually has heart. The film is not what you'd expect. I was pleasantly surprised with this film and I thought the cast delivered great performances. In The Amateurs you have a mixed bunch of talented actors and they all bring something unique to the screen. The Amateurs is a film that borderlines on drama, as it has a few dramatic bits because the lead character Andy, tries to reconnect with his son after a divorce, which by the films end, does just that. I really believe that this is an underrated Comedy drama film. Critics have been unfair to this one and really how can they give this film a bad review? Sure it's not everyones cup of tea, but The Amateurs is charming film that has a wonderful cast of actors and good comic moments. I'd say that The Amateurs is a feel good film. One thing that is a big plus for the film is it's ensemble cast of talented actors, Jeff Bridges, Ted Danson, Tim Blake Nelson and Joe Pantoliano make this film enjoyable. What we have with The Amateurs is a very well acted comedy film thats very underrated and that doesn't follow the usual stupid formula of every other comedy out there. Sure the plot is silly a bit, but it's smartly crafted and with the cast at hand, they really make this film work well. A wonderful comedy that so many critics haven't realized how good it really is.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Oct 07, 2010
    This movie was chock full of familiar faces, and yet could have been better.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 08, 2010
    This film is a lighthearted spoof on porn movies that makes fun of all the myths about the industry and while it is not laugh out hilarious, it will keep you smiling. Now before you say, "I don't want to see a movie about making a porno!" just hold on okay, (*spoiler?..it didn't actually contain any porn and It's Not About Sex.*) There goes three quarters of the people who were going to check "Want to see it" lol. Cast: Tim Blake Nelson, Joe Pantoliano, Ted Danson, Glenne Headley, Jane Tripplehorn, William Fichtner, Patrick Fugit, among others. Andy (Jeff Bridges) is having a bad year. His wife leaves him because he is a loser and is now remarried to a guy who is stinking rich and his son is living with his wife's new husband in their fancy mansion. All Andy wants is to impress his son and to make him feel that he has a father who cares very much for him. But he's an out-of-work loser whose every plan always dissipates. But one day whilst he is at a bar, Andy comes up with the idea of to make a porno film in the hopes that it will change his fortune and life and he gets the townsfolk to help him. The real theme of the movie is about the love between a father and son, and for those of you who are still confused.....Check out this film and you'll understand what I am talking about.
    Deb S Super Reviewer
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