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Your successful friend is coming to town. Time to panic.
TMDB
58
IMDb
59
Rotten Tomatoes
44

Second Best (2004)

cringe comedy goldmidlife meltdownfriendship on fire

Overview

Comedy

Jealousy overwhelms a group of friends, particularly struggling writer Elliot, as they prepare for the homecoming of their old friend, a wildly successful L.A. producer.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
envy as performance artthe myth of successmasculine fragility

Standout Aspects

Acting

Joe Pantoliano's sweaty desperation is uncomfortably perfect.

Writing

Dialogue that stings with recognizable petty jealousy.

Best for:Solo: When you're the least successful person you know.·Friends: Group viewing with your most insecure pals.
Heads up:Triggers: Relentless secondhand embarrassment throughout.
E

Director

Eric Weber

ReleasedJan 1, 2004
Runtime1h 26m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacesteady
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feelmedium
Tenafly Film Company
Keep Your Head Productions

Top Cast

Joe Pantoliano

Joe Pantoliano

Elliot

Boyd Gaines

Boyd Gaines

Richard

Peter Gerety

Peter Gerety

Marshall

Bronson Pinchot

Bronson Pinchot

Doc Klingenstein

Matthew Arkin

Matthew Arkin

Gerald

Jennifer Tilly

Jennifer Tilly

Carole

Stephen Bogardus

Stephen Bogardus

George

Barbara Barrie

Barbara Barrie

Dorothea

Polly Draper

Polly Draper

Paula

Damian Young

Damian Young

Robert Stern

Irma St. Paule

Irma St. Paule

Beth

Ask about Second Best

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Director Eric Weber also wrote the original screenplay in the 1990s, satirizing his own experiences as a struggling writer in L.A.

Cultural

The film captures a specific pre-social media anxiety—when success was only visible at reunions, not constantly on Instagram.

YouTube

Trailer for SECOND BEST

Trailer for SECOND BEST

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