Click to read the article
Man in the Chair (2007)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:32
Fresh:16
Rotten:16
Average Rating:5.3/10
Consensus: A committed performance from Christopher Plummer can't save Man in the Chair's troubled and cliched script.
Synopsis: MAN IN THE CHAIR stars Christopher Plummer (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, THE SOUND OF MUSIC) as weathered curmudgeon Flash Madden. The former film gaffer is embittered about Hollywood's current regime that... MAN IN THE CHAIR stars Christopher Plummer (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, THE SOUND OF MUSIC) as weathered curmudgeon Flash Madden. The former film gaffer is embittered about Hollywood's current regime that perpetuates a throwaway society by neglecting and forgetting the crews and creators that helped crank out some of the most significant films in cinematic history. He catches the attention of high school delinquent Cameron (Michael Angarano, WILL & GRACE), who tries to convince Flash to mentor him in a filmmaking competition--the only thing that motivates Cameron to stay out of trouble. Impressed by Cameron's persistence, Flash obliges and recruits his fellow crew member friends who live with him at the Motion Picture retirement home to help out as well, celebrating their production specialties that have been dormant for decades. While filming, the crew hits their share of ups and downs, but they become invigorated by their work. Cameron and Flash develop an intense bond and understanding for each other's position in life, as they see the value of both youth and wisdom. The recipient of several film festival awards, MAN IN THE CHAIR is a unique feel-good film, intent on inspiring without glossing over the sadness and struggles of the characters. Although Plummer and Angarano are the clear leads, heart-wrenching supporting performances by character actors M. Emmet Walsh (CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS, MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING) as down-and-out screenwriter Mickey, and Margaret Blye (LAST GOODBYE) as a frisky aging starlet add just the right amount of seriousness and insight the film needs to get its poignant message across. [More]
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Michael Angarano, M. Emmet Walsh, Robert Wagner
Starring: Christopher Plummer, Michael Angarano, M. Emmet Walsh, Robert Wagner, Tracey Walter, Joshua Boyd, Mimi Kennedy, Mitch Pileggi, Taber Schroeder
Director: Michael Schroeder
Director: Michael Schroeder
Screenwriter: Michael Schroeder
Producer: Michael Schroeder, Randy Turrow, Sarah Schroeder
Composer: Laura Karpman
Studio: Outsider Pictures
Reviews for Man in the Chair
It's hard to imagine anyone other than Christopher Plummer taking on the role of Flash Madden.
By the end it's lost any edge and is as soft and unappealing as a geriatric incontinence pad.
Ambitious, heartfelt but, Plummer's excellent performance aside, dramatically lightweight and unconvincing.
A fair-to-middling contemporary fantasy drama that, despite its surfeit of flashy effects, is mildly charming in the way it addresses the injustice of old folk having to live out their final years in decrepit homes.
Watchable drama with a strong performance from Christopher Plummer, though the script often feels simplistic and can't quite manage the emotional punch the story deserves.
This attempt to make a film is about a guy who is attempting to make a film.
Man In The Chair feels a bit like a high school movie project, which is appropriate since that's exactly what it's about.
By salvaging a troubled script with deep, committed, touching portrayals, Plummer and Walsh help prove Schroeder's points about how Hollywood isn't just the province of the rich, young and pretty.
The movie works so hard at juggling its clichés that it fails to generate interest in its story.
Though they can't transcend writer-director Michael Schroeder's pointed contrivances, the actors tap into something achingly true in this valentine to Hollywood's below-the-line crafts people and society's castoffs.
Overdirected and underwritten, this litany of Hallmark Channel tropes and button-pushing sentiment uses Tinseltown treacle to gussy up an otherwise forgettable message movie about humane treatment for the elderly.
A film that probably never wouldn't have seen the light of a projector if it wasn't for some kind of "Let's get Actor X that long-deserved Oscar" grab.
Schroeder's heart is in the right place, but his cinematic taste is unfortunately elsewhere.
Latest News for Man in the Chair
December 06, 2007:
Critical Consensus: The Golden Compass Loses Its Way
This week at the movies, we've got the first installment of the His Dark Materials trilogy, The Golden Compass, starring Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards, and Daniel Craig.... More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Man in the Chair at Rotten Tomatoes
- Man in the Chair at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

