Douchebag: refers to a person, usually male, with a variety of negative qualities.

 

About the Film

Douchebag: the term refers to a person, usually male, with a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance, and engaging in obnoxious and / or irritating actions without malicious intent.

Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike on the occasion of its world premiere in competition at Sundance 2010, DOUCHEBAG is the second feature by 27 year-old writer/director Drake Doremus, whose first film, Spooner, was presented at Slamdance in 2009.

This was the website created for the roll out of the movie. The content is from the site's 2009-2010 archived pages. I saw the film at Sundance and enjoyed this pleasant slacker comedy. I returned to Baltimore to pack up for my favorite Baltimore movers who were arriving in two weeks to take all my stuff to Washington DC where I was to start my graduate studies at Georgetown. I love this company. Not only have I used them several times, but once I recommended them to friends. They have utilized the company's moving and or storage services, posting Yelp reviews raving about their customer service and the professionalism. At the first of several "pack to move" parties I had so friends would help with the packing, I told them about Douchebag, saying that if they wanted to catch it, the movie was having a limited opening in 2010. Recently I looked to see if it were available on Netflix. Nope! But it is available at picaflix.com/ in HD. Well, read the reviews and you decide if it's worth your time.

TOMATOMETER& CRTICS 57% / TOMATOMETER AUDIENCE REVIEWERS 80%

A loud-mouthed lout has a less than cordial reunion with his brother in this independent comedy drama from director Drake Doremus. Sam Nussbaum (Andrew Dickler) is an insufferably opinionated loser who has somehow managed to charm a beautiful young woman, Steph (Marguerite Moreau), who has agreed to marry him. Steph is puzzled when she learns that Sam hasn't invited his brother, Tom (Ben York Jones), to the upcoming wedding; Sam doesn't want to talk about it, so Steph decides to surprise her fiancé by arranging for Tom to come to Los Angeles, where the couple lives. Sam and Tom had a falling out years before that neither of them likes to talk about, and as the siblings get reacquainted, the emotional distance between them is clear. When Tom mentions in passing that the only girl he ever loved was a classmate from grade school, Sam insists they drop everything and set out to find her; this leads to a grand-scale road trip that at once brings the brothers together and reinforces their opinions of one another, while also giving Sam a reason to postpone a wedding he no longer wants. Douchebag received its world premiere at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Rating: NR
Genre: Comedy , Drama
Directed By:    Drake Doremus
Written By:     Andrew Dickler , Drake Doremus , Lindsay Stidham , Jonathan Schwartz
In Theaters:     Oct 1, 2010 limited
Runtime: 81 minutes
Studio: Paladin

+++

 

"One of the funniest bits ever is the skit Andrew does with Drake. They're wearing crazy fat suits, long wigs, pj bottoms and Batman t shirts. They're trying to make a purchase decision on which new Batman t shirt they wanted since they could only afford one, but wanted so many. They're looking for shirts on their phones and end up on a website that has such a large selection that they can't make up their minds. After a hilarious back and forth about t shirt sizes and philosophy, the real Batman appears and tells them, "Despite what you may have been told, Batman never wears any Batman shirts!" This guy, Andrew (not Batman) has a knack for the funny stuff and this film is not the only example." Roger Sherman

 

REVIEWS FROM ROTTEN TOMATO

October 29, 2010

Steven Rea | Inquirer Movie Critic

Little Film is Wincingly Funny

As anthropological study, as a short-storylike glimpse into a character better observed from afar - or through the lens of a jumpy digital video camera - Douchebag is undeniably fascinating.

A little indie with a mumblecore vibe (scruffy dudes in their late 20s, talky and improvised, super-low-budget), director Drake Doremus' feature lasts all of 71 minutes. And by the time you're through with bearded, balding Sam Nussbaum (Andrew Dickler), that's plenty.

Sam lives in L.A. with the impossibly cute Steph (Marguerite Moreau). They're about to get married, and she wonders why Sam's brother, an artist, isn't coming to the wedding - or why her fiance hasn't even talked to him for years. Family is important at a time like this, so she takes it upon herself to find Tom (Ben York Jones) and bring him home.

"For her sake, let's just pretend to like each other," Sam whispers to Tom, off on their own after the groom-to-be has gotten over the shock of seeing his estranged sib.

It takes a road trip on the part of the brothers - to Palm Springs, then to San Diego - to learn why Tom and Sam haven't kept in touch. And why Doremus' often funny, just-as-often wincingly painful film bears the title it does.

No, actually, that becomes apparent much earlier on, when Sam snaps just because his brother doesn't own a credit card.

Dickler, gangly and intense, shares writing credit with Doremus and two others on Douchebag, and his riffy, off-the-rails rants and reckless energy certainly have a magnetic pull. Jones plays the sensitive younger sibling with a watchful, geeky air, and Moreau's cheer and charm give way to something sadder and more perceptive as events unfold.

There are instances when the seams and stitching of modest construction reveal themselves, breaking the otherwise realistic (and voyeuristic) experience. But mostly, Doremus' movie rings true, as some truly jerky behavior ensues.

+++

October 28, 2010

Colin Covert Top Critic | Minneapolis Star Tribune

Chemistry fuels road-trip comedy

Two brothers, one marriage-bound, hit the road and find funny patches along the way

★★ 1/2 out of 4 stars

An insubstantial but pleasant slacker comedy, "Douchebag" takes two feuding adult brothers, sticks them in a car and sends them on a wild goose chase across California.

Sam and Tom (Andrew Dickler and Ben York Jones) are uneasily reunited when Sam's fiancée (Marguerite Moreau) insists on a show of family unity at the wedding. To make Tom feel less like an odd man out, the couple urge him to invite his one true love, a fifth-grade classmate he hasn't seen in years. Groom-to-be Sam jumps at the chance to drive his brother on the search for the girl of Tom's dreams. It soon becomes clear that big brother is coming along not so much to support Tom as to escape the pressure of his impending marriage.

It's a fairly standard odd-couple setup, with bickering siblings discovering that, despite their conflicting natures, they really do like and respect each other. "Douchebag" misses being a formula movie -- narrowly -- because the script and performances make the leads into specific, eccentric individuals whose relationship becomes more interesting as the story noodles along.

The setup favors Sam's viewpoint that Tom is a lazy, pampered phony, sponging off their parents while pretending to be a serious artist. Self-effacing Tom is appalled by Sam's girl-chasing ways, and appalled that such a weedy, insensitive guy could have such a high success rate. Little by little, "Douchebag" redefines their relationship. By the time the film is over 81 minutes later, the dynamic between the two has shifted amusingly.

Writer/director Drake Doremus has created a funny movie where the humor comes from the nature of the characters rather than obvious comic setups. Dickler and Jones have an unforced chemistry, working smoothly together to get laughs without trying to be funny.

Like their performances, the film has an unforced naturalism. Doremus prefers colorful, digressive and silly character-driven vignettes to rigid plotting. This is the kind of film where a pompous, self-professed vegetarian reveals his true personality by tearing into a hamburger when the woman in his life isn't looking. The film, modest in scale and micro-budgeted, feels more like an appetizer than a proper meal, but it's tasty nonetheless.

+++

October 3, 2010

Cole Smithey

Not Rated. 71 mins. (D-) (Zero Stars - out of five/no halves)

Mumblecore is similar to the defunct Grunge movement that outlasted its cause by half a decade. The indy-sub-genre could be summed up as "lazy, ignorant, and unkempt Granola hippy dudes daring each other to new ethical lows." The idiot of the film's title is vegetarian Sam (Andrew Dickler), a mean spirited hippy dude on the verge of marrying above his class to kind-hearted Steph (Marguerite Moreau). Since a falling out two-years earlier, Sam hasn't spoken to his artistically inclined brother Tom (Ben York Jones). Steph retrieves Tom from his home in another town to bring him to the wedding six days early. Romantically disinclined twentysomething Tom hasn't had a girlfriend since Mary Berger in fifth grade. Sam seizes on the opportunity to insist that the brothers go on a road trip to locate Mary Barger for Tom to invite to attend the wedding. If watching inarticulate men dressed and acting like eight-year-old boys appeals to you then "Douchebag" might be your bag. At least the filmmakers titled it properly.


+++

October 28, 2010

Moira MacDonald  |Top Critic Seattle Times

Despite the brief running time, audiences will likely lose interest before the film's speedy conclusion; turns out the most unexpected -- and entertaining -- thing about "Douchebag" is its title.

+++

October 3, 2010

Avi Offer | NYC Movie Guru

Sam Nussbaum (Andrew Dickler) doesn’t expect his younger brother, Tom (Ben York Jones), to come to his upcoming wedding. Merely one day before the wedding, Steph (Marguerite Moreau), Sam’s fiancée, drives all the way to Tom’s home to pick him up and re-unite him with Sam. Tom realizes that he needs a date for the wedding, so Sam agrees to drive him across the state of California in search of his long-lost love, Mary Barger, who hasn’t seen since the fifth grade. A web search results in multiple addresses where a Mary Barger resides in, so Sam and Tom visit each one—assuming that she’s alive and single. Along the way, the brothers experience some sibling rivalry and, to make matters worse, Steph love and trust of Sam begins to wane. Will the wedding take place or will it be cancelled? Is Tom merely quixotic when it comes to his search for Mary? Whom among the two brothers is the titular douchebag? The screenplay by director/co-writer Drake Doremus and co-writers Lindsay Stidham, Jonathan Schwartz and Andrew Dickler could have been a big, uneven mess, but, fortunately, it remains focused on the relationship between Sam and Tom as well as Sam and Steph. Each brother’s complex personality comes out during their journey together. There’s more to Sam and Tom than meets the eye because they have good and bad qualities that make you like them one minute and dislike them the next. It’s easy to see why Steph might question her love of Sam because, after all, he’s not particularly trustworthy or loyal for that matter. He claims to be a vegetarian, yet he unashamedly eats a hamburger. He may be about to get married, but he certainly doesn’t behave like he’s engaged around other women. It’s not quite clear, though, what Steph saw in Sam to begin with, so a little bit more backstory about how they met would have been helpful. Newcomers Andrew Dickler and Ben York Jones both give natural performances that cover a wide range of emotions convincingly. Sure, Douchebag doesn’t offer any real surprises or tread new ground when it comes to indie road movies where characters bond and experience epiphanies along the way---i.e., The Other Side of Paradise and Easier with Practice. If only the third act wouldn’t have been so lazy and rushed, Douchebag would have been a much more rewarding, memorable and powerful drama. At a running time of only 1 hour and 16 minutes, Douchebag is a focused and mostly compelling drama with interesting characters and very natural, raw performances, but its lazy, rushed third act sinks it into mediocrity and blandness.

 

 

More Background on DoucheBagMovie.com

DoucheBagMovie.com was the official website for the independent film "Douchebag," a 2010 comedy-drama that made waves on the festival circuit and among indie film enthusiasts. The site functioned as a central hub for information, promotion, and engagement around the film, supporting its journey from Sundance to limited theatrical release. This article explores the website’s purpose, the film it represented, critical reception, cultural impact, media coverage, and its place in the indie film landscape.

Purpose and Content of DoucheBagMovie.com

DoucheBagMovie.com was established to promote "Douchebag," serving as the film’s digital home during its festival debut and subsequent release. Like many official film websites, it included:

  • Plot summaries and character bios

  • Cast and crew information

  • Trailers and clips

  • Press kits and media reviews

  • Screening dates and locations

  • Behind-the-scenes photos and production notes

  • Links to social media and platforms for audience interaction

The timing of the website’s launch, coinciding with the film’s Sundance premiere, was strategic. It allowed the filmmakers to harness festival buzz and direct interested viewers to a single, authoritative source for updates and engagement.

The Film: "Douchebag" (2010)

Story and Themes

"Douchebag" tells the story of Sam Nussbaum, a brash and opinionated Los Angeles resident, and his estranged younger brother Tom. Days before Sam’s wedding, his fiancée Steph orchestrates a reunion between the brothers, leading to an impromptu road trip across California in search of Tom’s childhood crush. The journey becomes a vehicle for exploring sibling rivalry, unresolved grievances, and personal growth.

The film is notable for its mumblecore aesthetic, emphasizing naturalistic dialogue, improvisational performances, and the awkwardness of everyday interactions. Themes of self-deception, family dysfunction, and the struggle for authenticity run throughout the narrative.

Cast and Crew

  • Director: Drake Doremus, later acclaimed for "Like Crazy"

  • Writers: Andrew Dickler, Drake Doremus, Lindsay Stidham, Jonathan Schwartz

  • Cast: Andrew Dickler (Sam), Ben York Jones (Tom), Marguerite Moreau (Steph), Nicole Vicius, Amy Ferguson, Wendi McLendon-Covey

Production and Release

Produced on a modest budget, "Douchebag" was shot in a loose, improvisational style. It premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where it was featured in competition. The film received a limited theatrical release in October 2010, targeting indie film audiences and festivalgoers.

Critical Reception

"Douchebag" received a range of responses from critics, reflecting both the strengths and limitations of its indie sensibility.

Positive Reviews

  • Philadelphia Inquirer: Praised the film as "wincingly funny" and highlighted its anthropological approach to character study. The reviewer noted the magnetic performance of Andrew Dickler and the film’s realistic, voyeuristic style, despite the visible seams of its low-budget production.

  • Minneapolis Star Tribune: Called it an "insubstantial but pleasant slacker comedy," applauding the chemistry between the leads and the film’s unforced naturalism. The evolving relationship between the brothers was seen as a highlight, with humor emerging from character rather than contrived setups.

  • NYC Movie Guru: Commended the film’s focus on complex, flawed characters and natural performances. The reviewer found the drama mostly compelling, though criticized the third act for feeling rushed and less rewarding.

Mixed and Negative Reviews

  • Cole Smithey: Delivered a harsh critique, likening the film’s mumblecore style to the "defunct Grunge movement" and describing the characters as "lazy, ignorant, and unkempt." The reviewer found little appeal in the depiction of inarticulate men and felt the film’s title was its most accurate aspect.

  • Seattle Times: Suggested that the film’s brief runtime did not prevent audience disengagement, with the title being the most unexpected and entertaining element.

Audience Response

Audience reactions were similarly divided. Fans of indie cinema and mumblecore appreciated the film’s rawness and authenticity, while others found the characters difficult to empathize with and the story slight. Nonetheless, the film’s willingness to embrace awkwardness and flawed humanity resonated with a niche but passionate audience.

Press and Media Coverage

"Douchebag" and its website received attention primarily through film festival reports, critical reviews, and entertainment features. The film’s provocative title was a frequent topic of discussion, with some media outlets noting both the marketing challenges and the curiosity it generated.

Coverage in major newspapers and film publications focused on the film’s Sundance debut, its performances, and its place within the mumblecore movement. The website was often referenced as the official source for information, screening schedules, and press materials, playing a key role in the film’s outreach strategy.

Audience and Cultural Significance

Target Audience

DoucheBagMovie.com and the film itself were aimed at:

  • Indie film enthusiasts

  • Festival audiences

  • Fans of mumblecore and character-driven storytelling

  • Viewers interested in offbeat comedies and relationship dramas

The website’s design and content likely reflected the film’s indie ethos, appealing to viewers seeking alternatives to mainstream Hollywood fare.

Cultural and Social Impact

"Douchebag" contributed to the ongoing conversation about the mumblecore genre, which emphasizes authenticity, improvisation, and the exploration of everyday life. The film’s candid portrayal of flawed characters and awkward relationships offered a counterpoint to more polished studio productions.

The website played a role in building a community around the film, facilitating discussion and engagement among viewers who identified with its themes or appreciated its unconventional style.

Notable Features and Examples

  • The website likely showcased clips and trailers that highlighted the film’s improvisational humor and raw emotional moments.

  • Press kits and reviews provided context for the film’s critical reception, helping visitors understand its place in the indie landscape.

  • Behind-the-scenes content may have offered insights into the collaborative, low-budget production process, a hallmark of mumblecore filmmaking.

Legacy and Lasting Impressions

DoucheBagMovie.com served as a vital promotional tool for "Douchebag," supporting its festival run and limited release. The film itself remains a notable example of early 2010s indie cinema, remembered for its willingness to embrace discomfort, its naturalistic performances, and its exploration of sibling dynamics.

While the website’s active period was relatively brief, it played a key role in connecting the film with its audience and amplifying its presence in a crowded indie market. The film’s critical reception, both positive and negative, reflects the challenges and rewards of making and marketing unconventional stories in the digital age.

 

DoucheBagMovie.com exemplified the function of an official indie film website: informing, engaging, and building community around a unique cinematic voice. Its association with a film that divided critics and audiences alike speaks to the vibrancy and diversity of the indie film scene. Through festival buzz, critical debate, and grassroots promotion, both the film and its website left a mark on the landscape of American independent cinema.

 

DoucheBagMovie.com