I was expecting low rent slapstick, perhaps something a little crude, something along the lines of a dumbed down Hangover or Bridesmaids.

Best Man Down surprised me, and in a very pleasant way.

I like Justin Long. From Jeepers Creepers, to Accepted, to Dodgeball, and He’s Just Not That Into You. While he fits more comfortably into lighthearted roles, he’s certainly capable of venturing into more heartwarming territory. Best Man Down proves that.

Of course, when I saw Tyler Labine’s bright cherub face, I actually applauded. If you aren’t familiar with this Canadian comic, let me introduce you. Labine has a John Belushi/Chris Farley quality to him, without the personal destructive instability or star power. I could easily divert toward excited praise for Labine’s Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, but I’ll save that for another day.

The movie opens at a wedding reception. Labine’s character has served as best man, and is now pressing his considerable belly to the bar so that he can be served…over and over and over. He is the life of the party. Unfortunately, his life won’t survive the night.

Long and his new wife have to abandon their honeymoon so they can transport the best man’s body home for burial. The process allows Long to discover that he is not as plugged in to his best friend as he thought. Surprises include a secret relationship between “Lumpy” and a teenage girl. Horrified, Long and his bride peel back the layers until they reach the true nature of their friend’s heart.

The critics claim that Best Man Down suffers from a personality disorder, that it can’t decide if it’s a comedy or a drama. Although Long and Labine bring with them a history of comedic success and, therefore, moments of levity, I saw no attempt to make this a comedy. It’s a story of challenge, friendship, loyalty, and generosity. You’re more likely to tear up than laugh.

By the way, take a good look at the actress who plays Long’s mother-in-law. Think Cheers and Nightshift. Wow, Diane. You really let yourself go.

It’s possible I liked this movie so much because it wasn’t what I was expecting. Maybe there was a connection because of Labine’s likability. He strikes you as the kind of guy that would make for a great dinner guest. He seems so gentle and humble. I’m afraid to Google too much about him for fear I could be wrong.

At any rate, give Best Man Down a try, and maybe you’ll see why this movie didn’t let me down.