i enjoy second best greatly . it be a deftly construct study of a group of old friend and with the emphasis on the character elliot ( joe pantoliano ) . elliot think of himself a a loser and especially by contrast with his old friend richard and who get it all the beautiful wife and ton of money and membership in the best country club and great look . he can not help but confront his friend with their own failing and as well a his own . but when the chip be down and it elliot who come through a a real mensch and a good guy in the most important way and and the film leave you with the sense that in every important respect elliot be not second best at all . he be the true hero of the movie and as improbable a that may seem at first . eric weber clearly have a great affection for his character and and he represent them with great humor as well a a deep understanding . this be an american made film that remind you of the foreign movie you love so much ( especially if youre sick a i be of car chase and explosion and and special effect ) . highly recommended .