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The Third Wheel

Play trailer Poster for The Third Wheel PG-13 2002 1h 30m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
33% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 32% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
When Stanley met Diana, he hadn't been on a date in years. She was easily the most appealing woman he'd ever seen. For months now, he's been writing down the perfect way to ask her out, and imagining the perfect date. Much to his surprise, when he finally has the nerve to ask her out, she says yes. When the big night finally comes, everything that can go wrong on a date, does -- thanks to an uninvited stranger. What starts out as an annoyance turns into something that surprises them all.
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The Third Wheel

Critics Reviews

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Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Oct 15, 2007
Just when the movie should be getting more annoying, it becomes highly enjoyable -- thanks to Lacopo's warm performance. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jul 27, 2006
2/4
...often feels more like a second-rate sitcom than an actual movie. Go to Full Review Oz eFilmCritic.com May 26, 2004
2.5/5
The Third Wheel sucks, but it sucks a lot less than many films of its kind, with lesser names and worse screenplays, which for some reason get on a whole lot more screens. Go to Full Review Brian Orndorf Modamag.com May 15, 2004
2/10
Christopher Null Filmcritic.com Apr 16, 2004
2.5/5
in the end I was starting to feel like I was the third wheel in the relationship between the DVD and my DVD player Go to Full Review Caffeinated Clint Moviehole Apr 14, 2004
As beautiful and amiable as she is amusing, this is one of Richard's best parts...easily tolerable and not to mention, a tad cute. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marcus T @MarcusT12 Jan 19, 2026 This movie doesn't work at all. Luke Wilson's character is unlikable. He's in just about every scene. Denise Richard's character is not endearing and the two don't have any chemistry. The third wheel, Jay Lacopo, is an annoying character, and there are few laughs in this comedy. I kept waiting for it to get better. It didn't. The obligatory happy ending falls flat. Don't waste your time. See more Munkhchimeg T @RT64187897 Jul 20, 2024 Great movie with great cast 🤩 See more May 1, 2018 Very good, especially considering how long ago it was made. See more Jan 14, 2018 It was ok and got really cute. A favorite now. See more Jul 29, 2014 This one got gradually better as the movie went on, springing surprise cameos and serving some reasonable jokes. Different but I wouldn't watch it again. See more Sep 13, 2013 Just annoyingly pathetic. See more Read all reviews
The Third Wheel

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Jordan Brady

Director

Luke Wilson

Stanley

Denise Richards

Diana Evans

Jay Lacopo

Phil

Ben Affleck

Michael

Matt Damon

Kevin

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The Third Wheel

Denise Richards and Luke Wilson in Jordan Brady's The Third Wheel. The Third Wheel (2002) The Third Wheel (2002) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When Stanley met Diana, he hadn't been on a date in years. She was easily the most appealing woman he'd ever seen. For months now, he's been writing down the perfect way to ask her out, and imagining the perfect date. Much to his surprise, when he finally has the nerve to ask her out, she says yes. When the big night finally comes, everything that can go wrong on a date, does -- thanks to an uninvited stranger. What starts out as an annoyance turns into something that surprises them all.
Director
Jordan Brady
Producer
Louis G. Friedman, Stavros Merjos, Chris Moore, Adam Rosenfelt, Chad Snopek
Screenwriter
Jay Lacopo
Production Co
Miramax
Rating
PG-13 (Brief Drug Use|Sexual Content/Dialogue)
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 6, 2017
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Surround
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