Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-23 11:23:07

It's Kind of a Funny Story

This review is from: It's Kind of a Funny Story (Amazon Instant Video) Note: There are a few spoilers in here. So please do not read if you haven't watched the film yet. Or please do read if you just want to know what happens.I think it's safe to say that this was Zach Galifianakis' breakthrough performance. He has always been able to play his usual character. How awkward can he make a situation without being murdered? The hilarity isn't just in his performance but in the reaction of others. It's in his comedy and is shown through his portrayals of other characters in various films such as The Hangover and Due Date. When I started watching this film, that's what I was expecting, but I found that I was pleasantly surprised by his performance through this film. He was the perfect foil to the young protagonist.One thing that I did like about the film was that it portrayed depression from a different perspective. Some people feel that depression is all or nothing. You've either hit rock bottom or you're just on the surface like everyone else. Craig, from his own outward appearance and mannerisms, seems completely fine. He's smart, willing to explore the world, but scared of the possibilities of failure and his inability to overcome his own fears. His explanation of why he was afraid, a domino effect of one tragedy after another concluding to being lonely and homeless, was brilliant. It gave me flashbacks of high school and what I feared the most. Afer all, it's a double edged sword. There's the fear of what happens after you fail as well as after you succeed.Unfortunately, that was the one thing that kept the film enjoyable for me. I think what I was looking for was a character who is not only relatable but realistic. And realism for the audience is in the eye of personal experience, but I felt left out of Craig's revelations. For example, in the beginning he mentions a few of his classmates and their list of accomplishments and finally when it comes to him, underneath his name there is nothing. I could definitely relate to it. In his different experiences while at the psychiatric ward, he realizes he loves art and creates wonderful paintings. In a performance of "Changes," he stuns everyone else. He even helps his own roommate, Muqtada, come out of the room after simply mentioning that there's more out in the world to experience. It's obvious that he is noticed through motivating others to "live" just like he wants to. It's great, but that's when the break in realism happens for me. Of course, through these characters, there is a reflection of him in each of them. Each person he helps, he's breaking free a little bit more and more. With Muqtada, it was the last chain he needed to break free into the real world. Its symbolism is great, but it's lost on my own feelings toward the film.A few characters within the film fell flat. Noelle is a perfect example of this. She is the girl Craig notices in the psychiatric ward, and they take a liking to each other immediately. However, after watching the film, I felt that she was a part of his world just to include future tension between Craig and Nia (who was also a very flat character). And please don't judge me for this, but it's Pixies, not The Pixies (yes, I had to include that somewhere).Is this film worth seeing? Despite my own criticisms toward the film, I think this film is definitely worth seeing. However, it isn't a repeater. It won't be in my collection that I could comfortably watch again and again on a desert island. But for something a little uplifting and funny? Definitely.

David Ferguson 2012-05-23 00:13:51

It Starts on a Bridge

Greetings again from the darkness. Attended a screening last eveningand came away a bit surprised. The preview, thanks in part to IdaMaria's blaring "Oh My God", had me convinced this was going to be atypical slapstick teen comedy. Instead, co-writers and co-directorsAnna Boden and Ryan Fleck deliver a black comedy-drama that has appealto both teens and grown-ups.The story revolves around Craig, a 16 year old who is feeling depressedand suicidal given the pressures of a relentless father, loomingcollege entrance exams and a screwed up social life. You are right ifyou are thinking this sounds like just about every 16 year old on theplanet. The difference here is that Craig checks himself into a psychward ... he ends up in the adult wing, as the teen wing is undergoingrenovations. Craig is played by Keir Gilchrist, who I can best describeas a young Keanu Reeves clone, only too smart rather than too clueless.Since this is a comedy, you can imagine the characters who fill theward. Craig bonds with Bobby, played by Zach Galifianakis, who seemshappy to play the mentor role for Cool Craig, but just can't seem tofind the strength to live his own life. Of course, we also get theemotionally damaged hot girl played exceptionally well by Emma Roberts(daughter of Eric, niece of Julia; Nancy Drew). The film accepts itsown stereotypes for the other characters with labels such as "theschizophrenic".The message of the film seems to be that we all go through stages ofdoubt and uncertainty, and the best "cure" is to somehow remove thestress and discover our real talents and personality. You may end upcreating art in the form of a brain map, or even a music video ofBowie/Queen's "Under Pressure" (an elaborate inset to the film).The filmmakers appeared to struggle with where their line was for thedirection of the story. With previous films "Half-Nelson" and "Sugar",my guess is their vision was a much more complex and darker scriptrather than the final version which has more mass appeal. The ZachGalifianiakis character specifically, seemed poised to make a realstatement. Instead we are left with his reserved, knowing smile asCraig presents him a gift and the hope of getting together for pingpong. Also, not much story is given to Emma Roberts and her penchantfor cutting herself. She seems magically cured after a roof topencounter with Craig. Anyway, the comedy sections are more successfulthan the drama sections, provided you are able to find humor in theillness and weakness of others.This is certainly not at the level of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo'sNest", but it is an entertaining film from a comedic perspective. Itwill probably be remembered as Zach Galifianiakis fist role where heflashed some real acting chops, and hopefully as Emma Roberts breakoutrole.

S. Jhoanna Robledo 2012-05-22 06:04:00

Coming-of-age dramedy explores teen pressures, angst.

Raoul Duke 2012-05-21 23:46:13

the funniest and in general the second best psych ward film ever (cookoo's best)

So I watched "it's kind of a funny story" from 2010 starring one of myfavorite comedians Zach Galifianakis and some kid. So was it good, Isay hell yeah this movie was great it's almost worthy of a non skewed 8on IMDb. I say almost just because it is really really good but notlike classic good. This film is truly of the indy variety and one of myfavorite films that I have seen recently. It is imaginative, original,well written, well shot, well acted, you name it. This movie touches onsome very sensitive subject matter as it does take place almostentirely in a psych ward in a hospital. This movie is the story of ateenager going through some tough times, not because he has a roughlife, but because he is just feeling a lot of pressure and stress anddoesn't know how to handle it. He has a good life by most anyone'saccount which is something he acknowledges. I grew up in a similarsituation to this kid and could empathize and appreciate what he wasgoing through. Zach plays a great supporting role opposite the kid, heis very funny at times and at other times we get a glimpse into whatbrought him to stay in the loony bin. This film has one of the funniestmovie scenes I have seen of any movie ever and it involves a beaver(sort of). "It's" incorporates fantasy and animation beautifully on topof everything it has going for it. So now we ask is this movie foreveryone, NO! This movie is esoteric and an independent film. Look ifyou like the pixies you will like this movie. If you just askedyourself "whats a pixies?" don't watch. if you like concise reviews ofinteresting films please read my other reviews athttp://raouldukeatthemovies.blogspot.com/

agudele 2012-05-17 02:27:41

This was a wonderful movie.

You know the kind of movie, that gives you a feeling of thought andweighing your own life. Well, for me this was that type of movie. Itwas heart warming, personally addressing and thought-out. This moviegave me a feeling of similarity with my life, that made it somewhatpersonal and gave it a bigger meaning. The jokes are funny and theactors are well chosen for their parts. The story is brilliant. It isdefinitely one of my favorite movies. Reminds you that there is more tolife, that it is OK to be afraid and to take the risk. You shouldn'tcompare yourself with others all the time and you shouldn't worry ofwhat they might think. But the most important message was, that youshouldn't kill yourself, it, specially when your still young and fullof life. No matter what the reason is, you shouldn't give up on life,so it doesn't give up on you!

2012-05-16 22:45:23

Sweet story

Great story of a teenager who spends a week in a mental health ward makes new friends and changes his life.

JohnF 2012-05-13 13:33:05

Funny and Touching

Great coming of age movie. Not a downer like the setting suggests. It's funny, nuanced, and the kind of movie that stays with you long after you have the theater - in a good way. I highly recommend it.

Douglas 2012-05-13 01:39:11

What a steaming pile

It has been a long time since I walked out on a movie. Time to resetthat counter. Having read the other reviews, I wonder if we saw thesame movie. They lip sync "under pressure". What self-respecting moviehas lip syncing? Acting was poor, characters unbelievable and thescript had nothing to say. I was not alone in walking out. It took noconvincing the group that our time would be better spentwatching...jackass. Yes this was that bad. The ending must have beensomething ground breaking to generate good reviews. Maybe the secret tolife? It seemed to imply Truth was only a moment, perspective, orenlighten conversation away. The crazy man that sees truth is anoverworked and boring concept. Maybe this film was made for kids justexperiencing this idea.

2012-05-11 01:03:06

Slow Paced and Dragging

Slow paced and dragging this story could have been told in a better way. Even those with mental illness are not so lackluster. I was grateful for fast forward.

RealtorMatthew 2012-05-10 09:52:42

It's Kind of a Good Movie

"It's Kind of a Funny Story" is a cute, feel-good, kind of quirky moviethat certainly had some potential. Here is my full review of the movie.With an interesting family dynamic of the main character Craig (KeirGilchrist) and his parents George (Jim Gaffigan) and Lynn (LaurenGraham), Craig feels he can't live up to the standards expecting bythem and his school, and contemplates ending his lifeThe first few scenes are bad, and for a few moments I contemplatedturning it off, but being the nice guy I am decided to give it somemore time. It started picking up steam, quickly.It had kinda of a feel of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, only with ateenager. After being admitted he makes the best of the situation andtries to adapt to his new surroundings Liked the scene that shows what his lifestyle is "supposed" to entailonce he gets out of school and lands the perfect job. The various videoclips were interesting to watch.Learned a new term - "flirt punch".I actually enjoyed Zach Galifianakis's performance, he was actuallyquite likable with humor I could get behind - unlike his role in DUEDATE.Great first scene between Craig (Keir Gilchrist)and Noelle (EmmaRoberts), as they had good chemistryCute music video number but too long.Notable quote : "A mental hospital isn't the best place to hook up"There were lots of cliché phrases ("get busy living') and messagetoward the end, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at most of them.The romantic element of the movie was pretty weak. Cheesy line as a metaphor for the main character's life "It's not amess, it's just undergoing renovations"There was a silly dance scene at the end. To wrap up my review of "It'sKind of a Funny Story" pretty weak overall, but it had some nicemoments and a few good laughs

Daniel M. Kimmel 2012-05-08 02:42:00

The people most out of touch with reality are not those onscreen, but the people behind the camera who think this film is a reflection of coping with depression.

2012-05-07 12:24:42

Quirky and uplifting

It's Kind of a Funny Story is an uplifting tale about a teenager overwhelmed by academic and social pressures who briefly checks himself into a psychiatric hospital. The lead actor, Keir Gilchrist (Craig), nails his role as a somber and confused 16-year-old. The supporting cast is good as well, although the female love interest is a bit cardboard and the resolution clichéd. The psychiatric hospital is also much more benign than any I have encountered (See Lemas Mitchell's Amazon review for a list of reality checks). But that's not really the point; it's more of a coming-of-age story about an adolescent trying to find his place in the world. What I liked most is the film's message about the importance of kindness; Craig is truly a kind person who feels for other people, and the other patients and staff for the most part echo that kindness and caring. Another highlight is Zach Galifianakis's creative and quirky direction, especially the scenes when Craig retreats into his active fantasy world as he sings, draws, and reminisces. Overall, I would recommend this movie for a pleasant and humorous escapist jaunt.

Alan Jacobs 2012-05-05 09:00:56

Humane, funny story; wonderful Keir Gilchrist

It's been a dry season for movies, and this is the best I've seen in along time. It's very relatable: the idea of checking yourself into amental hospital, thinking it might solve your problems, has crossed theminds of many. This mental hospital is, as you would expect, full oflovable souls who can't quite get control over their minds. But I lovedthis movie because it is absolutely, completely a New York movie of themoment: it's set in New York, and the Brooklyn Bridge is practically acharacter in the movie. And the suicidal angst suffered by the leadcharacter, played by Keir Gilchrist (who I love in The United States ofTara), is the pressure placed on smart NYC public school kids to getinto the top high schools, and go from there to the top colleges. Andthe kid just wants to get away from that.My favorite elements of the movie are the fantasy bits: a rock videofeaturing the inmates to "Under Pressure" by Queen; animated bitsshowing the complex artistic mind of the main character; even a littleCGI making fun of the possibility that there might be a happy ending.Some really good, well-known actors are in the cast: Zach Galifianakisas a fellow patient; Viola Davis as the head psychiatrist; Aasif Mandvias the psychiatrist who admits Keir Gilchrist to the facility.If you don't see it at a theater, watch the DVD.

cneiswenter 2012-05-04 18:53:48

reveiw of a reveiw markr

I guess you think mental illness is a matter of strong will. Mental illness is not just a matter of character or will or weakness for that matter. Eat it and choke.

Rubin Safaya 2012-05-04 13:33:01

Genuine moments of discovery exist between modest Craig and inquisitive Noelle a-la Cameron Frye and Sloane Peterson, with a touch of The Breakfast Club mixed in...

MLDinTN 2012-05-03 21:59:12

nothing stands out in this

There wasn't anything that happens in this movie that stands out. It'snot really a comedy or drama and I didn't find it entertaining. EvenZack G. didn't do anything funny. It's about a teen, Craig, whom isdepressed and dreams about suicide. So, he goes to a mental ward andgets checked in for 5 days with all the adults because the teen ward isclosed. He meets one girl his age he sort of makes friends with. Thenthere is Bobby whom has a kid and is in there for suicide attemptsalso. Craig meets a few other "off" characters. The main thing he doesis make life easier for all the patients because he gets along witheveryone and throws a pizza party on his last day. So, now you see whyit was boring.FINAL VERDICT: Skip it.

estebangonzalez10 2012-05-02 07:08:26

It's Kind of a Funny Story, yes it actually is!

¨The difference between today and last Saturday is that for the firsttime in a while, I can look forward to the things I want to do in mylife. Bike, eat, drink, talk, ride the subway, read, run, travel, swim,skip.¨ They say that two heads think better than one, and that might bethe case with directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck who have collaboratedin the past with films such as Half Nelson (which gave Ryan Gosling hisfirst Oscar nomination), and the surprise critical hit of 2009: Sugar,about a Dominican baseball player trying to make it in the majorleagues and adapting to his new life in the United States. The Cohenbrothers also prove this point so there is nothing wrong with teamingup as directors. Boden and Fleck have demonstrated their directorialtalents before and do it once again with It's Kind of a Funny Story.The three films they have directed are all very different from eachother, and this is more or less a dramatic comedy with probably moredrama to it than comedy. This isn't one of those laugh out loudGalifianakis comedies, it is much more serious, but there are stillplenty of laughs (or at least scenes that will make you smile). Thismovie has some heart to it as well; there is good chemistry between thetwo young characters played by Gilchrist and Roberts. The romanticstory works, the drama works, and so does the comedy as long as youaren't expecting a film like The Hangover. Boden and Fleck adapted thescreenplay themselves from the novel of the same name written by NedVizzini. This is not your typical Hollywood film, it is different andyou probably would expect that if you've seen the rest of the filmsthey have directed.Craig (Keir Gilchrist from the United States of Tara series) is a smartkid, who studies at a gifted school, and has a normal loving family,but who deals with depression and suicidal thoughts. He is obsessedwith his best friend Aaron's (Thomas Mann) girlfriend Nia (ZoeKravitz). Craig decides to check himself into a mental institution onSunday expecting to spend the day there, but doctors decide he shouldstay a week and follow the program since he claims to be a danger tohimself. His parents Lynn (Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls) and George(Jim Gaffigan) are supportive of the doctor's decision and decide tolet him stay at the mental hospital in the adult ward since thejuvenile section is under renovation. Craig is really stressed out withhis life and about getting the Gates Application for Summer schoolwhich would look great for his college resume. His father is alwaysfocused on his job, but is pushing Craig so that he can get theapplication. Craig seems to be obsessed and stressed out with all theselittle things, and forgotten therefore to enjoy life. In the ward hemeets patients with much greater problems than his own. He befriendsBobby (Zach Galifianakis) who teaches him a couple things about life,but who seems to have a lot of issues of his own. Then there is hisEgyptian roommate who never speaks to anyone or leaves the room,Muqtada (Bernard White). And finally he meets Noelle (Emma Roberts) agirl about his age who he begins falling for. Together the patientslearn from each other and Craig begins to find help in his therapysessions with Dr. Eden Minerva (Viola Davis), as well as with drawingand music sessions.It's Kind of a Funny Story might not be as funny as you expect, but itis kind of a sweet story. The film doesn't try to be preachy oranything like that at all, but it is kind of uplifting and one can finda way out of depression by watching this movie. Finding the things oneenjoys in life and focusing on them instead of all the other issues canhelp live a less stressful life. The characters in the ward are muchmore interesting than the rest of the characters from the outsideworld. Craig's parents, his friend Aaron and his girlfriend all areleft in the background since they are outshined by the patients who areway better developed in the film. Galifianakis shines in every scene heis in, Gilchrist and Roberts are really good together on screen andshare some great chemistry, and the rest of the patients all share themost memorable moments of the movie. We are drawn into the world of themental hospital and could care less about the outside world. One of thebest scenes of the movie is when the patients get together for theirmusical therapy and they all play the song Under Pressure. It's Kind ofa Funny Story reminds us that there is more to life than just study andwork, it's the little things which can give us the most pleasure out oflife. We can't change anything through worrying so why stress out somuch. I really enjoyed this movie and recommend it although be warnedit's not your typical Hollywood film. It is kind of slowly paced, butonce you meet the characters inside the ward it's worth it.http://estebueno10.blogspot.com/

Eugene Novikov 2012-05-01 17:14:10

It's easy to see why the reviews out of Toronto were unkind -- this is easily cast as trivial stuff. But I think its easygoing charm has a lot to recommend it.

jdowling 2012-04-24 14:14:00

This movie would make a great movie for "Movies with a Message"

"Movies with a Message" is a discussion class for youth groups,especially Unitarian Universalists, but other religious ornon-religious organizations could discuss movies that impact on thelives of teenagers. This movie would be ideal for even a 45 min. Sundayschool or religious education class. In the first 20 minutes enoughhappens to have 1/2 hr. conversation, depending on how many there areto discuss it and how open they feel about sharing. It's also a movieand adult can enjoy and relate to also. This is the kind of move withthe kind of issues adults need to talk about with youth and youth needto talk about with each other.

MovieManMenzel 2012-04-24 11:38:24

A film about learning how to take the good with the bad but most importantly living each day to the fullest!

"It's Kind of a Funny Story" tells the story of Craig (Keir Gilchrist),a teenager whose life is just an utter disaster. His family drives himcrazy with his mother being an over-emotional mess and his fatherwanting him to follow in his footsteps. To top of it off, his bestfriend is dating the girl that he has been obsessing over for 3 years.About ready to give up on life, Craig checks himself into an adultpsychiatric ward, where he experiences a whole new way of thinking aswell as a new appreciation of life. A well crafted dramedy ensues...I am officially marking "It's Kind of a Funny Story" as one of the mostunderrated films of 2010. This film had very little marketing and wasin and out of theaters within a few weeks time. I don't even think thefilm got a major release. It's kind of funny (no pun intended) becausewith all the attention that Zach Galifianakis has gotten since therelease of "The Hangover" one would think they would try to get thisfilm off the ground as his first major dramatic role. With that beingsaid, lets get into the real meat and potatoes of the film.First off, I wanted to see this movie as soon as I saw the trailer forit. It looked like a great mix of comedy and drama with an interestingpremise. A film about a teenager checking himself into a psychiatricward because he is depressed not only makes for an interesting story,but is also a topical subject with all the ongoing teenage depressiontalk going on in our society. Keir Gilchrist, who you may recognizefrom "The United States of Tara" plays the perfect candidate for thelead role in a movie of this topic. Not only because he fits the lookand bill to play the role but because he is not a huge known actor. Idon't know if I could see someone big in the lead role. I think that'swhat made the film feel so authentic. He seemed like an everydayteenager. He's not overly attractive, his problems seems believable,and his explanations about life seemed like something a regular teenwould say. He was just a perfect fit for the role.Along with Gilchrist, the movie co-starred a few bigger names inshowbiz including Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis, just to name afew. I have to give Zach Galifianakis some props with this film. We allknow he can play the plucky comic relief but it was nice to see himplay a character with some depth to it with a bit of comedy mixed in.There were some great scenes featuring Zach's character Bobby,including an emotional breakdown scene and a more comedic scene whereBobby gives Craig some advice on how to talk to a girl. Another greatperformance in the film was Emma Roberts, who played Noelle in thefilm. Roberts was very well suited for this film like Gilchrist becauseshe just fit the overall look and fit of the character she wasportraying. I also thought she had great chemistry with Gilchrist anddefinitely proved here that she deserves to do more stand out work likethis rather than lackluster teen films like "Aquamarine" and "NancyDrew." While the acting was solid across the board, I think the best part ofthis movie was the film was the overall story and message. It was niceto see a film about life and how sometimes it takes the weirdestscenarios to make you see life for what it was. A movie about people ina psychiatric ward doesn't seem like it would have a feel good messagebut this film does. It's not even overly sappy or anything like that.It's purely a film about learning how to live and appreciate what youhave in life. I think almost everyone goes through a period in theirlife where they just feel depressed or want to toss in the towel.That's what this film is about and how you should always try to lookpast that feeling and see what good you have in your life. It has afunny way of showing it but "It's Kind of a Funny Story" makes you feelalive and makes it's audience really want to go out there and liveeveryday to the fullest.A the end of the day, I was actually very sad that I didn't get tocatch this film in theaters and that it didn't get the kind ofattention it deserved. "It's Kind of a Funny Story" was a well actedand well written film that featured a good mix of drama and comedy butalso managed to stay realistic. I think that's probably the best partof the film that it felt like these were real people with realproblems. I have to give the directors/writers Ryan Fleck and AnnaBoden credit for picking who they picked for these characters andreally knowing how to set up the scenes. I think more people shouldcheck out this film because not only will you enjoy the film as a wholebut you will feel good about life after seeing it, at least that's howI felt when it ended. This film is without a doubt one of the mostunderrated and overlooked films of 2010! MovieManMenzel's final ratingfor "It's Kind of A Funny Story" is an 8 out of 10. This is oddlyenough, the feel good film of 2010