Devil's DVD Advocacy: It's Kind of a Funny Story

SPOILER ALERT: It’s Kind of a Funny Story is NOT a funny story. It’s actually a nice feel good coming of age drama with a few laughs thrown in. It’s kind of a few things thrown in and mixed well. Take part comedy, add a bit more drama, mix in a serious tone and you get modern-day One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Well….not completely. Comparisons are there but with different stipulations and tone.

Based on a novel by Ned Vizzini, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck write the screenplay and direct here. The story focuses on a young adolescent succumbing to pressure, depression, and anxiety. I felt the writing was spot on with its point of view here. We see everything through the eyes and thoughts of 16-year-old Craig. TV’s United States of Tara Keir Gilchrist does an excellent job playing this such youth. I was able to really connect with Craig and feel what he is going through. At 18, Gilchrist has a bright future and I hope he continues good career choices.

The duration of the movie takes place in 5 days. Why 5 days you ask? Well, that’s the minimum time period Craig has to spend in the psychiatric ward for observation when he admits himself. What follows is a day by day point of view set of events that depicts Craig’s time in the ward that changes his view and mindset for the rest of his life.

A main focus of the film is of Craig but majority of it is of him and his relationship that he develops with Bobby. Bobby,played in a dramatic role by Zach Galifianakas, plays a soto role model and mentor for Craig. The interactions between these two was perfect and make you believe these two actors worked together before. Galifianakas, as we all know can play a big kid at heart like no other, taps that inner child within and connects with Gilchrist’s character on all levels. In some scenes he acts as a fellow patient, another a father/big brother figure, and in others the hurting peer in need of friend to talk to. I was very impressed and was in awe because we all are used to his character type roles in Hangover and the upcoming Due Date.

 

"Why do you insist on calling me Carlos?!"

With all movies, it’s not just the main characters that make the movie, it’s also the side characters along the way that help mold the film. Lauren Graham and Jim Gaffigan play Craig’s parents. Unfortunately both were weak performance compared to previous work. It was two fellow young actresses that stood out.  Zoe Kravitz did a fine job playing a friends girlfriend Craig pines for and Emma Roberts as a fellow patient who Craig instantly connects with. It’s through these two Craig learns his first lessons in love. Roberts stands out here and shows some great acting chops that lives up with the family name. Auntie would be proud,oh…daddy too.

Overall It’s Kind of a Funny Story is a nice picture to watch to get away from the typical comedies and action films they we all our accustomed to. Some, like myself, will connect to the issues shown here more than others, but an enjoyable film for all overall.

 

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