Zach Galifianakis, Keir Gilchrist, Lauren Graham and Emma Roberts star in this uplifting comedy about finding sanity in the most unlikely of places. Sometimes what’s in your head isn’t as crazy as you think–that’s certainly true for Craig (Gilchrist), a stressed-out teenager who checks himself into a mental health clinic for some time out. What he finds instead is an unlikely mentor (Galifianakis), a potential new romance (Roberts) and an opportunity to begin anew. Charming, witty and smart, it’s a coming-of-age story that’s kind of a funny story.When 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist, The United States of Tara) gets admitted to a psychiatric ward, he’s hoping for a quick fix for his suicidal impulses–but then he learns he can’t leave for five days… which turn out to be the most transformative days of his life. It’s Kind of a Funny Story takes a fairly thread-worn premise–that the mentally disturbed have life lessons to offer the supposedly sane–and breathes some fresh life into it with generous writing and solid performances. Craig’s most important relationship is with Bobby (Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover), a troubled father who transfers some parental affection to Craig; the conversations between the two of them are above and away the heart of the movie–a genuine and nuanced portrait of two people grappling with depression and neurosis. Standup comedian Galifianakis is turning into one of those character actors who give every movie they’re in a boost; his performance here is honest, sensitive, and without a shred of self-pity or pandering. The rest of the movie is uneven–a romance with a self-cutting young girl (Emma Roberts, Nancy Drew) is pleasant but bland, and some therapy scenes are obligatorily heartening (though again, elevated by the acting, in this case Viola Davis, Doubt)–but the relationship between Bobby and Craig makes the whole movie well worth watching. –Bret Fetzer
It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Pinned on December 12, 2012 at 10:58 am by Thomas Picklesimer
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It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010) The movie should be called “It’s Kind of an Amazing Movie”. When you go see a Zach Galifianakis movie, you don’t expect anything more than a stupid comedy (that has potential to be good), but “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” was way better than the exceptions I had. The movie was funny, intense, and some-what depressing/sad. The movie makes you think about life. The movie makes you think about how lucky you are or realize the good things in life. This movie is a must see. It is truly amazing and probably one of the best movies of 2010 so far.
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.
One of my favorite movies! I saw It’s Kind of a Funny Story in theatres for a friend’s birthday party. She gave us the options for movies and I had no idea what any of the suggested were about. I had no expectations (actually I didn’t want to see the movie at all… I voted for one of the other movies) but after the movie was over I wanted to watch it again!One of the great things about this movie is the characters. They’re screwed up, and likeable, and an interesting band of personalities all shoved into one spot. The different insights they make on living life are, yes a little cliched, but stuff wouldn’t be cliched if they weren’t applicable! It’s fun watching the main character turn into what he wanted and take charge of his life. It was funny, awkward, romantic, made some really good points, sad, and it gives a warm fuzzy feeling!After I saw that movie I went straight to the bookstore! I needed more! I read the book in a matter of days. This is the first time I’ve ever said (typed) anything like this: I liked the movie better than the book! Don’t get me wrong; the book was awesome and funny, but I loved the movie so much!All in all a fun watch! Great characters, good points, witty dialogue, and just enough romance! Highly recommended!