It may just be me, but isn’t it an odd marketing strategy for a movie that doesn’t look very funny in the previews to have the name, It’s Kind of A Funny Story? That is likely the reason behind the complete lack of interest shown by the movie going public. The story follows Craig, played by Keir Cilchrist, as he deals with depression and checks himself into a psychiatric ward. Inside the hospital he meets a variety of people who give him new perspective on what’s really important in life.
Gilchrist’s character develops slowly making the early portion of the film slow and boring. That could have been intentional for the audience to relate to the feelings of the character, but it just creates a dozing audience. Though after the lengthy process of introducing the characters, both lead and supporting, a story arch finally emerges. Zach Galifianakis makes his most convincing attempt at a serious role as Bobby. He’s mostly comedy driven but the relationship between Craig and Bobby develops in a realistic and powerful way that becomes the strength of the film.
The supporting cast, made up mostly of psychiatric patients, tends to be the butt of insensitive jokes. None were terribly offensive, but I just don’t think it’s right to laugh at the random outbursts of a schizophrenic patient. I was laughing but I blame the movie for putting that situation in front of me. In the end, the relationship between Craig and Noelle, played by Emma Roberts is presented front and center as Bobby, who is crucial throughout most of the film, fades out and vanishes. The exchange in role is fairly rushed and comes across as a quick fix resolution.
It’s Kind of A Funny Story suffers from a classic case of genre ambiguity. Its comedy isn’t strong enough to carry the film and the teen angst often comes off as whinny and predictable. The exchanges between Galifianakis and Gilchrist are the biggest successes of the story and make it worth seeing. (7.1 out of 10)
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