REWIND REVIEW: It's Kind Of A Funny Story

MOVIE
It's Kind Of A Funny Story

CAST
Keir Gilchrist, Zack Galifianakis

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
October 8, 2010

DIRECTOR(S)
Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden

STUDIO
Focus Features (Universal)

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 41 minutes






STARS
****










REVIEW:

Midlife depression can really suck, especially if you're a suicidal 16 year old. That's what 'It's Kind Of A Funny Story' is basically about. It tells the story of a 16 year old boy who's so stressed out and depressed, he considers suicide as an option. Not wanting to kill himself, Craig, the 16 year old checks himself into the local hospital, wanting to get control of himself and see what can be done about his problem. This movie can really connect with its audience, plus inspire them to get out of a depression they're possibly in. The movie is funny, dramatic, sad, and for the most part, fantastic! The real title for this movie should be "It's Kind Of An Awesome Movie."

SYNOPSIS: (Courtesy of Fandango.com)
In this New York City-set comedy-drama, 16-year-old Craig, stressed out from the demands of being a teenager, checks himself into a mental health clinic. There he learns that the youth ward is closed – and finds himself stuck in the adult ward. One of the patients, Bobby, soon becomes both Craig’s mentor and protégé. Craig is also drawn to another 16-year-old, Noelle. With a minimum five days’ stay imposed on him, Craig is sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside as he learns more about life, love, and the pressures of growing up.

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. I mean, I knew it was going to be good movie, considering the casting and the storyline, but I never expected it to be so, real. What I meant by that was that this movie captures what many teens around the world are feeling, including myself actually. At school, I am always overshadowed by my buddies, with their grades, whom they hang out with, and the clubs that they join. I feel almost as if I'm the supporting character in my school life. I know how it feels for Craig to be depressed. I'm not depressed, or course, but I know how it feels to be overshadowed by everyone else in your social life. That's why this movie works: this movie can relate to everyone who sees it, and make them do something good with their life.

The casting in this movie is top notch, and I mean that sincerely. Who would have thought that Zack Galifianakis, the fat guy from The Hangover had strong acting chops? I wouldn't have, and I don't think that anyone else did, either. He captures the feel of the character. He channels the funny and hopeless character he plays like how people used their minds to channel their avatars in 'Avatar.' This movie is the start of a serious acting career for Zack, as well as just another continuation of a comedic actor. However, Zack Galifianakis isn't the best character in this movie, the real star of the movie is the main character Craig, played by Keir Gilchrist. This movie is Keir's first real starring role, and he absolutely nails it. He captures such a realistic emotion, that you actually feel and care for his character, Craig. He will probably become a real star here in America, since he's Canadian. Well, he's already on The United States of Tara, so only time will tell whether or not this guy becomes a strong actor in movies. Emma Roberts, probably best known for her role in the Nickelodeon show 'Unfabulous' also does a good job as the love interest to Craig. She is the cherry and whip cream on top of this movie.

So all in all, It's Kind Of A Funny Story is a marvelous movie that travels inside the mind of a depressed teen hoping to get himself on the right track again. The movie makes you smile, laugh, and feel for the main characters as they go through their days in the psychiatric hospital. You can relate to these characters, especially Craig, since he brings out the lonliness that's in all of us. This movie also inspires its audience to do something with your life, and shows that there's no reason to end your life all of the sudden. I believe that everyone with an empty space in their life should see this movie, and be inspired by this movie's great message. So like I said before, this movie should really be called "It's Kind Of An Awesome Movie."