“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is a film about second chances, and in particular, giving yourself a second chance.
After a little thought all of the things that stress us out on a daily basis become very petty and unimportant and the things with true meaning and value in our lives shines through.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is a film based off of the 2006 novel by Ned Vizzini of the same name.
The story follows a boy named Craig (Keir Gilchrist) on a five day self-discovery journey in a psychiatric hospital he checks himself into after dealing with depression in his stressful life.
He is guided with the help of his doctor Eden Minerva (Viola Davis, Oscar nominee for “Doubt”) and fellow patient Bobby (Zach Galifianakis, “The Hangover”). These two relationships, along with a very special girl named Noelle (Emma Roberts), change Craig’s life.
The film follows its genre as a dramatic comedy very well and isn’t overly sentimental.
It really is kind of a funny story and a good story with some serious undertones. Overall, the acting in the film is fulfilling and the variety of different character personas of the patients mesh well in a perfect comedic melody.
However, Zach Galifianakis is the biggest name in the film and steals the spotlight whenever the camera is on him. His character is dualistic, both troubled and enlightened, dramatic and comedic, and optimistic and pessimistic. Whatever he is, all of the other characters feed off his energy and look up to him on screen.
Galifianekis is joined by Lauren Grahm (Craig’s mother), Jim Gaffigan (Craig’s father).
The cast is supported by a well-written adapted screenplay by Anna Fleck and Anna Boden that will make you laugh and cry.
We all could use a five-day break from our lives, so we can just enjoy the moment and relax without following a strict schedule that forces us to rush around.
We all need to contemplate the prayer Craig’s doctor Eden Minerva says at the beginning of the film, “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference.”
