Zach Galifianakis and Keir Gilchrist star in It's Kind of a Funny Story, a Focus Features release. (Photo courtesy Focus Features, photo credit K.C. Bailey)
The film follows a confused and suicidal teen, Craig, as he, soon regrettably, admits himself into the 3-North adult psychiatric ward at Argenon Hospital.
It’s here where he meets Bobby, a mysterious 30-something-year-old, who ends up acting as his mentor and Noelle, the only other teenager and coincidentally attractive female in the ward; cue the obvious love interest.
Throughout the film, Craig begins to realize that though his problems may not immediately cease, his attitude toward them can make all the difference.
The movie got mixed reviews from some students who saw the sneak preview presented by the Program Council on Tuesday, Sept. 28.
“It seemed undeveloped at parts,” said John Regalado, a junior film studies major. “It was very enjoyable, though. Maybe I’d give it a B or B minus.”
Brandon Trujillo, a sophomore at CSU, gave the film an ever better rating.
“From a non-film major perspective, I liked it,” Trujillo said. “It was really enjoyable. I’d give it, like, an A minus. It was really funny at some parts but kind of choppy too.”
The movie hits home for people of all ages because it deals with universal issues like depression and just feeling alone and crazy.
“I thought it was a good movie,” said Katie Stahl, a freshman open-option major. “It’s a different type of movie that I’ve never seen before. I think that it can definitely reach out to our generation of teenagers and kids. And if they do have a problem with depression or anything, it can make them feel like it is okay, and it’s not the end of the world for them.”
Stellar performances were executed by usual funnyman Zach Galifanakis, who plays Bobby, Emma Roberts as Noelle and newcomer Keir Gilchrist as Craig.
Galifanakis impressed audiences once again, yet in a different way this time, and Directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden used enticing “Hard Times of RJ Berger”-esque cartoon transitions between some scenes.
Although it’s not a laugh-til-you-cry knee-slapper, the film definitely will keep people laughing, as well as make people just want to go out and live their lives to the fullest.
From funny moments, like one of the patients showing off his initially misconceived drawing of a “beaver,” to the more heart-filled moments, like a montage of all of the things Craig wanted to do upon leaving the ward, the film was contrasted in an excellent way.
The film is a must-see and will have audiences pondering the meaning of life. The title is quite the understatement though; this film is actually kind of a really funny story.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Leah Knauer at Leah.knauer@colorado.edu.
