It's Kind Of A Funny Story

http://www.focusfeatures.com/its_kind_of_a_funny_story

This was a film I knew nothing about but which happened to be showing at a time when me and my friends were planning to go to the cinema. It turned out to be a surprising little movie which I otherwise wouldn't have seen. 


The film is about a boy, Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who wants to kill himself. I know, right now you're thinking "Whoa, bit of an extreme intro" but it's essential to the story so please allow me to elaborate. The reasons Craig has for wanting to end his life are all relatable, he's in love with his best friend's girlfriend, he doesn't fit in, his parents are pressuring him to do well at school, oh and he stress vomits. Despite the pressure piled on him by his clueless parents he loves them and doesn't want to hurt them, or his little sister, by going through with suicide. So he decides instead to check himself into a mental health facility. The only drawback is that the adult psychiatric ward is the only one open, and if he checks in there he has to stay for a minimum of 5 days. Once on the ward he meets many weird and wonderful characters including his roommate, an agoraphobic egyptian named Muqtada and the wackiest of all the psych patients Bobby, who befriends Craig and shows him that life aint so bad. Whilst coming to grips with life on the ward Craig falls for a fellow patient, self harmer Noelle (beautifully played by Emma Roberts). 


The film is darkly funny, refreshingly honest, touching and for anyone who's dealt with these kinds of issues it's deeply moving in places. Zach Galifianakis, best known for purely comedic roles in films such as The Hangover and Due Date showcases his talent for dramatic acting here alongside a faultless cast. The previously unheard of Gilchrist and previously unremarkable Roberts are outstanding. A rare treat. 9 out of 10.

Viewing Date - 8th January 2011

UK Release Date - 7th January 2011

Cast Overview:

Keir Gilchrist ~ Craig

Zach Galifianakis ~ Bobby

Emma Roberts ~ Noelle

Viola Davis ~ Dr Minerva

Zoe Kravitz ~ Nia

Thomas Mann ~ Aaron

Aasif Mandvi ~ Dr Mahmoud

Bernard White ~ Muqtada

Lauren Graham ~ Lynn (Craig's Mother)

Jim Gaffigan ~ George (Craig's Father)

Jeremy Davies ~ Smitty

Director(s) ~ Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

Writer(s) ~ Anna Boden (Screenplay), Ryan Fleck (Screenplay) 

and Ned Vizzini (Novel)