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It's Kind of a Funny Story

Written by Jonathan Jacobs

It’s Kind of a Funny Story…I sought to purchase You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger from Comcast On Demand, except it is not being offered. In lieu of the Woody Allen fiasco I selected It’s Kind of a Funny Story. Irony is a concept with which I am intimately familiar. This is a charming, witty, and feel good story about a teenager’s progression from suicide and depression to gradually embracing life. Ironically, the only imperfection the movie shows is its inability to confront the bitter realities omnipresent within a mental institution. The story is uplifting, the acting is superb, and the directing is solid. Except…none of it rings true. This is why it is called a movie folks! Ironically, you would figure I would know this by now.

Craig (Keir Gilchrist) is not unlike a normal teenager. He suffers from apathy toward responsibility, takes Zoloft for his clinical depression, and is uncertain of his future. Did I mention he is also suicidal? Craig has recurring dreams of falling off a bridge and plummeting to his demise in front of his parents and baby sister. He does not hate existence, he simply abhors his daily routine. Craig feels that he is missing something. He is in love with his best friend’s girlfriend Nia (Zoe Kravitz) and wants nothing more than to forsake his father’s vision for his future of political success. Most of all, he just wants to be unburdened of pressure and expectations and to be left alone. Being 16 and having to live up to everyone’s expectations is overwhelming for Craig. Rather than calling it quits, he decides t voluntarily admit himself to a mental institution.

Once inside, Craig immediately feels the shock of being surrounded by people far more disturbed than himself. This does not change the fact that he is suicidal. This temporary aversion is a common reaction, and is a form of denial. The duration of his “holiday” is slated for five days barring any unforeseen setbacks. During these five days his life changes in dramatic ways. He learns the difference between love and infatuation. Craig also makes a new friend, Bobby (Zach Galifianakis). Bobby is a fellow patient that is also battling suicide and depression. Despite their obvious age disparity, Bobby and Craig teach each other valuable life lessons. Healing together with a non-judgmental friend can do wonders for the psyche.

While aspiring to forget about the unattainable Zoe, Craig falls another patient being treated for suicide, Noelle (Emma Roberts). Emma is physically stunning but she is afflicted with acute depression. Her self-inflicted scarring is obvious and seems permanent. At first Craig is clueless as to how to court her, and wonders if it is even appropriate to do so in a mental facility. With Bobby’s Cyrano de Bergerac backing, Craig is able to make an impression on her. Part of accepting returning to the real world for them includes looking forward to living their lives together as friends and more.

Dr. Eden Minerva (Viola Davis) is a fantastic mental health counselor. She helps Craig understand that he loves art and can use it as a calming mechanism. She helps him to understand that he needs to be upfront and honest about his desires, aspirations and feelings. Craig has been avoiding important tasks out of a fear that his parents will resent him. Dr. Minerva helps him get back on track.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story is not funny at all. The film is an inspirational account of a young teen’s temporary fit of depression, cured only by his embrace of those dark emotions. All we need is friendship and a little compassion. Keir Gilchrist and Zach Galifianakis are perfect together. Viewers will wonder if they are father and son. Their dramatic chemistry is off the chart. I highly recommend this film as it will brighten your spirits, even if it hits a little too close to home.