It's Kind of a Funny Story
- Review Date: October 6, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2010
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Common Sense Media says
Coming-of-age dramedy explores teen pressures, angst.
 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this irreverent dramedy based on writer Neil Vizzini's young adult novel It's Kind of a Funny Story -- which co-stars offbeat comedian Zach Galifianakis and former tween star Emma Roberts -- will likely appeal to teens thanks to its relatable take on how overwhelming life and expectations can be when you're in high school. Its mix of teen angst (the main character begins the movie feeling suicidal) and mental hospital drama and hijinks includes some salty language (including "s--t"), discussions about serious issues like suicide, and unsettling situations. There's also some kissing and making out and other references to sex.
What's the story?
Sixteen-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) has been thinking about suicide -- how to do it, where to do it. Life has become too overwhelming for him: The kids at his specialized high school are hypercompetitive and overachieving, his father is pressuring him to apply for a summer program that will look good on his college applications, and he can't stop thinking about his best friend's girlfriend (Zoe Kravitz). Worried that he'll actually follow his plan to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge through, Craig checks into a mental hospital. Since the teen ward is under repair, he's left to mingle with the grown-ups until the doctors figure out the best course of action. There, Craig meets Bobby (Zach Galifianakis), the leader of the pack, who helps Craig settle in while he prepares for his own impending release, and Noelle (Emma Roberts), another teen with whom Craig immediately feels a kinship.
Is it any good?
There's so much to relish in this coming-of-age dramedy based on the same-named novel by Ned Vizzini. There's the story, which is rich and witty and confidently told. There's Gilchrist, who's both vulnerable enough and bold enough for the role. (A curious mix, but he has it, and it works.) And then there's Galifianakis, who proves that he's got a much wider range than his previous outings, mostly comedies, have revealed. He can be broken and funny at the same time. (Another curious mix.)
But the film is maddening, too. It bends to an inclination long seen in movies to paint mental hospitals (and their patients) as a wonderland of sorts, with eccentric patients able to crack wise given the opportunity and equally eccentric teachers and volunteers guiding their way. (It's either that scenario or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest...) Is there really nothing in between? Aren't there people with heavy-duty problems who don't speak like stand-up comics and cheerleaders? Still, that's a forgivable offense, given how much empathy exists in IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY. It delivers with fascinating detours into the mind of a teenager living in a world defined by accomplishments (with a capital A), when, really, it's accomplishment enough to be able to live a little, laugh a little, and embrace the flawed nature of humanity.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the pressures that Craig faces in the movie. Are real-life teens as stressed out as that? Why? What are some ways to cope with the pressures of family, school, friendship, and dating?
Is there a stigma against admitting that you're depressed? Is it worse among teenagers? Why?
What is the movie saying about life as a teen in today's world? Do you agree?
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- Teens & kids
Teen, 14 years old
February 3, 2011
AGE
Amazing :)
Great movie, I love the ending!
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Kid, 11 years old
October 10, 2011
AGE
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT!!!!!!!
amazing movie. it deserves 5 stars. it was the perfect movie for 13 year olds but there are some inappropriate parts. it's a great movie. enough said.
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Teen, 13 years old
May 15, 2011
AGE
I think the book was better. The movie was great, don't get me wrong, but it seemed so much shorter, and like it was missing all the depth and feeling of the book. I apsolutly adored the emotions in the book, and Craig's character. In the movie Craig kinda annoyed me at parts. I'm glad I watched the movie, but definitely glad I read the book first.
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Teen, 14 years old
February 13, 2011
AGE
Teens and up will admire this dramody
Very cute with great messages about finding happiness in the most unlikely places and to just live your life and dont sweat the small stuff. Emma Roberts and Zach Galifianakis were amazing in this movie too!
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Adult
February 9, 2011
AGE
a good and adorable dramedy, good writitng.
3.5/5
What's a 16-year-old boy doing playing music and table tennis with adult psychiatric patients - on a school day? It's kind of a funny story...
IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY, adapted from Ned Vizzini's 2006 novel of the same name, is the new comedy-drama from acclaimed writer/directors Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden (HALF NELSON, SUGAR).
It's @5:00 A.M. on a Sunday in Brooklyn. Craig Gilner (played by Keir Gilchrist of "United States of Tara") is bicycling up to the entrance of a mental health clinic; this bright 16-year-old is stressed out from the demands of being a teenager. Before his parents (Lauren Graham [of PARENTHOOD] and Jim Gaffigan [of AWAY WE GO]) and younger sister are even awake, Craig checks himself into Argenon Hospital and is admitted by a psychiatrist. But the youth ward is temporarily closed - so he finds himself stuck in the adult ward.
One of the patients, Bobby (Zach Galifianakis of THE HANGOVER), soon becomes both Craig's mentor and protégé. Craig is also quickly drawn to another 16-year-old displaced to the adult ward, the sensitive Noelle (Emma Roberts of the upcoming SCREAM 4), who just might make him forget his longtime unrequited crush Nia (Zoë Kravitz of the upcoming X-MEN: FIRST CLASS). With a minimum five days' stay imposed on him by the adult ward's staff psychiatrist Dr. Eden Minerva (Academy Award nominee Viola Davis), 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.
well i wasn't very excited about this movie, i mean i liked the trailer but the only thing i was looking foreward seeing in this movie was Zach. this movie good very average reviews, not a good thing. i have no idea what kind of humor is this, its definitely not silly one, maybe dark or witty. i love this kind of humor. this is such a different kind of movie i don't know its a witty comedy or just a dramedy with lots of intelligent, genius dry dark witty humor. this movie generally was very funny, i had an awsome good time watching this movie. this movie is not a masterpiece or excellent but a good movie or should i say a good attempt.
this movie has this young lead actor Keir Gilchrist who is good at his job but he needs a bit more improvement which is quite normal ofcourse. he was good for the character he was playing and he played it well. Zach Galifianakis did an amazing job, i love this guy, he got terrific comic timings and he is so superb in these kind of roles, he plays this same kind of character in every movie. i never get bored or tired of it though. he is superb as always. did a good job. Emma Roberts wasn't much there and she was not good in the movie, i didn't liked her in these movie. Viola Davis was ok. acting wise not bad, good.
direction of this movie was good, almost excellent. i liked there effort, screenplay was good, slight problem towards the end but still a very lovable and engaging screenplay. good cinematography and editing. i enjoyed watching this movie alot, had a really good time. it is a a touching, honest, and whimsical dramedy. a very adorable movie. The dream sequences and flashbacks were each done in different creative styles that I enjoyed. The sketched animation, freeze frames, and music video were fun. I couldn't help but think of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. good writing and everything else. SEE IT>
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Adult
October 30, 2010
AGE
Great Movie For Teens and Adults Alike
I loved this movie. It does a lot of explaining of what teens don't say. The role models are excellent because it shows that they are trying to help themselves.
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Teen, 14 years old
October 10, 2010
AGE
AWWWWWW<3
Saw this movie with friends extreme chick flick but really cute!! Gives the message to love life and to give others a chance!
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Teen, 13 years old
November 30, 2010
AGE
meh...read the book instead
I guess its pretty good for the sort of movie it is, but I can't be generous because it is based on a book and the book is so much better. I mean, they both have the "just live" message, but the book conveys it so much better. Some of the characters personalities were changed in the movie(and not for the better). The book does everything really well, and the movie is too...idk...cute or something...its just too average to mean anything.
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Teen, 16 years old
June 23, 2011
AGE
Nice for teens!
Cute, funny movie about finding love and not giving up on life.
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Educator and Parent of 6, 10, 12, and 12 year old
April 8, 2012
AGE
Read the book!
Great, but read the book first. I saw the movie first and thought it was great, but it can't be compared to the book.
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| Studio: | Focus Features |
| Director: | Ryan Fleck |
| Cast: | Emma Roberts, Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 8, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | February 8, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic issues, sexual content, drug material and language |
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