Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Coming-of-age dramedy explores teen pressures, angst.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
It's Kind of a Funny Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the film offers a blend of humor and drama, resonating particularly with teens, while some note it doesn't fully capture the depth of the original book. The movie is praised for its uplifting themes of love and perseverance, though it has been critiqued for moments that may be too mature for younger viewers.
- charming themes
- emotional performances
- book comparison
- teen appeal
- mature content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 8, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : February 8, 2011
- Cast : Emma Roberts , Keir Gilchrist , Zach Galifianakis
- Director : Ryan Fleck
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic issues, sexual content, drug material and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate