Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Glum but smart comedy has some mature material.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Punching Henry
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PUNCHING HENRY, stand-up comic Henry Phillips (playing a version of himself) bills himself as a "rambling troubadour extraordinaire" who's spent years on the road singing hilarious, self-deprecating songs about the many, many mishaps he seems to endure. And it's not exactly an act; he actually does stumble into one calamity after another. Finally on the verge of getting his big break, Henry comes to Los Angeles, where a TV producer (J.K. Simmons) wants to make him the star of a reality show. The question is whether Henry can endure all the trials and tribulations that go into selling the show -- and whether he's willing to put up with the network's increasingly debasing demands. Tig Notaro co-stars as a longtime friend who lets Henry crash on her sofa.
Is It Any Good?
Like a comic bit that takes its time to unfurl, this movie requires commitment: It doesn't so much punch as dwell, with its quirky, interesting humor making itself known -- and felt -- by the minute. As such, Punching Henry is an acquired taste. It's a bit befuddling at first -- why are we watching this guy go about this life, seemingly hapless? -- but it builds to a fairly satisfying ending. Phillips is the straight man with the punchline, a sad-sack who's the object of his own jokes day after day (bad things just keep happening to him). But he's also the mastermind behind them, going about his life the way he does, willing to participate in its nuttiness and also not going with it -- as if he's not in control when really he is. (Isn't that the way it is for most of us?) He's perfect.
Still, Punching Henry feels more like, yes, a bit than an actual movie, and though that's the film's charm, it's also its downfall. The audience needs more than a bit -- or else we may end up asking ourselves: Why are we watching this guy, again?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Punching Henry portrays the business side of reality TV. What did you learn about how a new show is created? Does it look more like art, business, or something else?
Would you say Henry is a success? How has he been rewarded for following his dream, year after year? How does he demonstrate perseverance? Why is that an important character strength?
This movie is a comedy, but it's not always funny. Does that matter? What are some different types of humor/comedy?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 24, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : April 18, 2017
- Cast : Henry Phillips , J.K. Simmons , Sarah Silverman , Tig Notaro
- Director : Gregori Viens
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Lesbian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Whitewater Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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