Making comedies involving people in a psychiatric ward is tricky stuff. Political correctness rears its ugly head. So does good taste. "It's Kind of a Funny Story," which opened yesterday walks the narrow line with generally good balance, and while the movie hits some dead spots here and there, it's mostly successful.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck co-wrote the screenplay and were co-directors (she also edited), based on the novel by Ned Vizzini.
Keir Gilchrist offers a good performance as Craig, who is having a serious case of adolescent angst over Nia (Zoe Kravitz). He has trailed after her for many years; she barely gives him more than the time of day and to make everything worse, she and Craig's best friend, Aaron (Thomas Mann) are dating. Craig is upset. He's depressed. The thought of suicide crosses his mind. In somewhat of a panic, he calls a suicide hot line and is admitted to a nearby hospital. Pretty soon he calms down and realizes he's taken some unnecessary steps, except that once in he cannot get out for five days.
Gilchrist is a talented young actor, but the movie belongs to Zach Galifianakis as Bobby, a patient who sets out to teach Craig the ropes; Galafianakis offers a brilliant performance in every respect. He's different, less of a rebel, than Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," but he makes one sit up and take notice. And then there's Emma Roberts as Noelle, who makes Craig forget all about Nia. The teenage triangle of Craig, Nia and Aaron still is a factor, however.
Viola Davis stands tall as Dr. Minerva, a psychiatrist. Davis, a splendid actress (remember her in "Doubt"?), realizes that Craig has more problems than he thinks.
Good acting, an interesting story. Fleck and Boden also are responsible for "Half Nelson," the outstanding little film of a few years ago. They are a team to watch.
It's Kind of a Funny Story is playing at multiple locations.
—Joe