Todays offering at the Angelika drew us in with a humorous title and a cast featuring the today’s “it” man in the comedy world… Zach Galafianakis (The Hangover, Dinner with Schmucks) . However, the humor was subtle and Galafianakis’ performance was touching, deep and real.
The story was based on the book written by Ned Vizzini and was directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Keir Gilchrist starred in the film as Craig who at 16, takes it upon himself to enter a psychiatric facitlity because he has had suicidal thoughts. He is a high achieving academic student who has struggled to cope under the pressure his father has put on him to succeed and build a college resume.
Once inside the hospital, Craig sees how his mental health compares with the other patients and immediately regrets his decision. Unfortunately, he is under hospital protocol to stay for 5 days and the rest of the film is spent witnessing his journey from scared, anxious, insecure teenager, to a leader of the ward who rallies behind the patients to bring them a sense of togetherness and happiness they haven’t known.
Most memorable scenes include a video fantasy of all of the patients performing the David Bowie-Queen Under Pressure, and the long awaited Psychiatric Unit Pizza Party where Craig is able to draw every last patient out of themselves to come together and dance including the Egyptian Maqtada who had not left his room in months.
Music was a consistent theme as if to say that as a universal language it speaks to us all and gives a commonality when we might not otherwise have one; literally reaching across the divide of age, gender and culture.
The film did seem long, and though there were many moments that moved us, it seemed to run in a random pattern that picked up in the second half.
The Rave Review gave this movie a 2 out of 5.
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