It's Kind of a Funny Story

This sweet and quirky dramedy centers around a young teen, Craig (Keir Gilchrist) going through a crisis of sorts.  Lately, life just seems to be too much for Craig - school, girls, family life - and his bouts of depression have led him to consider taking his own life.  Craig realizes he needs help, so he checks himself into a psychiatric hospital.  But when the teen ward is unexpectedly closed, Craig winds up on the adult treatment floor instead, and immediately starts second-guessing his decision to admit himself when he's surrounded by adults with much bigger problems than his.  Gilchrist - who has acutely nailed the role of the awkward, intelligent, sensitive gay teen on "United States of Tara" - once again nails the role of the awkward, intelligent, sensitive straight teen in this film.  He portrays Craig as a kind-hearted and endearingly confused young man, succeeding in making you actually relate to him rather than finding him whiny.  The surprise turn for me here was Zach Galifianakis, who plays a man in mental anguish and instability over losing custody of his daughter.  Galifianakis shows an emotional depth that was only hinted at in the movie "Due Date", and proves he's got serious acting chops.  The journey Craig takes as he discovers himself and his true potential, and the friendships he forges with his fellow patients are stirring and heartfelt.  "It's Kind of a Funny Story" is funny at times, but mostly it's an uplifting story of genuine characters who are a little lost and a lot troubled, but who manage to find comfort and cameraderie in each other.


4 out of 5 stars