Having admired their previous work, we approached this film with interest. Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden are a good team whose "Sugar" and "Half Nelson" showed they had the potential to do excellent work. The present film shows that promise reflected on their last effort, which we caught the other night on cable.
Craig, a teenager suffering from depression, has fantasies about committing suicide. His angst makes him visit a hospital near where he lives in Brooklyn. The Argeron has a place for people like Craig. After he is examined he is sent to a ward where people with psychiatric problems are treated. Once inside, Craig, who had no idea what he was getting into, has second thoughts.
The Argeron is just the opposite of other hospitals of the past in which all kinds of insane things happen. For the most part, the inmates are well treated under the direction of a kind, and understanding Dr. Eden Minerva. Craig, who is initially turned off with his new reality wants to leave as soon as possible, but Dr. Minerva convinces him to stay for the required stay of a week.
Craig meets Bobby, as he awaits his turn outside the emergency area. Bobby, who is dressed in hospital garb, is a patient himself. Bobby will be a big brother to Craig and takes him through the ropes, showing the newly arrived teen how to cope with the other inmates. Craig spots Noelle, a somewhat enigmatic young woman. Craig secretly aches for Nia, the girlfriend of his best pal, Aaron.
"It's a Kind of a Funny Story" is based on a novel by Ned Vizzini, adapted for the screen by the creators, Mr. Fleck and Ms. Boden. The team stays away from the usual antics that can be expected of a film dealing with mental health. The film is fun to watch and moves at a quick pace. It includes a wonderful sequence where the inmates of the ward make their own kind of music by imitating their singing idols.
Keir Gilchrist surprises for his portrayal of Craig. This young actor makes a good impression who makes us believe he is none other than the suicidal teen reaching out for help. Zach Galifianakis is an added asset in every film he is asked to appear. His Bobby is an excellent example of the way this actor keeps getting better all the time. The beautiful Emma Roberts is seen as Noelle and Viola Davis makes her Dr. Minerva a really understanding doctor.
Craig, a teenager suffering from depression, has fantasies about committing suicide. His angst makes him visit a hospital near where he lives in Brooklyn. The Argeron has a place for people like Craig. After he is examined he is sent to a ward where people with psychiatric problems are treated. Once inside, Craig, who had no idea what he was getting into, has second thoughts.
The Argeron is just the opposite of other hospitals of the past in which all kinds of insane things happen. For the most part, the inmates are well treated under the direction of a kind, and understanding Dr. Eden Minerva. Craig, who is initially turned off with his new reality wants to leave as soon as possible, but Dr. Minerva convinces him to stay for the required stay of a week.
Craig meets Bobby, as he awaits his turn outside the emergency area. Bobby, who is dressed in hospital garb, is a patient himself. Bobby will be a big brother to Craig and takes him through the ropes, showing the newly arrived teen how to cope with the other inmates. Craig spots Noelle, a somewhat enigmatic young woman. Craig secretly aches for Nia, the girlfriend of his best pal, Aaron.
"It's a Kind of a Funny Story" is based on a novel by Ned Vizzini, adapted for the screen by the creators, Mr. Fleck and Ms. Boden. The team stays away from the usual antics that can be expected of a film dealing with mental health. The film is fun to watch and moves at a quick pace. It includes a wonderful sequence where the inmates of the ward make their own kind of music by imitating their singing idols.
Keir Gilchrist surprises for his portrayal of Craig. This young actor makes a good impression who makes us believe he is none other than the suicidal teen reaching out for help. Zach Galifianakis is an added asset in every film he is asked to appear. His Bobby is an excellent example of the way this actor keeps getting better all the time. The beautiful Emma Roberts is seen as Noelle and Viola Davis makes her Dr. Minerva a really understanding doctor.