Review of It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010) by Geoffrey T — 11 Apr 2012

This is a nice movie. It's charming and heartwarming and that's about it,but those two things can go a long way. The acting is pretty good, and the narration is very self-aware and meta as to dissuade criticisms the audience may have.

I feel like at times it's at the precipice of being great. For instance, there are some insights into the depression of teenagers today, like how the pressure to succeed and make your parents proud and make something of yourself can lead to a total shut down of the brain.

It's difficult to throw these kids aside just because they're privileged, because that type of life comes with its own set of issues. There are little fantasies in his mind that perfectly portray the feelings of being a failure despite insurmountable evidence that it won't be the case.

It's just that not being a failure has been driven into your head so hard that anything else is crippling to even consider. That's really what this movie nails, but it doesn't use it for any grand purpose other than to charm.

That's fine and all. It makes for a really enjoyable, funny movie, but I think if you have the formula for greatness you should really take advantage of it.