It’s Kind of a Funny Story
{4.5/5} “I think the name ‘ping pong’ trivializes the sport.”
Craig has been feeling depressed and he gets himself checked into a hospital because he’s worried he might commit suicide. He gets put in the wing for adults because the wing for teens is under construction. Once he looks around he’s not sure he wants to stay, but the doctor says he has to stay for five days. A man named Bobby takes him under his wing.
Craig likes his best friend’s girlfriend, and is worried about getting into a prestigious summer program. Bobby is worried about where he’s going to live when he leaves the hospital. And then there’s Noelle, someone Craig’s age, who has been there a few weeks because she cut herself.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story was released in 2010.
I liked it a lot — it’s funny and touching.
Gilchrist does a fabulous job with a complex character.
The issue of depression and other mental illnesses is addressed in a thoughtful way. The people in the hospital with Craig have varying degrees of problems — some of them, with help, will be able to leave soon and others may not.
Keir Gilchrist (the TV show United States of Tara) plays Craig and Emma Roberts (The Art of Getting By) plays Noelle. Zach Galifianakis (the TV show Tru Calling) plays Bobby.
Lauren Graham (the TV show Gilmore Girls) plays Craig’s mom. Jeremy Davies (the TV show Lost) plays Smitty.
The movie was directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (who together also directed Sugar).