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As writer, director, or producer, Judd Apatow has been involved in making some of the most beloved comedies of the last decade (and also some of the most painful ones). For his latest directorial effort, Trainwreck, he teams up with comic it-girl Amy Schumer—and the result is a rom-com that’s twisted, messy, and outrageously honest.
Trainwreck takes a different look at romance through the eyes of hard-partying, commitment-phobic men’s magazine writer Amy (Schumer). Ever since her parents’ divorce, Amy has been taught by her trouble-making father (Colin Quinn) that monogamy doesn’t work—so she’s happily taken relationships to the opposite extreme, moving from one selfish fling to the next. But then she’s assigned to write an article on renowned sports doctor Aaron Conners (Bill Hader). After spending some time with him, she begins to wonder if she could actually make a relationship work—all the while fearing that she’d only mess it up.
Apatow has a tendency to release long, rambling films that go on too long, wearing out their welcome long before the closing credits roll. But while Trainwreck is still long for a comedy—just over two hours long—it doesn’t feel long. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that Apatow surrendered the writing duties over to his star, who manages to tell a story that’s not just wild and crazy; it’s also surprisingly sincere.
Admittedly, Amy and Aaron make a strange couple—and their chemistry is questionable. But while some parts of their relationship seem completely unrealistic, other parts seem brutally—and often hilariously—honest. This isn’t a happy-go-lucky rom-com, with two mostly-perfect people weathering the tiny bumps in their otherwise perfect romance. Instead, it’s the story of an endearingly awkward guy and an outrageously imperfect woman trying to work through their differences, their flaws, and their insecurities to make their relationship work. They have their adorable moments and their messy ones, their nagging frustrations and their epic fights—just like the any real couple. And while their story is sometimes funny because it’s so completely over-the-top, it’s also funny because we can all relate.
At the same time, though, it’s not always outrageously hilarious. The film has its share of drama, too—but it’s all balanced so well that the pace never drags. Even in the heaviest moments, there’s still something to laugh about. And the cast takes it all in stride, tackling both drama and comedy with ease. Hader is charmingly eccentric, and Schumer is both wildly comical and delightfully normal. And NBA star LeBron James steals the show as he offers support, wisdom, and perplexing relationship advice to his doctor and friend. Together with the rest of the cast—which features everyone from pro athletes to Oscar winners to loads of Saturday Night Live alumni—they fill the film with entertaining surprises.
Trainwreck is a refreshing film—an exaggerated but honest look at the ups and downs of life and love. It isn’t as wacky and brainless as some of Apatow’s other projects, but its mix of thoughtful storytelling and outrageous humor make it one of his best films yet.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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