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You don’t have to be the CEO of a crumbling corporation to feel the pressures of life weighing down on you. Maybe you’re struggling with the stress of supporting a family or meeting deadlines at work or trying to get into the right school. But, as the teen drama It’s Kind of a Funny Story suggests, sometimes you just need to take a step back and realize that you’re not alone.
Sixteen-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) has been struggling to compete with his brilliant classmates and impress his workaholic father—all while pining for his best friend’s girlfriend. At times, it’s just too much to handle—and when he starts thinking about suicide, he knows it’s time to get help.
Early one Sunday morning, Craig shows up at the emergency room, begging to be admitted. He’s checked into 3 North, the adult psychiatric ward, where the teenagers are being held while their ward is undergoing renovations. There, he meets a number of troubled adults—like friendly, outgoing Bobby (Zach Galifianakis)—as well as a few other teens who are struggling with similar issues.
Though Craig figures that he’ll be out in time for school on Monday, the hospital decides to keep him for at least five days—which only adds to his anxiety. But as he becomes accustomed to his surroundings—and the people around him—he begins to open up to learning and growing from the experience.
At first glance, It’s Kind of a Funny Story may seem like just another fluffy teen comedy—especially when you see that wacky slacker comic Galifianakis plays a pretty large part. But while the film definitely has its amusing moments—along with plenty of dry wit and one wildly entertaining musical number—it’s actually surprisingly heartfelt.
Though some of the characters are “crazy” in the usual Hollywood sense, the main characters are more eccentric than anything else. They’re the kind of people that you’ll easily relate to. They could be your friend or your neighbor or the guy sitting next to you in the theater. They don’t scream or fight or run around in their underwear. They’re just like anybody else—but they’re struggling with anxiety or depression or some other illness.
Even Galifianakis’s Bobby is more honest and realistic than the comedic actor’s usual roles. He’s still a scruffy goofball, but he’s more understated. He’s awkwardly blunt and lovably batty without going over-the-top. You could even call him sweet. And he adds both humor and humanity to the story without distracting from the message.
Craig, too, is a character that audiences will easily understand—no matter what their age. He’s been trying so hard to keep up with his classmates…to get a girlfriend…to make his father proud…to keep his mother happy. Along the way, he’s gotten so caught up in what everyone else wants that he’s completely lost track of what he wants. And, during his stay in the hospital, he’s forced to put everything else on hold while he learns the importance of letting loose and enjoying life.
At times, It’s Kind of a Funny Story really is a funny story. But it’s more than just another silly teen comedy about crazy people. It’s lovable and meaningful—an honest and uplifting film about friendship, love, and letting go. Whether you’re 16 or 61, you’ll learn a thing or two from the residents of 3 North—and you’re guaranteed to walk out of the theater with a smile on your face (and a song in your head).
