Topics

More

HUB Titles: It’s Kind of a Funny Story

I’ve been known to crack some jokes here at Onward State. Most of my stories are as serious as a one-legged orphan kitten getting punched in the face by a Native American being forced off his land. That is some super downer stuff right there. Dig through some of my past stories, though, and you just might let loose a chuckle or two. But would I ever joke about mental illness? Of course not. I’m not that heartless. “It’s Kind of a Funny Story,” however, was just crazy enough to try it. The result just might blow your mind.

The Premise: After thinking about jumping off a bridge and making the highway that much more depressing, Craig Gilner (Keir Gilchrist) admits himself into a psychiatric hospital. Due to hospital regulations, Craig has to stay there a bit longer than he originally intended. Luckily, fellow patient Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) is willing to be the Obi Wan to Craig’s Boba Fett and shows him around the ward. Along the way, Craig conveniently discovers that a girl named Noelle (Emma Roberts) that is conveniently his age has also conveniently ended up in this hospital. It’s almost like a familiar movie plot or something.

The Performance: Without Zach Galifianakis, I probably wouldn’t even have the energy to write this. Gilner is fine as the lead but his awkwardness is grating at times and his “mental problems” come off as overexaggerated teenage angst throughout the whole movie. Bobby and Noelle clearly have some deep personal trauma to them, and Craig is worried about college. Get over yourself. Craig’s funny moments are the result of some snappy writing that would be equally as funny coming from anybody. Galifianakis has some great punchlines and still gets us to care about his character. Not an easy feat.

Other Thoughts: The film manages not to resort to demeaning the mentally ill and should be applauded for it. Yes, there are some “yelling gibberish” jokes but it doesn’t get out of hand. The funniest parts come about from witty banter, visual gags, and plain old Galifianakis tomfoolery. The psychiatric ward is just a backdrop to the comedic action taking place within it. There is also a lot of drama. The film basically follows a “laugh, sad, laugh, sad, laugh” formula. They also strangely give up on Bobby’s storyline near the end of the movie. A shame. Finally, there is a performance of Queen’s “Under Pressure” that should never be forgotten. You have been warned.

Final Verdict: Mauled by a Koala. Overall, there is a darkness to the whole affair. You’ll want to feel sad but you can’t resist laughing at times. There’s nothing cliché about it and everything really had to be just right to make this happen. When it comes down to it, you’ll have a memorable story to tell your friends about.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

John Dempsey

John is a Junior majoring in Journalism from Hazleton, PA. He is so awesome that sharks dedicate a week to him.
Likes: Video games, vigilante justice, irony, talking bears, Burt Reynolds, El Chupacabra, coloring books, chainsaws, and Australians.
Dislikes: Zombies, clowns, zombie clowns, turtleneck sweaters, Apple, poor mustache grooming, nuclear winter, Roman architecture, guacamole, robots, LCD TVs, the color yellow, Velcro, ceiling fans, sprinklers, tornadoes, Belgians, squat thrusts, and romantic comedies.

Staff Predictions: No. 4 Penn State vs. Minnesota

The last time Penn State visited Minnesota was in 2019 when the No. 17 Golden Gophers upset the No. 4 Nittany Lions 31-26.

[Photo Story] Lighting Up Downtown State College

Happy Holidays, folks!

‘I’m Fired Up’: Mike Rhoades Sounds Off On Penn State Hoops’ Class Of 2025 Signees

This was the highest-ranked class in Penn State history.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by John

The 3 Keys to Never Graduating

It is that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer when it feels like it and we switch to shorter pants just as the insects begin to multiply. It is a magical time of year that some of us will see for the last time in State College. For those lucky few, not going to class this week is a sign of maturity. With a college degree ensured, the world awaits you. Unless you’re in the Liberal Arts, of course. Then, your mother’s couch awaits you. However, there exist among us the ones that dare to take it to the next level. The ones that can’t get enough binge drinking, construction, and parking citations. The ones that will never graduate. How do they do it? Very, very smugly. These are the keys to never leaving Penn State.

Playboy Says PSU is 2nd Best at Partying

PSU Presses Start on Video Game Class