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'Funny Story' too good for words

By Chase Koeneke

Published Oct. 15, 2010

Before I start my review, I'd like to pull the curtain back on what I do as a movie columnist. Perhaps there are some of you out there who would like to do what my fellow columnist Katy Wagner and I do and might appreciate a bit of insight.

I'm required to go to a movie every other week and write a 500-word article about my experience. On the weeks when I'm not reviewing, I write a movie-related blog post for the MOVE website.

You might think going to a movie and writing about it is pretty easy. How hard can it be to write down your opinion? For the most part, I'll admit, you're right. It's easy to write about a movie you hate. It's easy to write about a movie you like. But then there are those rare occasions when you have to write about a movie you love.

It should be an easy thing. Just put down what it is you love about the film, toss in a pop culture reference or two and you're golden. But did the column really do justice to the film?

You loved it. You know if people see it, they'll love it too. But were your words as convincing as they could have been? Is someone going to miss out on an excellent piece of cinema because you didn't make a strong enough argument to persuade him or her?

I bring this up because it's exactly how I feel about "It's Kind of a Funny Story." I love it. I want to see it again. If I had the means, I'd pay for all of you to come with me (right after I bought a new pair of shoes).

Unfortunately, The Maneater does not pay me enough to take you all to Ragtag Cinema to go see it. So instead, I'm forced to persuade you to spend your own dollars to go.

I suppose you'll want more of a reason than "I like it, you will too." That's understandable. Maybe the intrigue of what goes on inside a mental hospital entices you. Maybe Zach Galifianakis' stellar performance as a mental patient (in which he brings not only his trademark hilarity, but also a real, human quality to the character) gets you a little more interested. Maybe the idea of being so overwhelmed you think you're about to snap is something you can relate to.

Perhaps the fact I spent more than half my column this week trying to explain how hard it is to put into words what makes this the best movie I've seen this year — despite the regretful ending montage that feels like an impromptu public service announcement — will speak to you somehow. Perhaps me scrapping my first two drafts in favor of this unconventional style will be enough to put you over the edge.

Truthfully, I don't care what it is that gets you to see this movie, I just care that you see it.