It’s Kind of a Funny Story

What’s a 16-year-old boy doing playing music and table tennis with adult psychiatric patients – on a school day? It’s kind of a funny story…"It’s Kind of a Funny Story," adapted from Ned Vizzini’s 2006 novel of the same name, is the new comedy-drama from acclaimed writer/directors Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden. It’s 5:00 AM on a Sunday in Brooklyn. Craig Gilner (played by Keir Gilchrist of "United States of Tara") is bicycling up to the entrance of a mental health clinic; this bright 16-year-old is stressed out from the demands of being a teenager. Before his parents (Lauren Graham [of "Parenthood"] and Jim Gaffigan [of "Away We Go"]) and younger sister are even awake, Craig checks himself into Argenon Hospital and is admitted by a psychiatrist. But the youth ward is temporarily closed – so he finds himself stuck in the adult ward. One of the patients, Bobby (Zach Galifianakis of "The Hangover"), soon becomes both Craig’s mentor and protégé. Craig is also quickly drawn to another 16-year-old displaced to the adult ward, the sensitive Noelle (Emma Roberts of the upcoming "Scream 4’), who just might make him forget his longtime unrequited crush Nia (Zoë Kravitz of the upcoming "Mad Max"). With a minimum five days’ stay imposed on him by the adult ward’s staff psychiatrist Dr. Eden Minerva (Academy Award nominee Viola Davis), Craig is sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside as he learns more about life, love, and the pressures of growing up. The film had its world premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

“The filmmakers fully retain their offbeat sensibility and attentiveness to character while providing perhaps the sharpest showcase yet for Zach Galifianakis' outsized talents.” (Justin Chang, Variety)

“It's Kind of a Funny Story is kind of a perfect coming-of-age comedy, with its bittersweet fun set loose in the adult psych ward of a Brooklyn hospital where this clever case of teenage depression, identity and self-esteem is examined.But then there's nothing like being surrounded by serious craziness to put your own in perspective, which is exactly what happens to bright, success-obsessed, 16-year-old Craig Gilner, a bundle of complicated charm thanks to Keir Gilchrist ( "United States of Tara"). The real revelation though is Zach Galifianakis, best known until now for his turn as the slightly disturbed brother-in-law-to-be in " The Hangover." As Bobby, the psych ward's resident depressive-philosopher, Galifianakis works his character's insights and neuroses like worry beads — effortlessly, unceasingly and to marvelous effect.” (Betsy Sharkey, L.A. Times)

'It's Kind of a Funny Story' is that, and much more
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY, October 8, 2010

“It's Kind of a Funny Story is notable for the easy chemistry of its ensemble cast. And the title, based on Ned Vizzini's 2006 novel of the same name, sums it up deftly. There is both poignancy and humor — sometimes at the same time — in this tale of an emotionally stressed teen who checks himself into a mental hospital.

“Sixteen-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) feels as if he might crack under the pressure of being an overextended and sensitive college-bound high school student. Fearing that he's suicidal, Craig
checks in without telling his parents (Jim Gaffigan and Lauren Graham). As it happens, the youth ward
is temporarily closed, and he must take up residence in the adult psych ward.

“The first person he meets is Bobby, perfectly played by Zach Galifianakis in his most complex role to
date. We know the actor can play weird from his goofy turn in The Hangover. But the subtler, sadder
aspects of his performance are a happy surprise. His comic timing is razor-sharp, but his serious
moments with Craig, whom he takes under his wing, are even more impressive.

“Craig finds himself drawn to Noelle (Emma Roberts), a funny but troubled teenage girl he meets on the
ward. Once checked in, he's compelled to stay for five days, making progress in sessions with staff
psychiatrist Dr. Minerva (Viola Davis). Craig meets a diverse group of adults during his stint, people he
would never come across in his ordinary life.

“At times the film recalls One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and , with its blend of angst, broad comedy
and singular characters. An unexpectedly amusing musical/dance sequence to the tune of David Bowie
and Queen's Under Pressure feels a bit like glitter rock meets Bollywood — adding a rousing flourish
to a gently comic story.

“Writer/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have made a substantive departure from their previous
superb — but little-seen — films, 2006's and 2009's Sugar. Their offbeat sensibility serves them
well for this good-hearted and more mainstream tale, except when things get predictably silly as the
inmates briefly run the asylum.

“Gilchrist, 18, is a gifted, expressive actor. There's an inherent honesty in his angst-ridden and self-
deprecating performance.

“Psychological problems tend to be portrayed as adult issues or those plaguing seriously disturbed
or abused young people, as in . Craig, however, is not that guy. He gets good grades and has friends
and parents who love him. A victim of the pressures young people face navigating the murky waters of
contemporary life, he's not crazy, just a little unwell.

“And though his problems are solved a bit too tidily by finding a girlfriend and having a pizza party, we
get the sense that Craig learns something about embracing life that will serve him in adulthood.

“It's hard to set a movie in a psych ward and not come off depressing, condescending or foolishly
zany. It's Kind of a Funny Story is a humanistic comedy that walks a tightrope of emotions and
moods and manages to stay balanced.”