Lady Problems

Trainwreck

For most stand-up comedians making it big does not end with them being at the top of the stand-up circuit. The top for them is the movie deals, the TV series, and/or writing comedy for a show like Saturday Night Live. Look at the careers of Robin Williams, Roseanne, or even Jerry Seinfeld. Many comics like those three have gain world renowned success through opportunities presented to them by their stand-up talent. This year another comic wants to find their break into a bigger arena. Her name is Amy Schumer and she is a successful stand-up comic, she has a TV show on Comedy Central, and now with the help of long time comedic director Judd Apatow (40 Year-Old Virgin) she has a movie called Trainwreck.

Amy (Schumer) is a journalist with a popular men’s magazine called S’nuff. Amy is also a habitual dater of men, not really being able to commit to one relationship. However, when Amy is forced to write an article on sports doctor Aaron Conners (Bill Hader Inside Out), she will be forced to come face to face with the thing she distains the most…monogamy.

Now I know that the synopsis is quite short, but this is your typical Rom-Com. The twist being that the story is told from the woman’s perspective and Amy is given all of the qualities that every male is given in these types of movies. I really enjoyed this movie, not only because of the twist in the male/female roles but because this movie was laugh-out-loud funny. The cast gelled together well and it seems as Apatow is back to his earlier form.

I have been a fan of Schumer’s for a while, so to see her succeed on the big screen is no surprise. Some of Schumer’s crude sexual humor and sarcastic personality shine brightest in her character, but there are other genuinely emotional moments in the film that really impressed me about Schumer. Hader is very likable in this film as well. Though Hader plays it very simple, but does a good job at being Schumer’s opposite. Ironically, I was really impressed with LeBron James (playing himself). James seems to have acquired a funny bone during his basketball playing years. James, in my opinion, delivers some of the best/funniest lines in the movie.

As mentioned above, Apatow seems to have found his grove again. Even though Trainwreck is written by Schumer and not Apatow, this film is  more in line with Knocked Up and much better than the dreaded Funny People. Apatow intertwines the deep emotions with the lighthearted humor effortlessly. I just hope Apatow can direct more films like this because the world is a better place when he is at the top of his game.

Besides the role reversal, there is nothing really different about Trainwreck than there is from any other rom-com, however it is the delivery that makes this movie special. Schumer and Apatow produce a very funny and very memorable comedy that will have everyone cheering for the rude, yet lovable main character.

The Verdict: See in Theatres.