Amazon.com: Customer reviews: It's Kind of a Funny Story

Top positive review

Unusual but Good

Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2019

I had never heard of this film until it popped up in the recommendations while I was looking at something else. I like Emma Roberts, so I decided to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did. Although its presentation is slightly offbeat and even comical at times, the subject matter is handled with the appropriate respect and provides thoughtful insight to mental illness. It has many profound scenes that make the characters--and audiences as well--think about the perspectives they have on their lives. The movie wasn't nearly as funny as I was led to believe it would be, but again, given the subject matter, I understand why it wasn't filled with constant humor. This is not the type of movie I would normally pick out, but it was very well made, and I would recommend watching it at least once.
Parental Guide:
The film focuses largely on themes of depression and attempted suicide. There are some sexual situations and dialogue but no nudity or anything graphic. There is one F word and a moderate amount of PG-13 swearing.

44 people found this helpful

Top critical review

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...and take your medication if it helps

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2020

Was the kid a danger to himself? Maybe. Was he dealing with coming of age stresses and worries as he experiences the joys of childhood naivete slipping away and the decisions of adulthood looming - or was he clinically depressed? Great cast, good representation of people with a variety of mental conditions, though probably a prettier and more fun picture of a mental ward than can be real. The ending will probably help people who are stressed out, but not people who are clinically depressed.

Not a single mental health caution mentioned or resource for a Suicide Hot LIne before or after the film. This was not a comedy. Mental illness is not funny. This film paints a very unrealistic view of someone snapping out of it in 5 days, but a good idea to seek medical assistance. Would have given more stars if the makers of this film had taken the subject more seriously. NOT A COMEDY

17 people found this helpful

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From the United States

ArsMagna

Propaganda

Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2021

Verified Purchase

This movie is as clsoe to a lies as is possible, whitewashing the mafia of mental illness malpractice syndicate, the pharmaceutical cartels and insurance grifters that own the American medical-psychiatric business. The people who run these organizations are not healers, they are gangsters who profiteer from human suffering. Shrinks are witchdoctors with PHD's who have next to no understanding of human nature, the pharmaceutical cartels are pernicious drug dealers who's object is to get as many people hooked as possible and the insurance industry profiteers from offering reduced rates for grotesquely overinflate charges for healing that is not only inefficient, but reminiscent of the medieval ignorance of mental illness.

5 people found this helpful

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Helen

Audio was out of sync.

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

The film is good. The audio for this version was out of sync. Was forced to buy the other version because of it.

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Moon

NO.

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2015

Verified Purchase

Hooooly bajeezus this movie suuuucked. Firstly, the whole book has a mood of fear and anger while the entire movie was just constant comic releif. Ugh. Also, i don't like who they cast or the way they had to act but thats just personal opinion. I recommend reading the book, and forgetting the movie ever existed. Ugh.

3 people found this helpful

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Jessica

Ridiculous Waste of Time

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2022

Verified Purchase

This movie is just another run-of-the-mill young adult storyline. So if that's what you're looking for - great, have at it. However it's message about struggles with mental health is not only completely oversimplified and unrealistic - it's dangerous. Someone who is actually suffering from depression does not just get over it because a pretty girl likes them. I cannot believe the actors agreed to participate in this film as it's just blatantly inaccurate and unhelpful.

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Rachel Hughes

One Star

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2015

So slow

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2016

Would not play.

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2021

Verified Purchase

Having been through hospitalization and mental illness myself, I was absolutely disappointed by this movie's portrayal of it. Why doesn't Craig ever realize that he IS just like the people in there. He goes in as this savior and never humbles himself to realize that he is not better than the people in there. Maybe his symptoms are not as severe, but he is not better than they are. Ugh. And what's up with the schizophrenia hate???? Why isn't that resolved? Why doesn't he learn to tolerate them? They're just the "crazy" people on the sidelines. Ugh. Why even attempt to do a movie about mental illness if you're going to ostracize and romanticize it? It makes the mental hospital seem so fun and glamorous. Ugh. Disappointed. Shallow characters. Harmful portrayal. If you want to learn more about MI or hospitalization, look elsewhere.

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Merril Louise

BAD

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2013

Verified Purchase

This was awful I hated the cast, plot, and acting. Main guy wasn't relatable and was just whiny. It wasn't a funny story, I didn't laugh. I covered my eyes so I didn't have to watch the more awkward moments.

2 people found this helpful

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