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

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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

Endearing with a hint of melancholy

Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2021

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Its Kind of a Funny Story has some wonderful actors and despite having some typical elements of boy and girl rom-com cheese, this movie errs on the side of deep seated sorrow. The main character is a young teen who, having some depression and suicidal dreams, decides to check himself into the hospital, basically insisting he be admitted. Having worked in these types of facilities, all the situations involving this hospital were totally unrealistic, but I was willing to watch for the sake of movieland dramatization despite these fallacies. This teenage boy was not a typical kid, he was gifted with the knack of seeing just what made people tick, including his roommate who never left his bed. It was sweet to see him learn about himself in the middle of his hospitalization going from depressed and stressed (as a teen sounds so difficult) to hopeful and inspired. The art in this movie is excellent! That was honestly my favorite part of the film! How the director was able to stitch the art into the film and keep that as the string that ties the whole story together is beautiful. It was a great movie. In the end, I felt happy with a hint of sadness, but I guess that's just how life can feel sometimes.

11 people found this helpful

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Maria

Unexpectedly wonderful unique film

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2021

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The boy who played the protagonist did a wonderful job; he's very talented, and it's a great casting job including others. Characters are built well, smooth editing, cool creative artwork, and I think the director did a wonderful job with this film. But first and foremost, it's a nice story with the artistic perspective of the protagonist who eventually learns about a life though other characters in turmoil. It's not dark at all despite the subject matter, in which I don't think it's easy to create the balance between committing a suicide and comedy. The comedian (sorry I can't remember his name, but like his works) who played Bobby was a good job too. I didn't know Jim Gaffigan, my favorite comedian, was in this film (played the father). I thought they all did a great job here.

10 people found this helpful

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Markey_mark

teen depression and suicidal thoughts

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2021

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It is so unfortunate, that in the 21st century, where most Americans have an abundance of everything --comfort in environmental conditions (always within 70 degrees F, never feeling true hunger (delightful food including whatever fulfills your taste-buds), friends, education, nobody loses nobody wins everybody gets a "participation trophies" -- all access transportation, elegant vacations & holidays, entertainment, video games TV music etc.!, sex with no price and abortion if things "go wrong" --vaccinations and other meds to get rid of the bad side effects of "unprotected sex"
YET we grow up with no siblings our age, selfish and immature parents, a meager family life, youtub videos that tell you that you are normal (our life is normal), PP that tells you that human sexuality has nothing to do with Love and lifetime commitment; a Godless society with no expectations and daily FAKE NEWS. The instant you feel depressed or anxious there is a "medication" that makes everything OK! Finally, just wear a face mask and you are "protected" There is no God, the only hope is government!
NO WONDER WE HAVE TEEN SUICIDE AT AN EPIDEMIC LEVEL.
Wake up ppl and let Jesus into your llif and get married beforet having sex.

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Mark Gwynn

It really is...a wonderful life!

Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2021

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Tears, laughter, kindness, simple pleasures, thoughtfulness and the reality that as much pain as we humans can feel....this moment we have, is called the present...that's why we call it a gift. And it is such a tragedy to wallow in what might be, or could be. Or to dwell on the past, without learning from our mistakes. Wonderfully done (I would have left out the cursing, though it was minimal) As an older man, I really valued the emotional side of this and pictured myself being more open, outgoing, and not cared too much about what others thought of me, with a goal of being a friend and help to others, making this world a better place, one event at a time!

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Amazon Customer

Who knew being nuts would be so much fun?

Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2021

Verified Purchase

I loved the characters the writers created. Reminds me of a modern One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.
It is GREAT FUN to look at the actor's studio portraits after seeing them as twirlee Birds on Psych meds with bad hair. Be sure to take a look. The main actor, Keir Gilchrist, is very charismatic, makes you ALMOST wanna be a dorked out teen again....almost. You won't ever regret watching this film . KUDOS to directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, and especially the hair guys.... especially them. note: when Keir says he has a boner......it is embarrassingly unnoticeable ..... just sayin'

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Lynn F.

my favorite movie and book

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2022

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The author of the book was an amazing person and create one of my favorite books ever. This movie does an almost perfect job of depicting the book. From the egyptian man to the main character. Sure some things are off because it is a movie adaption, but it's almost exactly the same. I had the piano version of "where is my mind" on loop for two nights straight after a particularly rough few days and it became my top song on spotify wrapped 2021. This is just a wonderful comfort movie to me.

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Ann Marie

Live your best LIFE!

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021

Verified Purchase

This story, this movie is an inspiration. In a world where your mind can so easily get lost in the turmoil. BUT…smile and laugh folks cause YOU can…
Choose to feel it all and live your life like the ole' cliche's...Live like there's no tomorrow; take one day at a time; be grateful for every new day and live like it's the first day of the rest of your life! XO to ALL who read this!

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Carol F.

Had to keep watching to see what happened next

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2021

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed watching this movie! Felt like I got to know the characters' personalities and then found myself hoping all the best for them. Keir Gilchrist was perfectly cast in this part. I'd like to see him in other movies and watch him mature. He and Emma Roberts were a great match in this film.

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Paula Lane

Endearing Movie!

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

I found myself enthralled in the story line of this movie. Knowing people who suffered from depression and suicidal ideations in their lives, it gave me such a perspective on how difficult it must be to seek help, to take a pause from life and then transition back into it (at any age, but this movie highlights the many stressors of teens). I found myself alternating between laughing and crying through most of the movie. I think movies like this can help to reduce the stigma that mental illness still carries and raise awareness about what it's like to walk in those shoes.

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Meg Pie

Read the book as a teen- didn't realize it was adapted to film; NOT disappointed.

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2021

Verified Purchase

This book was one that stuck with me when I read it as a teen 15 years ago now. I had no idea it had been adapted to film until I was scrolling through looking for a mild watch. Watching it now as an adult I have to say it was really well done- the music, the acting, the screenplay adaptation.

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