Written & Directed By: Paul Down Colazzio
Cinematography: Duncan Thum
Editor: Seamus Tierney
Cast: Jillian Bell, Jennifer Dundas, Patch Darragh, Alice Lee, Michaela Watkins, Mikey Day, Lil Rel Howery, Micah Stock Kate Arrington, Utkarsh Ambudkar
Hilarious, outgoing and always up for a good time, New Yorker Brittany Forgleris everybody's best friend -- except maybe her own. At 27, her hard-partying ways, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships are catching up with her, but when she stops by a new doctor's office to try to score some Adderall, she gets slapped with a prescription she never wanted: Get healthy. Too broke for a gym and too proud to ask for help, Brit is at a loss, until her seemingly together neighbor Catherine pushes her to lace up her Converse sneakers and run one sweaty block. The next day, she runs two. And soon, after finishing her first mile, she sets an almost unthinkable goal: running in the New York City Marathon.
While a crowd pleaser. One of the reasons I like the film is that I can personally identify with the film. As well as the audience as it is all about accepting responsibility in the modern age and a feel good movie at heart that wears it’s heart in it’s sleeves. Which might be why I am giving the film a higher mark then maybe necessarily on a technical Level. As it is more about character, connection and emotions.
That physically transforms it lead. Not through CGI but determination and dedication. Jillian bell truly Gives a great performance. As she is funny, heartbreaking and charming. Showing herself moving forward from being a fat sidekick to her own character worthy of being the lead and mattering. Not so much an afterthought or someone who is good enough. She actually lost 40 pounds while filming the movie.
As the pounds come off she is more and more left exposed emotionally and has to work with her personal problems. As now they have to be melted away for her to progress to the next step and lose weight.
The film Never takes the easy or expected direction even when it does it’s not in a regular way. Forming it’s one path. As well as showing she isn’t the only one with problems Or lost no matter the facade or what others are lead to believe.
One of the more interesting factors is that there is a fair amount of darkness for all the positivity and the film as well as characters goes places you wouldn’t Expect, especially Dramatically.
So many scenes where realizing you have to let certain people out in your life as they aren’t as much of a friend as you believed or the friendship has faded like a relationship where you stayed just because of history and comfort. Finding self esteem and beliefs in yourself and being able to let go of baggage that feels like it defined you.
What I also admire about this film is that once the character for instance starts a regiment it brings about changes but doesn’t solve everything. She still has issues and problems that she learns she has to deal with. Even her love life it takes a turn but falling in love doesn’t solve everything and in fact only adds more issues for her.
The love interest played by Utkarsh Ambudkar thankfully isn’t a savior while he is a positive in her life. In his own way he is misguided and when his ultimate plan for success is revealed it is hilarious more then earnest.
Though her character does have the same behavior as a friend earlier in the movie does the same thing. Where she makes everything about her whole neglecting those strong her who are also struggling and while the film does give glimpses into their struggles and her eventual care and help. The film by the end again still makes it all about her.
The Film also proves to have a diverse and talented cast.
The film does find humor in this modern generation but it’s focus is more on character one in particular.
This film truly is a gem that has all the hallmarks of a hit popcorn movie. Though truly hides it's depths where you don’t expect it but if you decide to look you will discover it.
Grade: B+
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