Amy Schumer and Judd Apatow’s Trainwreck was a hit over the summer. It received solid praise from critics and made over $100 million at the box office, which is rare for comedies to do both.
Unfortunately, the most notable thing associated with Trainwreck was the shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana during one of its screenings. This incident and the film became directly associated in many people’s minds. This shooting was a tragic event, but Trainwreck just happened to be the movie that was playing during it and it’s unfair to continually associate the two.
Mass shootings are terrible events and a problem that needs to be addressed, but this problem should not affect people’s opinion of the film.
The filmmakers deserve recognition for their talent.
Once we are able to separate the two, we must ask is Amy Schumer’s debut as a screenwriter appropriately titled in Trainwreck, or is the movie as good as the critics say it is?
In the movie, Amy and Kim are the daughters of Gordon Townsend, who divorced their mother when they were children because he believes that monogamy isn’t realistic. Years later, Amy is a writer for a men’s magazine and likes to party, drink, and smoke while taking her father’s advice and not fully committing to a relationship (even when her boyfriend is John Cena).
She is assigned to write an article on a sports doctor, Aaron Conners (played by Bill Hader), who hasn’t dated anyone in quite some time.
Being a rom-com they eventually fall for each other, though both are afraid of commitment in their own way. The grown-up and married Kim tries to convince her that it’s not bad to pursue a serious relationship, as she’s been married with a stepson for years, with another child on the way. This does put her at odds with their father, who now has sclerosis and is living in an assisted living home.
The plot has a lot going on and isn’t as straightforward as most comedies, which works to the film’s benefit and against it.
On one hand, it is nice seeing a comedy with multiple characters that play an important role in the function of the story. It’s not like certain celebrities are there for quick cameos or just there for the sake of being there (granted the movie isn’t absent of those). While the issues of commitment in a relationship are controversial and you might not agree with how certain relationships and ideals are portrayed, the characters themselves are pretty relatable in their respective struggles.
On the other hand, stuff like this can slow down the comedy. There are some sad and tense moments that get in the way of the laughs and contrast with some of the more vulgar humor present within the film. But I think it works more to the film’s benefit.
The actors themselves are in top form. Amy’s sarcastic tone is generally on and off with the material, but when it works, it really works. I always get a kick out of Bill Hader’s awkwardly charming performances and this one is no exception. Brie Larson does a great job as the more balanced but emotional Kim, and even sports stars LeBron James and John Cena have some great moments with the cast.
The comedy itself is pretty good. Similar to Amy’s performance, what’s funny is really funny. There’s the occasional raunchy imagery, but the film doesn’t completely rely on it or overdo it. Some of the dialogue and moments I found pretty hilarious. Some of it is shallowed out by the drama, but I think most will like what they came for.
Like most comedies, it might be hit and miss with people, but as tempting as it is to say, Trainwreck isn’t a train wreck.
It has great performances from the cast, more effort put into the plot and characters than other comedies these days, and had its fair share of funny moments. If you can deal with the raunchiness and get through plenty of drama, I think you’ll have a good time.