Movie review | The surprise of ‘Trainwreck’ is that Lebron isn’t a trainwreck of an actor
Trainwreck ***
Not one to jump on the bandwagon, I’ve been an Amy Schumer fan since 2010, the first time I saw her on Comedy Central as a virtually unknown 28-year-old.
Her girl-next-door looks and conversational delivery combined with her frank, graphic and unfiltered adult content made her very funny, in my book. Her subsequent appearances on Comedy Central Roasts, additional stand-up specials, and her critically acclaimed “Inside Amy Schumer” sketch show, had me forwarding video clips to friends, as a real fan would.
So naturally I had high hopes for the Judd Apatow-directed “Trainwreck,” the semi-autobiographical Schumer-penned rom-com about her relationship foibles, navigating monogamy, fidelity and commitment from the female perspective.
Though I’m still a Schumer fan, the movie wasn’t as funny as her stand-up or many of her sketches, though it solidified her as an actor and writer/star to watch.
“Saturday Night Live” alum Bill Hader, as her love interest, was well cast, and Colin Quin as Schumer’s father was hilarious.
The biggest surprise was NBA superstar LeBron James, who nailed his role as Hader’s best friend, and played against type. Schumer fans will enjoy “Trainwreck” as a long form version of an “Inside Amy Schumer” sketch. The rest of the audience may not be so forgiving.
What do those stars mean?
* Really, really, really bad. Don’t bother.
** Pretty bad, with one or more redeeming scenes.
*** Pretty good, but maybe not great, worth seeing for most
**** Really great, a winning combination of story, casting, and directing
***** The rarest gem, an all-around perfect motion picture
This story was originally published July 26, 2015 at 2:15 AM with the headline "Movie review | The surprise of ‘Trainwreck’ is that Lebron isn’t a trainwreck of an actor."