TRAINWRECK (R)
Released by Universal Pictures
Reviewed by Adam Mast
Amy Schumer takes romantic comedies to task by way of a shrewd role reversal in the Judd Apatow-directed TRAINWRECK. Not only is the INSIDE AMY SCHUMER creator up to the challenge, but she earns bonus points for having penned the script and for finding the courage to play a character that isn’t entirely likable.
In TRAINWRECK, Schumer is Amy, an abrasive, monogamy-rejecting magazine columnist who loves to drink, smoke pot, and jump into bed with any guy whom she might find interesting at any given moment. Of course, Amy’s way of thinking slowly begins to change upon meeting Aaron (Bill Hader)–a good hearted surgeon for pro-athletes.
Shortly after Amy and Aaron hook up, it becomes completely apparent that Amy isn’t the superficial woman we suspect her of being. She’s actually a complicated sort, and her budding relationship with Aaron brings out feelings she’s never really experienced before. She’s confused and flustered, and everything she thought to be true is turned upside down.
Schumer’s energy is infectious in this picture, and she’s so naturally likable (and adorable) as a performer that I found myself rooting for her flawed Amy even when I didn’t necessarily agree with a lot of her reckless and extremely selfish behavior.
And there is a lot of reckless and selfish behavior to speak of in this movie. In fact, some of the proceedings are downright mean-spirited.
Having said that, there’s also a considerable amount of truth to be found at the center of TRAINWRECK, and by not passing judgment on Amy, Apatow and Schumer allow us to look at this character as a real woman with real issues.
Once again, Schumer is strong here in a role she initially didn’t want to play. It took some convincing on the part of Apatow, and ultimately, the comedienne agreed. Is TRAINWRECK a semi-autobiographical story? There’s no telling for sure, but the lead character does go by the name Amy, so take that as you will.
As solid as Schumer is, it should be noted that she’s assisted by a roster of wonderful supporting players. Hader is terrific as Aaron, the surgeon who falls for Amy despite her mischievous ways. Colin Quinn is fantastically cantankerous as Amy’s father, a man whom some viewers might deem responsible for his daughter’s somewhat skewed views on romance. Brie Larson brings warmth to the role of Amy’s sister, a woman whose outlook on love proves to be her sibling’s polar opposite. A perfectly callous Tilda Swinton is virtually unrecognizable as Amy’s queen bitch of a boss, while a quirky Ezra Miller is splendidly odd as a magazine office intern with a little crush on the star of the show.
There’s been a lot of talk about LeBron James’ easy going turn in this picture. As Aaron’s best friend and DOWNTON ABBEY enthusiast, the positive buzz surrounding James’ work is completely warranted. He’s terrific here, possessing both subtle charm and strong comic timing. As good as he is though, John Cena is equally strong as Amy’s first act boyfriend, a muscle-bound softy who appears to be in the midst of a sexual crisis. Cena is a riot in TRAINWRECK, and quite frankly, I wish he had more screen time.
As is quite often the case with Judd Apatow movies, TRAINWRECK is too long, and there are bits that simply don’t work. Included: a bizarre intervention in the final act. Furthermore, the jokes don’t always hit, but there are enough that do stick, and the smile-inducing scene that makes up the end of the picture, is undeniably charming.
Having said that, it’s actually the film’s dramatic core that ends up being more memorable than the comedy. Amy has an arc here, and Schumer’s ability to make her a three-dimensional character really took me by surprise. Beyond being cute, Amy is dangerous, but despite her flaws, it’s clear that she’s a real person with a real heart. It takes her a while to find it, but it’s there, and in the end, that’s truly what makes the aptly titled TRAINWRECK worth noting.
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