Broadway Therapy

Peter Bogdanovich's She's Funny That Way is exactly the kind of film that isn't made any more; a manic, silly comedy helmed by an ensemble cast made for adults. The film adheres to the wry comedic style of Woody Allen, who rigorously churned out films like these in the 1970's and 1980's, and a style that Allen continues to play with in the modern day. With a breezy eighty minute runtime and a comedic cast that, for once, looks like they're actually having a great time with one another, this is a film that can skate by and leave you with a goofy grin on your face before cynicism even has time summon.

The film revolves around a hooker named Isabella Beatty (Imogen Poots), who became a Broadway thespian following a gracious break from Arnold Albertson (Owen Wilson), a Broadway director who frequents escorts despite being married to Delta (Kathryn Hahn), a Broadway star herself. Arnold is filthy rich, for that matter, and upon paying escorts for their services, he'll also gift them with $30,000 to get their life moving in the right direction, all under Delta's nose. Meanwhile, a playwright named Joshua (Will Forte) begins to fall in love with Isabella, despite dating Jane Claremont (Jennifer Aniston), a bitter and hot-tempered therapist. Finally, there's also Seth (Rhys Ifans), an actor of Arnold's who also frequents escort services whilst trying to balance his exploding level of popularity.

This conglomeration of characters make She's Funny That Way a film that consistently moves and never slows down. The persistent weaving and fluid profiling of each and every character in the film is what largely makes the film such a good time. While the characters may often be contemptible, the situational humor mimics the sort of awkwardness and indecisive etiquette occurrences examined in your average episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, although with decidedly more theatricalities and far-fetched circumstances.

The cast here feels right at home. We have low-key performers that go under the radar far too often (Poots, Ifans, and Forte) and we have seasoned veterans trying their hand at the personalities they accentuate the best (Aniston and Wilson). Moreover, though, everyone feels like they're enjoying themselves. This isn't a film to take very seriously, nor is it a film that gets hung up on vulgarities and stupidity. It's the rare adult comedy with the energy of a kids film but the brazen personality that can accompany any night filled with wine, good friends - even a date - and a fulfilling dinner.

One of the biggest problems I've seen with American cinema is, despite R-rated comedies, few comedies are really designed for adults. Paradoxically, R-rated films like Get Hard and The Hangover sequels have jokes that would make teenagers laugh out loud, but many adults turn the other cheek, though they are the audience that will be allowed in the film at the local multiplex. She's Funny That Way is a film that bears a crass sense but in a way that isn't over-the-top or in love with the idea of making the viewer uncomfortable based on situations involving bodily fluids or intercourse. Co-writer (along with Louis Stratten) Bogdanovich works to make the film a more humble comedy, where the awkward situations are made funny by the characters and not the inanity of the situations themselves.

This is a smartly written film, one that really is elevated by the performers, though they, for once, aren't ostensibly trying to mask the low-level quality of the writing. She's Funny That Way packs a lot of manic energy in its eighty minutes, including great displays of character acting and plenty of nods to film lovers. Nuts to the squirrels indeed.

Starring: Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Will Forte, Jennifer Aniston, Kathryn Hahn, and Rhys Ifans. Directed by: Peter Bogdanovich.

Hey Woody, no offense, but I loved this movie.... it really reminded me of your lighter days.....don't be cruel, but Peter Bogdanovich has done a great job of continuing the Woody Allen genre...

I loved Imogen's NY-ish accent...wow, pretty realistic most of the time - way better than what I have been trying for 20 years :(, I would not have believed that she is British ;).... Honey, I love what you did on this film....time to try out for the CIA - you really have a wonderful way with accents, just as an alternative ;)

It was a really nice light hearted movie....I am hoping for a Woody successor, am Peter certainly presents a very good case.

Last night I attended a screening of Peter Bogdanovich's She's Funny that Way and I have to say it was probably one of the most enjoyable films I have seen for quite some time. Its the kind of film that makes you fall in love with film and actors and lets you understand what I great script and well seasoned director can bring to you. I really haven't laughed out loud so much during a movie in ages. Watching the film you can't help but have the comedies of Ernst Lubitsch and Billy Wilder come to mind and maybe in more contemporary fashion Woody Allen ( I really only mention it because thats who most of the people around me compared it to, if anything I think I found this much more enjoyable than a lot of the film's Woody has put out in recent year's, sorry Woody).

The cast in this film was impeccable, it was real fun to see all the familiar faces from many different eras of film but it was Imogen Poots' truly inspired performance that really brought and incredible energy to the film. I unfortunately was not aware of her prior to this film, but by the end of it I can now say I am an advocate, she was a real vision in this film and I'd love to see her in more roles like this. These are the kinda of rare films that I really think are for people that love movies and make you fall in love with the movies, and I'm happy that I saw it and its amazing to see what a director like Bogdanovich still has inside of him and its a shame that we haven't seen more modern works from him because this film proves that he can still create works that far exceed the films produced by other contemporary directors, I can't even think of a film within the last 13 years since the last Bogdanovich film that really rivals this.

This film is a quiet one set up in a screwball comedy kinda of fashion, I'm not going to go into the details, you can read that synopsis else where, but what I am going to say is that this film is pure escapist enjoyment. Its small, dialogue driven and does exactly what films at their core are meant to do and entertain and once you blink its over, and what you walk away from this film with is the memory of seeing something light hearted and fun and the feeling that you saw something special that will stick with you in the back of your mind for some time.

My only gripe that I have has nothing to do with this film but with the reviews and the rumored distribution issues with this film, I don't really know how a film like this did not receive more positive reviews and its unfortunate because due to that the film isn't going to get the release it really deserves, because this picture really needs to be seen in the theater with an audience, it really enhances the magic you feel when watching it. I can really go on and on about my love for this film, All I can really say is that I really hope that this film finds its audience because its a shame that it hasn't already because its one of those films that immerses you so deep that by the end of it you really felt like you've seen something really special.

Peter Bogdanovich's 'She's Funny That Way' is an entertaining, enjoyable film, thats amongst the best Screwball comedies in recent times. And the terrific ensemble, deliver excellently!

'She's Funny That Way' Synopsis: On the set of a playwright's new project, a love triangle forms between his wife, her ex-lover, and the call girl-turned-actress cast in the production.

'She's Funny That Way' is an absurd story, centered around a hooker (Imogen Poots). The series of events she witnesses in this eccentric comedy, is often hilarious. I was in splits when all of its characters came under one roof...its impossible not to laugh at their bizarre personalities.

Louise Stratten & Bogdanovich's Screenplay hits the right notes. The only glitch comes in the middle of the way, when the pace dips for a bit, as the Writing loosens. However, things come back on track & get funnier as this story comes to an end. Bogdanovich's Direction (Though Very Woody Allen) is skilled. The Legendary Storyteller has handled all the comedic portions, with flourish. Cinematography & Editing are superb. Art Design is perfect.

'She's Funny That Way' would've been a lesser joyride, if the casting would've been wrong. But, luckily here, everyone is cast right-on! Imogen Poots delivers a knockout performance as the protagonist, enacting the hooker under pressure, to perfection. Owen Wilson is effortlessly convincing, oozing naturalness throughout. Kathryn Hahn is a comedic force. What a performance! Rhys Ifans is as sleazy as it can get, while Will Forte has his moments. Jennifer Aniston is absolutely terrific as the irritated psychiatrist. Austin Pendleton & George Morfogen are in fine form, as well.

On the whole, 'She's Funny That Way' gets most of it right. Watch It!

Peter Bogdanovich is still pastiching other movies in what will probably prove his last feature. This time it's the garrulous romantic comedies of Woody Allen, with a non-stop jazz score and set among New York's chattering classes. The leading lady of course plays a hooker, there are rabbi jokes and it's all brought into the 21st Century with continuous steadicam photography, mobile phones and jokes about condoms. TV names like Jennifer Anniston rub shoulders with Bogdanovich veterans Cybill Shepherd, Tatum O'Neal and the always welcome Austen Pendleton.