And Punching the Clown

Do you feel lately you are no longer in sync with movie ratings, and sadly not only those from the users, but from so called experts/critics? Shallow mediocrity is high while gems like this are low and obscured. Well, you are not alone...

This is a humble film, with no celebrity actors (well except J.K. Simmons God bless his hart) actually most of them comedians. Not even hysterically funny. But with a message, not diluted throughout the relatively random scenes from life of a regular guy, maybe like you and me, trying to do what he likes, and failing at it. Yet this is a great film, feeding my need for authenticity and sympathy.

Its a wonder its still possible to raise the people and the funds to do such a film nowadays, and even more, to make it, through the web of distorted value systems, to a consumer like me. My thanks to all involved in the process.

I haven't seen 'The Clown', but 'Henry' was so awesome. It was like only a better version of 'Inside Llewyn Davis'. A small film like this going un-noticed is common, but I want you to check it out. It's not just that, but it was totally underrated as well. Believe me, it will be one of the best B movie you would ever see.

Henry Phillips is a stand-up comedian-come-musician. He has lots of stage hits, but still not yet there as successful as one would consider. Suddenly he hits the chord, that he's been chosen to be in a television show of his own. If it all goes as they say, he will be a famous person in the nation. But this tale takes place in the meantime, telling us what is his usual life and how he manages it.

I did not like it straight away. The opening was average, but from the mid part to the rest of the film, it turned out better with every twist. It all went so fast and ended. Henry was really cool. Now I want to see the previous part too. JK Simmons, Sarah Silverman and other were also good in their small parts. Surely I highly recommend it!

8/10

When I first heard about 'Punching Henry' I did not know quite what to expect.

The theme of a 'can't-get-anything-right-everyman' has been tried, and not all attempts have been successful.

Then I saw 'Punching Henry.'

In the context of a guy's attempt at fame and art, everything he did, except for one thing, somehow worked against him (I will leave out the 'one thing' so as not to spoil it for those on the fence.)

The timing was right; the pace was spot on; the humor was there; and the inevitability of it all, from the two cabs to the wrong turn off the elevator, and everything in between, worked.

I'd recommend this for anyone who has wondered 'What does it take to make it in the entertainment industry?' and, more importantly, 'Just how many wrong turns can my career take?'

Punching Henry is an intelligent comedy. Unlike most comedies out there that rely on cursing, disgust, or slapstick, this movie has a brain. I won't get into any plot details but it is clear that many of the scenes are inspired by real-world events. The film has plausibility and never seems contrived. Punching Henry also manages to be both funny and sad at the same time, which is quite rare and difficult to carry off for even the best scriptwriters. Finally, the film makes a comment on culture and human nature. Popularity it seems, has little to do with talent or integrity. Maybe you knew that already, but this is well worth watching. It will have you consistently laughing, thinking and sympathizing with the protagonist. It gets my highest recommendation.

No pace.

No sex.

No action.

Just reality.

And honesty.

And a real good laugh.

Searing.

Ps Punching Henry 2016 is a 'sort of' sequel to Punching the Clown 2009.