aTypical Wednesday

ATypical Wednesday is an endearing, funny, and topical film with star-making turns for actor/writer/director J Lee and Emmy Raver-Lampman. J Lee plays Gabe, a well-meaning personal trainer whose feeling hollow after being objectified at work and a string of meaningless relationships. He's at a crossroads but has help from a patient therapist who sees through his BS and that he's not being really honest with himself. The story gets going when Gabe meets a lost kid outside his therapist's office and decides to do a good deed by giving him a ride home. The kid is played believably and earnestly by Cooper J Friedman. The ride home becomes a lot more complicated as Gabe's life begins to fall apart further and he becomes subject to a full blown anxiety attack. Eventually he learns that the kid may have his own serious mental issues and problems that are worse than his own. Gabe gains perspective from their day together and by finally being being honest with himself, he's able to make the key choices that were the root cause of his distress and problems. This movie rises above the traps of most indie comedies with thoughtful, engaging, and original characters and phenomenal acting by the lead actors. It was refreshing to not have to endure endless strings of weird/eccentric side characters for the lead actors to make bewildered faces at that's become the cliche of so many indie comedy films. This movie has more on its mind and a more important message to get across, but it manages to find the right tone and not get mired in too much light-heartedness or overly preachy messaging. Well worth the watch!

This movie is so subtley genius. The character relationships and messages about race and mental health are told in funny yet poignant ways. JLee's portrayal of Gabe is so beautifully done and as much as his actions frustrate you, you also begin to feel so deeply for his character as he is forced to face, and come to terms with, his own demons.

I really enjoyed this movie. it really is a reflection of the intricacies and trails of normal relationships, life and problems... with a little drama thrown in for good measure.

It's a well written story for the most part, and the lead -Jlee really does a good job portraying the character of a worried, insecure but morally principled guy trying to manage a series of unfortunate events. I know him from 'The Orville' an exceptional Star Trek adaptation in which he plays helmsman/ chief engineer. He's ok in it, but here he does a far better job, albeit in his somewhat low key manner. The whole cast is pretty competent and does good job with the meterial, though Emmy Raver-Lampman who plays the 'Crazy' ex-lover does a spectacular job with the role.

The movie has some good laugh out load moments, but I wouldn't say its a funny movie, certainly not a comedy. I'm not even sure that is what was being aimed at. If I had to guess I would say 'humorous' which has been well achieved.

I think 7/10 is a fair and accurate rating, and it was a nice surprise to come across something so refreshing unexpectedly.

Funny. Laughed out loud. Loved the characters and the acting. Great story and clever. I want a sequel and a series-enjoyed it that much!! Will look for more movies by J Lee!

Watch this, not for R13, purely because of the swearing where needed, well written, casted acted and directed, easy my favorite movie of 2019 and 2020 *********** yes 11/10