Broadway Therapy

Peter Bogdanovich was one of the directors who came about in the late '60s to early '70s whose movies signaled the new direction that cinema would take. Unlike most of the directors, Bogdanovich incorporated nostalgia in his work. "Targets" cast Boris Karloff as an aging horror star; "The Last Picture Show" looked at the changes in a small town; "What's Up, Doc?" was a remake of "Bringing Up Baby"; "Paper Moon" focused on the Depression.

Bogdanovich continues this pattern with "She's Funny That Way", about an assortment of people involved in the production of a play. It references the old screwball comedies. It's not a masterpiece, but the mixture of comedy and relatable characters make it worth the while. Bogdanovich loosely references some of his own work by casting Cybill Shepherd in a supporting role and Tatum O'Neal in a cameo (there's an even more surprising cameo at the end).

An OK movie.

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.

Which is the "German" title the movie received when released there. They're funny that way ... But back to the movie, which is a very light affair (no pun intended) and has a lot of laughs and a really good vibe to it. There is much to like about this, especially if you like your comedy that way.

Imogen has a strange accent and some other actors go that way too, which may alienate some viewers, especially if they're used the persons to be doing different things. Like squirrels and ... not that's something else. You can sense though that every actor in this had fun shooting it and it translates onto the screen. A light but nice movie to watch

"Blows my mind to think that just like Lana, a chance encounter changed my life." Isabella (Poots) is a call girl who aspires to be an actress. When Arnold (Wilson), a playwright, hires her for the night he gives her a present that changes her life. When Arnold starts casting his next play Isabella shows up to read, with his wife. This starts a chain reaction of events that ends up affecting the lives of everyone involved. I will start by saying that this was a pretty funny movie that really has the feel of a Woody Allen type movie. Many different characters that all have their own story while at the same time being involved with everyone else. This is not a main stream comedy but I thought it was funny. The dialog is very witty and the pacing and timing really give the movie the extra push it needs for the comedy to really come through. This is not a movie for everyone but those that like the quirky, Woody Allen-esqe type movies this is one for you. Overall, funnier than I expected. A brilliantly written comedy that isn't for everyone but is one that is worth seeing if you are into this type of comedy. I give it a B.