THE BIG SICK is a movie produced by the comic genius Judd Apatow (and Barry Mendel). His movies are usually about this nerdy guy, who falls for a hot girl and cuteness, romance and comedy ensues - a romantic comedy. With Kumail Najiani being that nerd, who also happens to be a comedian in real life, it seems like it may be the same formula. Only this time, the nerd happens to be brown and muslim. That already sounds daring and interesting enough. Right?
But there's a lot more to this film. This film has a soul and theme that's very relevant and important in these times. A film that (almost) normalizes being brown, and being muslim. A love story, that's honest, truthful, scary and deeply touching. In more than one ways. Topped with some brilliant humor (written by Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon) and some amazing performances (Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Adeel Akhtar and Anupam Kher in his 500th film), this film becomes a stand out film of the year. No wonder it's been buzzing since Sundance earlier this year. And now you have an opportunity to watch it at your nearest cinema, starting tomorrow.
So let's break it down. What's good...
- The film is really funny, and emotional, and romantic. It's a true romantic dram-edy. And really FUNNY!
- Kumail Nanjiani rocks being a sweet, cute & funny nerd. Is he really like that? Maybe. But he plays the part of Kumail wonderfully. (Oh wait, he's playing himself. Hmmm...)
- The cast is phenomenal. Zoe Kazan is awesome. Anupam Kher and Zenobia Sheriff as parents are just perfect. Zenobia makes a daunting, strict mom. Adeel as the typical pakistani brother is cool!
- Ray Romano (I didn't recognize him for a minute, or more) and Holly Hunter are seen like never before. As the loving parents of Emily, who fall in love with her ex-boyfriend, as she lays in coma; they bring so much emotion & love along with great humor. It's amazing to watch them.
- It tackles the issue of race and cross-cultural tensions with quite an honest sensitivity. The cultural dilemma of the man (Kumail), his family and even the other parents is quite well portrayed.
- If you are brown or desi (south asian), you will feel that the subject is handled well from their standpoint as well. It kinda shows the pain and suffering they go through.
- A lot of diversity. Well, it is a story of brown muslim man. But that brings lots of wonderful brown actors on screen. Adeel Akhtar, Shenaz Treasurywala, Zenobia Shroff, and Anupam Kher in his 500th film. And lots of brown girls playing "candidates".
- Another film about comedian's trying to make it. All you comics, and comic lovers. Go for this!
- It's also a story of hope, dreams and following your dreams. An all-in-one buffet!
And what's not-so-good
- You may find some stereotypes, and may find them annoying or offensive. But I can tell you as a brown person, it's nothing bad.
- Anupam Kher doesn't get to do more. He's a brilliant actor. Hollywood needs to learn to use him better. PLEASE!
- Another film about comedian's trying to make it. Haven't we had enough?
- Although the point of view of south-asian family is shown, it could have been explored more. But I guess the film is not about that.
- I am not in it!!!.. I mean, seriously. How many brown people movies are there? how did I miss it? :(
So... If you don't like good comedy, with feelings/emotions and more, you may want to think about it. But if you like good movies, check it out NOW!
SYNOPSIS: Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Hunter and Romano) who he's never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart. THE BIG SICK is directed by Michael Showalter (Hello My Name Is Doris), written by Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani, and produced by Judd Apatow (Trainwreck, This Is 40) and Barry Mendel (Trainwreck, The Royal Tenenbaums).
Directed by: Michael Showalter
Written by: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani
Produced by: Judd Apatow and Barry Mendel
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Aidy Bryant and Anupam Kher
Official Site: www.TheBigSickmovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigsickmovie/
Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/thebigsickmovie/
Hashtag: #TheBigSick