MovieChat Forums > Kicking and Screaming (1995) Discussion > This is not a comedy

This is not a comedy

posted 15 years ago by jays212
7 replies | jump to latest

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of good comedic moments in it.

But underneath all the one-liners, the film is one of the darkest and bleakest i've ever seen.

[–] bluefellow 15 years ago

What makes you say that? While the characters were pretty much stuck in neutral, they seemed smart enough and aware enough to eventually figure things out. I enjoyed it as a slice of life of the very unique time immediately after college graduation when everything is open to you, which can be both thrilling and intimidating.

"I don't want any Commies in my car. No Christians, either."

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] solasta 15 years ago

In the darkest of moments is where you find good comedy. Love this film. One of Noah's best.

[–] bluefellow 15 years ago

I love this film too. For my money, it IS Noah's best.

"I don't want any Commies in my car. No Christians, either."

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

now you tell me! all that laughter...for nothing!!!!

Where there's smoke, there's barbecue!

[–] Naughty-God 11 years ago

It's bittersweet.

[–] moviefool09 8 years ago

I agree. Yes, there are some fantastic one-liners and hilarious characters (Otis) but ultimately, the film is quite sad and filled with melancholy. It's probably the last year these friends will be together, before heading out into "the real world". Friendships will become severed and relationships will end.

This is hammered home with the end of the movie and the flashback to the very start of the Grover/Jane fling. I like how Baumbach leaves us with the start of it, rather than the end of it. The end of it occurs at the beginning graduation party scene. Instead, we have a little smile at the end and, of course, sadness.

"The future is tape, videotape, and NOT film?"