Film: The Big Sick

GENRE: Romantic Comedy

RATING: R for language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 0 minutes

STARRING: Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, Portlandia, Burning Love)

Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks), Holly Hunter (The Incredibles, The Firm)

DIRECTOR: Michael Showalter (Wet Hot American Summer writer)

WRITERS: Emily V. Gordon & Nanjiani (newcomers)

PLOT: A new couple deals with their cultural differences and then is interrupted by a coma.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Really enjoy Nanjiani work on Silicon Valley.

STORY STUFF: What a great story. Even better that it’s based on the writers’ real life. There are some good laughs but it’s not an outrageous comedy. There are some sweet romantic moments, but not too syrupy. There is some tense family drama but light enough to not make you squirm. The story is very well balanced. The last half hour drags a bit but because of the realistic responses, makes perfect sense. I hope the Academy remembers this script come Oscar time.  

ACTING STUFF: A very well cast film. Nanjiani and Kazan have great chemistry, which makes their relationship a treat to follow. Nanjiani has this great earnestness about him that makes this film so endearing. While Hunter’s protective Mama Bear routine works well, it’s Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond) who steals the show when it comes to the parents. Nanjiani’s mother is also pretty awesome.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Not much to report here. It’s shot well and doesn’t distract which is a good thing. They do spend a bunch of time behind the scenes at a comedy club and I’ve been watching Crashing and I’m Dying Up Here so I’m actually getting a little tired of how things work backstage. But that’s totally just me. Some might find it really interesting.  

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like a great romantic comedy and aren’t racist.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Dunkirk