Comedy Drama Reviews
Browse our collection of comedy drama reviews and ratings
Slings and Arrows
Slings and Arrows is a Canadian TV series about a struggling Shakespearean theater company. It's a perfect mix of humor, drama, and artistry with an endearing reverence for the Bard and his works. Despite its comedic undertone, it portrays the distress, euphoria, and chaos that typically goes hand-in-hand with theater-making in such an authentic way. The standout performance of the series has to be Paul Gross, who plays the tortured artistic director Geoffrey Tennant. His manic energy, comic timing and heartbreaking vulnerability carry the show. The other characters from the quirky heads of department to the oh-so-drama-queen actors add depth and heart and sometimes a good laugh. The term "hidden gem" gets thrown around a lot, but in this case, it fits perfectly because Slings and Arrows is criminally underwatched. If you're a lover of Shakespeare, theater, or riveting character-driven stories, this show is for you. It dropped the ball just a little bit in its portrayal of mental health, but it remains steeped in such startling realness and layered storytelling that every theater lover needs to see it.
United States of Tara
United States of Tara is a comedy-drama centered around the ordinary, chaotic life of a suburban housewife, Tara Gregson, excellently played by Toni Collette, who has dissociative identity disorder. Besides being a part-time artist, Tara is a wife, mother, teenage rebel, Vietnam veteran, and wild west poet—switching between her personas without warning. What stands out about the United States of Tara, for me, is the level of humor and humanity in a show about mental health issues. The various personalities of Tara are performed brilliantly by Collette, delivering nuanced performances that distinguish each identity, bringing them fully to life. At the heart of the show are the superb family dynamics, as we see how Tara’s husband and children adjust and manage with Tara’s disorder. Despite its compelling premise, the show does falter in some ways—inconsistent pacing and some underdeveloped side characters are among the few issues. However, it's a definite must-watch for those who appreciate dark humor, character-driven plots, and are interested in an empathetic portrayal of mental health.
Lars and the Real Girl
"Lars and the Real Girl" is a touching and underrated gem that centers on socially awkward Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) who purchases a life-sized doll online and treats her as his real girlfriend. Sounds creepy, right? Well, surprisingly, the movie isn't. It's smart, witty, and profoundly warm-hearted. Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie is so believable and empathetic that you can't help but root for Lars, despite his unusual situation. Moreover, the community's reaction towards Lars's peculiar relationship is heartwarming. It's seldom you see an entire town rally around a person's delusion not with ridicule, but with acceptance and support. The film might not be for everyone, given its unusual premise, but those looking for original storytelling and Offbeat Comedy will undeniably appreciate "Lars and the Real Girl". It explores loneliness and the human need for companionship in a gentle and uplifting manner, which makes it a feel-good movie indeed.
Detectorists
Detectorists is a British comedy-drama series that tells the story of two friends, Andy and Lance, hobbyist metal detectorists who dream of finding a valuable Saxon hoard buried in the English countryside. Sounds quirky, right? It's a slow-paced, subtle, and brilliantly executed show created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook, who also stars as Andy. The series beautifully captures the charm of rural life, friendship and personal pursuits. Crook and Toby Jones (who plays Lance) depict an incredibly believable friendship, marked by dry humor and a shared passion for metal detecting. The show is not just about the "treasure", it's more about the quiet victories, human relationships, and appreciation for the simple things in life. It has a unique blend of comedy and drama, painted with understated British wit, making you smile rather than laugh out loud. Although it may seem a little too slow for some viewers, it's a perfect choice for those who love character-driven stories and are in for a more relaxing and feel-good watch. The cinematography is also excellent, impeccably capturing the beauty of the English landscape.
Moonrise Kingdom
"Moonrise Kingdom", directed by the eclectic Wes Anderson, is the charming story of two 12-year-old outsiders – Suzy, who dreams of adventure, and Sam, an orphan boy scout, who find solace in one another and decide to elope. Set on an island in New England in the nostalgic era of the 1960s, the quirky mise-en-scène and vivid colour palette invoke a feeling of time-travel and capture the essence of the period effortlessly. Edward Norton as a naive Scoutmaster and Bruce Willis as the island's melancholic cop, along with the rest of the star-studded ensemble, give commendable performances. But, what makes "Moonrise Kingdom" unique is Anderson's nuanced portrayal of young love and the innocence of longing from the central protagonists, played by Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward. Even in its idyllic setting and vein of humour, the movie mirrors dimensions of rebellion and melancholy. The film is a perfectly paced amalgamation of whimsy and drama, filled with quaint detail. Some might argue that the plot lacks depth, and the timeline feels rushed. However, the movie is indeed a love letter to adolescence and escapism. Perfect for anyone smitten by unusual love stories and craving a blend of humour and heartfelt emotion, scored against a wonderfully curated soundtrack.
Love and Death on Long Island
"Love and Death on Long Island", directed in 1997 by Richard Kwietniowski, is a hidden gem that blends drama and comedy in an unconventional way. The story follows John Hurt's character, a British writer named Giles De'Ath, who stumbles into a movie theatre showing a teen rom-com instead of the E.M. Forster's adaptation he intented to watch. Mesmerized by the young actor, Ronnie Bostock, played by Jason Priestley, De'Ath becomes infatuated and embarks on a quest to get closer to his newfound obsession. John Hurt gives an outstanding performance, and his portrayal of a middle-aged man entranced by, and utterly out of touch with, youth culture, feels both humorous and heartbreakingly earnest. Kwietniowski's finesse is particularly visible in a scene where De'Ath purchases his first ever TV and VCR, just to watch Bostock's filmography. They never explicitly discuss De'Ath’s obsession — which comes off as more tender than creepy, a testament to Hurt’s acting ability. On the other hand, the movie never fully realizes Ronnie Bostock as a character. It's an understandable, albeit disappointing choice, given the film's focus is squarely on De'Ath. However, for people who are into artsy types of films with a quirky sense of humor, this is a must-watch.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Grand Budapest Hotel, with its technicolor vignette and visually pleasing aesthetics, is a classic Wes Anderson creation that takes you on a whimsical yet compelling journey. Set in a fictional Eastern European country during the interwar period, it spins a buoyant tale of a charismatic hotel concierge and his loyal protégé, navigating through thefts, murders, pursuits and various eccentric characters. Ralph Fiennes shines as Monsieur Gustave, the urbane and refined concierge whose deliberate articulation and impressive comedic timing bestow hilarity upon the film. Yet, within this theatrical comedy runs a melancholy undercurrent that is quintessential Anderson, which reflects the loss and longing resultant from an era's end. Despite its comedic surfaces, the film does not shy away from exploring dark themes of war and its harmful impact on individuals and societies. The elegant tapestry of intricate production design, stellar performances, and captivating storytelling makes it a must-watch for those who appreciate a unique blend of humor, mystery, and drama.
M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H is a must-watch television series for those interested in war comedies and dramas. It depicts the lived experiences of a team of doctors and staff stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea, during the Korean War. Despite the heavy topic, M*A*S*H doesn't shy away from presenting a humor-infused view of war, highlighting the absurdity and futility of conflict. Recurring themes of friendship, love, death, and morality lend the show a surprisingly profound and enduring appeal. The well-written scripts, combined with stand-out performances from the ensemble cast, make M*A*S*H a classic. It blends the hilarity and tragedies of war with effortless grace, making viewers laugh out loud one minute and leaving them misty-eyed the next. For viewers who cherish character development and deep, complex storytelling that can delve into the harsh realities of war without losing a touch of humor, M*A*S*H is an absolute treasure. It's not just a TV show; it is a snapshot of a certain era and a searing commentary on the universal human condition in times of war, making it as relevant today as when it was first aired.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
In "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," directed by Ben Stiller, we find a comedy-drama that takes us on an inspiring virtual globetrotting journey. Walter, portrayed by Ben Stiller, is a daydreamer caught up in his mundane life, but his imagination takes viewers on an enticing array of adventures. Stiller's performance is immensely engaging, embodying the quirky, likable character that seeks more from his life. The movie's central theme lies in exploring life beyond the confinement of routine. The transition of Walter's character from a dull, everyday man to a heroic adventurer is undeniably heart-warming. This film masterfully exhibits the ability to chase beyond what is known and predictably comfortable. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a visually striking film that delivers a significant message: dream big, but don't forget to act on those dreams. If you're a fan of meaningful comedy-dramas with deep underlying messages, this is a must-watch.
The Apartment
Tagged as the epitome of sophisticated romantic comedy, "The Apartment", directed by Billy Wilder, is a sublime blend of humor and pathos. The story imbues corporate ladder climbing and illicit affairs with striking irreverence, all while subtly critiquing the contemporary ethical disasters. The lead characters, Jack Lemmon as Baxter and Shirley MacLaine as Fran, provide captivating performances. Their growing relationship, set amidst a myriad of personal and professional challenges, is genuinely affecting. Fran's melancholic struggle and Baxter's earnest charm add layers of complexity to their characters. The film delivers sharp dialogue and hilarious situations, but it also uncoils intense emotional depths. As comical as the setup might be, it unravels with a serious moral core — it reminds us of the importance of standing up for oneself, even at the risk of professional defeat. Recommended for those who enjoy dramas with a comedic touch and deeper social messages.