Trainwreck

What it's about:

Since she was a little girl, it’s been drilled into Amy’s head by her rascal of a dad that monogamy isn’t realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo—enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment—but in actuality, she’s kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she’s writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners, Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.

What we thought:

Rom-coms have been a dying breed in the Hollywood landscape, failing to bring in the cash it used to as an archaic formula gets repackaged time and again but in essence remains the same. But as the woman protagonist trope is becoming more and more diversified and less stereotypical, the traditional rom-com is seeing it’s end, and Trainwreck is one of the glorious results. Although it still has certain cliché plot points it can’t run from, Amy Schumer makes sure the film remains self-aware of its fallacies, resulting in fresh comedy.

Scarred by her father’s infidelity and anti-monogamy views, Amy (Amy Schumer) goes through life avoiding serious relationships and enjoying her sexuality through one-night stands. She is pretty happy with the arrangement until she meets sports doctor Aaron (Bill Hader) who makes her uncomfortable with how much she likes him. Throughout she also has to deal with her feelings towards her sister’s choice of marital bliss and the cynical advise of her sick father.

What Trainwreck lacks in original plot points it makes up for more than enough in Schumer-esque hilarity and fantastically personable characters that you either hate or love, but will still enjoy wholeheartedly. Fans of ‘Inside Amy Schumer’ will be delighted with the familiar comedic shenanigans of the main star, and SNL fans will also delight in Hader’s gentle comedic brilliance. I was impressed however with Schumer’s emotional performance in the more serious scenes, pulling off a range of emotions and connecting with the audience beyond just making them laugh.

Besides the main characters, the movie’s brilliance also lies in the small side characters, which is a medley of great actors and interestingly hilarious sports stars, combined with characters that make you cry with laughter. Some play hyped-up versions of themselves, and the winner in this category is LeBron James, famous basketball player. Absolutely my favourite as he plays the best friend of the sports doctor, and although he plays himself it’s more a caricature of what people probably expect him to be like in real life – and it’s just amazing. It’s surprising his role was more than just a cameo, and despite what you think of him in real life you can’t help but love his movie version.

Also there’s a fake movie within the movie called The Dogwalker with Daniel Radcliffe and Marisa Tomei and it’s absolute gold (please make this a real movie). John Cena from WWE also wins the audience’s hearts with the most sculpted ass I’ve ever seen.

Trainwreck is a good date movie for any anti-rom-com boyfriend/ girlfriend/ friend-with-benefits. As far as depictions of modern relationships go, it hits a home run, broken windows and all.