Can Love Conquer All? "The Big Sick"

The Big Sick (2017)

Rated R

Starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff

Directed by Michael Showalter

The Story:

Kumail (Nanjiani) is a stand up comedian. He meets Emily (Kazan) one night after his performance. The two hit it off, and the next thing you know, they are seemingly in love. But life and conflicting cultural expectations interfere, and soon Emily is in a coma with a mysterious ailment, and Kumail realizes he may lose the one thing in life he's always wanted, before he even realized that's what he needed.

Well, let me start by saying that I wasn't paying attention to the poster for this film or its tag line: An Awkward True Story.

So when it got to the end of the film, like a sucker punch of emotion, the ending brought home how sweet and sincere this film really is.

An Amazon Studios original film, while I watched it on disc through Netflix, it is now finally available to stream on Amazon for those with Prime membership.

Kumail's trials aren't isolated to his relationship with Emily either.

He also has to deal with Emily's parents (Hunter & Romano) who are initially not that impressed that he's even at the hospital when they arrive, but her perseveres in his devotion to Emily and his willingness to accept not being in his comfort zone around her parents.

Then there is dealing with his own family (Kher & Shroff) at home and their desire for him to marry within his culture.

A wonderful cast, a beautiful story, and Kumail more than easily carries the majority of the film on his shoulders.

Highly recommended if you haven't seen it already.

Final Grade: A-

Seize The Day..."Hello, My Name Is Doris"

Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)

Rated R

Starring Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Tyne Daly, Stephen Root, Peter Gallagher,

Directed by Michael Showalter

The Story:

Doris (Field) attends a self-help seminar where Willy Williams (Gallagher) instills in her a confidence that she's never had before. Doris begins to make some changes in her life, all in an effort to possibly woo a new co-worker (Greenfield)  who is half..maybe...her age.

So far, it seems to be quirky romance week here at Review Central.

Following up on yesterday's Mr. Right, comes a triumphant tour de force for Sally Field as Doris, the best role she's had in ages.

It's funny, sad, heartwarming and heartbreaking, but it's never dull.

These are characters that may very well exist in the real world, yet have been given a tweak here and there to up their quirkiness.

Believable, but never overblown, Doris will suck you up right into her world, and you'll find yourself excited for her one moment, and cringing with (or for) her the next.

Never once do you expect the relationship to work, yet deep down, you're totally pulling for her to make it work.

It's a terrific cast and a genuinely heartfelt dramedy.

Final Grade: Solid B