Tag Archives: Jim Strouse

THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES (2017): The Things I Liked…

The Incredible Jessica James (2017), Jessica Williams
The Incredible Jessica James (2017), Jessica Williams

The Incredible Jessica James is not a superhero movie as I first thought. It is, in fact, a comedy about an aspiring New York-based playwright played by Jessica Williams, an actor I first saw in the fun 2015 comedy, People Places Things.

The story, written and directed by Jim Strouse, who also wrote and directed People Places Things, centres around Miss James’s friendship with a guy called Boone (Chris O’Dowd). A friendship that begins while Miss Jones is on the rebound from a break-up.

There are one or two scenes at the beginning of this movie where I thought, ‘the camera is spending too long on this moment’. Luckily, for me, as the film progressed, I grew to like it more and more.

Williams did a good job of portraying all that is incredible about Miss James, and I enjoyed the writing, especially as I found that I identify with Miss James in several ways. To mention just one way (you may also relate to this), I also have a slightly less than ordinary dream that requires much dedication.

Noël Wells, an actor I first saw in Aziz Ansari’s rather good series Master of None 2015 – 2021), was a highlight. I also loved O’Dowd, who was, as always, a delight to watch in comedy/drama roles.

By the end of The Incredible Jessica James, my thoughts had evolved from ‘the camera is spending too long on this moment’ to ‘Miss James may not wear a special suit or a cape, but she really is quite incredible’.

Not only did I want to be as cool as Jessica James, but I’d decided that I’d tune in, in the event this movie were turned into a series.

Watch it and see.

Happy Film loving,

G

THE HOLLARS (2016): The Thing I Liked – Sharlto Copley’s Performance…

The Hollars (2016), Sharlto Copley, John Krasinski
The Hollars (2016), Sharlto Copley, John Krasinski

Directed by John Krasinski, The Hollars is a comedy/drama about a son returning to his small town after his mother falls ill. This may not be the most obvious premise for comedy but there are laughs to be had with Krasinki’s latest directorial effort.

Besides the good humour, especially courtesy of Sharlto Copley’s character, I enjoyed the film’s portrait of family, sibling dynamics and all the good performances from the cast.

Written by Jim Strouse who also wrote one of my favourites, People, Places, Things (2015)Anna Kendrick, Charlie Day, Richard Jenkins, Margot Martindale and Randall Park also star.

The Hollars is fitting for when you’re in the mood for a relaxing drama/comedy with a little splash of romance and nothing too taxing, emotionally.

Happy Film Loving,

G