I’d like to thank CineMinute for providing the advanced screening contest to win passes to this movie.
I haven’t written an advanced screening review in a while, so hopefully I still remember my format.
Release Date: July 14th, 2017
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
MPAA: 14A
I didn’t know too much about this film before it came out (I didn’t even watch the trailer, I just heard what it was about and I was interested), I knew I wanted to see it though because Zoe Kazan is in it, and I really enjoy her other films. It also just looked like a charming film from the trailers that I have seen. The film and the subject matter really hit home for me.
The Big Sick is a Romance, Comedy film. The film follows a couple that deals with their cultural differences as their relationship grows.
The Big Sick is directed by Michael Showalter. I am not familiar with any of the movies that he has directed, but he was the writer of Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and was one of the creators of the Netflix Original Series – We Hot American Summer: First Day Of Camp (2015-).
The Big Sick is written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani (who also is the star of this movie). Both of these writers I am not too familiar with at all. I thought the script was really well written, it had some moments of really good comedy and some very touching moments. I thought that it was a very touching film with a great message and great characters. Which makes sense because the movie is based on their life, I feel like there was a lot more heart in it because of that fact. I hope they both continue on and write more films, I think they make a great team. In real life and on the page.
The film stars Kumail Nanjiani as Kumail, Zoe Kazan as Emily, Holly Hunter as Beth and Ray Romano as Terry.
Kumail Nanjiani’s filmography consists of The Kings Of Summer (2013), The Walking Dead: The Game – Season 2 {Video Game} (2013), Community {TV Series} (2014-2015), Goosebumps (2015), Adventure Time {TV Series} (2010-), Bob’s Burgers {TV Series} (2014-2016), Central Intelligence (2016), Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016), and Mass Effect: Andromeda {Video Game} (2017). I am not familiar with Nanjiani’s work well, I know his face and have seen pictures around Hollywood. But most of his roles have been in animated series. I was very impressed with him in this role which makes sense as it is based on his life. He really was lovely, funny, and charming. I’m definitely excited to see what he does next and I really hope that this isn’t his last film that he is going to write.
Zoe Kazan’s filmography consists of Fracture (2007), Revolutionary Road (2008), Ruby Sparks (2012), and In Your Eyes (2014). I think Zoe Kazan is a brilliant and underrated actress. I fell in love with her in Ruby Sparks (2012), which is a film I highly recommend to everyone, its a lovely film. She was also really great in In Your Eyes (2014) – Which is on Canadian Netflix as of this review (June 28th, 2017), I also recommend that one as well. I thought she was great in this movie, and had very genuine chemistry with Kumail Nanjiani. I’m intrigued what she does next and hopefully she gets more known. She’s great.
Holly Hunter’s filmography consists of O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), and Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016). I thought I had seen a lot more movies from Holly Hunter, but I guess I was mistaken after going through her IMDB. She played a very good role in The Big Sick as Beth, who is Emily’s mom. There were genuine points where I didn’t like her so much, but other parts where I was very impressed with her. She definitely added more depth to the film and I think it was her acting chops that really pushed her character further. I’d like to see more of her films, as I think she’s a good actor.
Ray Romano’s filmography consists of the Ice Age films (2002, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016), and Everybody Loves Raymond {TV Series} (1996-2005). I genuinely don’t particularly like Ray Romano, I find him loud and just not as funny as a lot of people. However, The Big Sick was in my opinion his best role that he has done for me. I thought he was good and he had great comedic chops when needed. He didn’t overact like I feel he usually does, and I could stand him and his character.
The acting was definitely a big plus in my book, I was introduced to a new actor who I’m a fan of and wish to see more of, an actor who I find very cute and talented, an older actor who I’ve heard the name of but I’m not too familiar with, and an actor I’ve kind of sworn off, but was pleasantly surprised with in this movie. The chemistry between all these 4 characters was really great.
I really thought the theme of the movie was really fantastic and definitely topical in this day and age. It is definitely worth the watch, and a conversation starter.
My issues with this movie lie in with the pacing, I felt like there was a little bit of a lull in the middle of the movie. But it didn’t really inhibit my overall enjoyment of the movie.
I give The Big Sick a 4.5/5, I loved it and I can’t wait to pick the blu ray up and add it to my collection.
Until Next Time!
-Andrew