Funny and makes a statement

Rating: 9/10 (15 November 2019)

I always like it when filmmakers try something different and it pays off. And this certainly seemed to accomplish that task. It's not entirely a dark comedy. But it's also definitely irreverent and crazy at times. It's also not a drama. But it has poignant heartfelt moments. And it's not a Pixar kids movie either. It's certainly a movie for a mature audience. And it works.
Most movies that try to make a movie in both comedy and drama realms have the two ends compromises the resolve of one other realm to a point where neither works. And the audience feels the tone should have been predominantly one or the other.
So why does this one work with both realms? I think it works because the comedy sequences are a result of naive situations for the lead character and his sidekick. It's the character's obliviousness rather than intentional jokes that makes his dramatic transition still work. Additionally the story is goofy enough at the beginning to get the audience comfortable with the absurd moments and situations infiltrating important moments which arise later. It also was not being afraid to give some dramatic moments for more comedic characters near the beginning.
As for the faults, I thought some of the stuff at the end could have been shown a little clearer and at a quicker pace. Also, one of the character's motivations became a bit unclear at times near the end when it would have been good for the motivations to be a bit clearer at that point.
But I look forward to seeing this movie again. I had a lot of fun at the cinema.
Also, if any big Broadway production company is watching, I think this film could be made into a fabulous musical. This film reminded me a bit of West Side Story, The Producers, Urinetown and Billy Elliot. Apart from The Producers these Broadway shows similarly effectively walk the line between being comedies and dramas.