Surprisingly caring and reverant

Rating: 7/10 (16 December 2017)

I was leery of going to THE DISASTER ARTIST as it is about the making of a notorious Hollywood bomb that has become a cult classic on College campuses across the country - not really my cup of tea - but when my college student child came home for Christmas break and asked if I wanted to see it with him, I thought "what the heck.."
And, I'm glad I did.
Directed and starring James Franco, THE DISASTER ARTIST tells the story of Tommy Wiseau, a misguided and enthusiastic budding film actor and director who befriends another up-and-coming model/actor, Greg Sestero. Together the two seek to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. When that doesn't happen, Tommy comes up with the idea to make their own movie and the result is the Cult Classic bomb THE ROOM.
With Franco and other "comedy bro's" friends of his like Seth Rogen, Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and Dave Franco, I was afraid that this was going to be a "make fun of this guy" type of movie and I couldn't have been more wrong. Director Franco takes a respectful approach to the people involved and the circumstances surrounding the making of the film. He approaches it, much like Tim Burton did in ED WOOD or Stephen Frears did with FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, Franco tells the tale of a "quirky kook" who has the wherewithal to drive their artistic dream despite long odds - and a lack of talent. Director Franco finds the fine line between making fun and having fun with the material and the oddballs involved.
Dave Franco (James' brother) takes on the part of Greg Sistero - and he is our eyes into this world. I have turned a corner on Dave, as he is growing into a likeable actor that I was comfortable spending and hour and half living a life through his eyes. Joining the action - in extended cameos - are the comedians listed above as well as strong actors like Josh Hutcherson, Zac Efron, Merrit Weaver and Megan Mullaly - all acquit themselves well and are respectful of the material and the people involved.
But the best acting in this film are two actor/comedians that - if gone unchecked - can get on my nerves. But, in this case, both were very strong and held in check just fine. Starting with Seth Rogan as one of the makers of the film. His character is amazed at the goings on around him, but is very willing to cash the paychecks. Director Franco gives us just enough Rogan to serve the film - and serve the actor - well.
But it is Actor Franco that Director Franco works with the best. His portrayal of Tommy Wiseau is quirky and different, but always reverent and respectful of the man, showing a flawed and mysterious person who has a dream that will not die. This performance could have easily slipped into caricature (or over-performing), but Director Franco does not let Actor Franco do this and the performance is very close to the real Tommy (shown in side by side clips during the end credits) and could be a surprising Academy Award worthy performance (certainly a surprise to me). It was that strong of a performance.
Do you need to see the original THE ROOM to enjoy this film? Not really. I haven't seen this film (but have seen clips and "know of it"), Franco does a nice job of showing you just enough of the THE ROOM to make THE DISASTER ARTIST make sense.
Much more than a "let's look and laugh at this guy." THE DISASTER ARTIST is a respectful, loving portrait of a quirky dreamer who never left go of his dreams.
Letter Grade B
7 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(OfMarquis)