A Funny Comedian in a Serious Role: This Is Zach Galifianakis' Most Moving Film

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For many, Zach Galifianakis is, first and foremost, the hilariously funny character from "The Hangover" and that signature bewildered look that's become a meme.

But in the dramedy "It's Kind of a Funny Story" (2010), he unexpectedly shows a completely different side—dramatic and without a ton of jokes. Let's revisit Zach's most touching role in honor of his birthday: the actor turned 56 on October 1st.

What's It About

16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) is struggling with depression and decides to check himself into a psychiatric clinic. He's expecting a quick chat and a couple of pills, but doctors admit him to the ward for five days.
Trailer for "It's Kind of a Funny Story"
The teenager finds himself among adult patients, where he meets a girl named Noelle (Emma Roberts) and a man named Bobby—a charismatic but internally broken character played by .

Gradually, Craig starts to understand: his fears and problems are just part of life, and real tragedy often lies in other people's stories.

The Experience

The film's rich with different moods: it's drama and comedy at the same time. But the filmmakers ditched Hollywood clichés of manipulative tearjerkers, focusing instead on lightness and sincerity. There's no preachy melodrama here, but there are moments that hit home.

The film's real star is Galifianakis: this time his character isn't just another funny guy, but someone caught between despair and a hunger for life.

What Viewers Are Saying

The film's got just 58% "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes, but viewers on IMDb rate it higher—7.1. Many call the film "refreshing" in a sea of endless teen dramas where depression's treated like a cheap plot device. Here, everything feels real.
Actor Zach Galifianakis in a green sweater talking on a landline phone
Scenes from "It's Kind of a Funny Story"
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Some even compare it to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", but consider it gentler and more humane. Viewers are especially warm about the chemistry between Keir Gilchrist and Zach Galifianakis.
Zach Galifianakis is the most well-known actor in the film and he steals the spotlight every time the camera is pointed at him. He plays a character who is very hard to describe. He is anxious yet enlightened, dramatic yet comical, optimistic yet pessimistic.
IMDb user jonnyhavey

Should You Watch It

Yes, if you want to see a completely different Zach Galifianakis. There's no over-the-top humor here, but there is a human story that teaches you: even the hardest moments can be survived if someone's there to listen.

After watching, you'll think about how life's complicated but valuable, and then you'll smile knowing it's in your hands and you can change it. In that sense, "It's Kind of a Funny Story" totally lives up to its name. And earlier on zoomboola.com, we told you about a film you've never seen in theaters: the most expensive "Terminator" runs just 12 minutes.