From powerful life lessons to crass humor, preachings of girl power, numerous superstar cameos, and a 'sneak-up' on you sort of love story, Trainwreck proved to be a standup film.
Gordon, father of Amy, is flawlessly played by Colin Quinn. He sets the tone in the first few minutes by preaching about monogamy through paralleling marriage to playing with one doll for a lifetime to young Amy and her sister Kim. One minor, but appreciated detail is Amy Schumer's character taking on her actual name. This allows the audience to fully associate the humor of the character with the well-known humor Schumer uses in her standup, interviews, casual encounters, and basically every second of every day.
Amy's sister Kim, played by Brie Larson seems to have an emotionally perpendicular relationship with Amy. Amy is stuck in a life full of one night stands and inebriated decision-making. At second glance, we find that Amy isn't stuck, but rather reveling in 'whoring it up'. Kim, on the other hand, has an everpresent family with a constant attraction to stability. Intersecting with Amy, the two butt heads constantly as they create paths clearly in different directions. Larson plays the role well, and creates a somewhat believable bloodline for Amy. However, their chemistry on screen was less than thrilling. For me, Larson was the only character that could be replaced.
John Cena as Steven and penny-pinching LeBron James are surprisingly huge successes for Trainwreck. Many movies fail to succeed in their attempt to include off-screen superstars; the cameos are forced or out of place but Trainwreck nailed it, especially with John Cena. If anyone is looking for a knee-slapping sex scene, this is where to find it. As protein pumping Steven seems a bit weak in his ability to "talk dirty", he pushes to the finish line (pun intended) with Nike-like slogans. LeBron, as himself, is the honest, sensitive companion of leading man Aaron, played by Bill Hader. These two are an unbeatable pair on the court and even in coffee shops. Showing his sensitivity, LeBron questions the intentions of 'easy Amy' with Aaron asking, "Do you hear his name when you listen to the wind?" A laughable moment from a 'man's man'.
Playing Dianna is Tilda Swinton, who is somewhat unrecognizeable in the role. Regardless, she absorbed the character with ease, forcing the audience to roll their eyes at her ignorance and total disregard as she teaches lessons in the workplace such as "What is our demographic? Everyfuckingone." and "The best way to grieve, don't do it." Also in the workplace, is Nikki, played by Vanessa Bayer. Every moment on screen with Nikki is awkward, adorable, naive, and a total consignment store statement.
Truly stealing the stage is Amy Schumer herself. As the writer, Schumer has given us her full embodiment in Trainwreck. Her crass jokes, witty banter, and "I don't give a fuck" attitude all take center stage. Her eating habits in the film and associated pride is one to be appreciated by women of all ages. I'm sure we've all had days when breakfast, lunch, and a snack by noon is accompanied by some additional hunger. The total disregard for anyone's feelings and opinion is one that is surely envied by everyone at some point throughout their lives, if not throughout the day. Being super direct, she offers helpful coaching, "Everything important is up at the top." It doesn't stop there. She is a front runner in setting the tone for cuddling suggesting "if I sleep here, can we sleep in a realistic position." And the quotes go on and on.
Overall, expect to walk away with a smile on your face trying to recall all of the memorable scenes just so you can shake your head and relive them for the first time. I would expect to see some additional roles, as Amy has done a solid job at proving herself as an actress, writer, and visionary.
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