Scrolling through Netflix and adding movies and TV series to my watchlist is something I love doing. Putting them off is another thing I love doing. Watching them, not so much. So, if it wasn't for Brittani's review, I probably would have never checked out The Incredible Jessica James.
The story follows Jessica James (Jessica Williams), a struggling playwright living in New York. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend of two years, Damon (Lakeith Stanfield) and just can't get over it and keeps stalking his Instagram. Essentially forced by her best friend, Tasha (Noël Wells), she goes on a blind date with Boone (Chris O'Dowd), a newly divorcé who is also obsessed in a stalker-like way with his ex (Megan Ketch). Despite both of their disinterest in a new relationship, they establish an instant bond.
Fortunately, The Incredible Jessica James avoids being a clichéd romantic comedy as the unromantic relationship between Jessica and Boone and Jessica's broken heart kind of takes a back seat and leave plenty of room to another plot to develop, the one involving Jessica's job as a teacher at a kids' theatre workshop, which is the heart and soul of the film as it's this part that captures the spirit of all those people who choose to follow their passions.
As for the character, Jessica is quite a flawed one. She is a strong-willed, independent, young woman who has pretty much nothing about her life together —and I could really sympathize and relate to her because of this. She is funny and brilliant, and the energy and passion she puts into teaching kids and helping them realize that they can do whatever they want to do with their lives is amazing. However, she often comes off as an unpleasant person, a bit of a narcissist as she considers herself to be better and smarter than everybody else. She's not so incredible when she acts like that.
Despite the character not being always very likeable and her saying "dope" an insane amount of times, Jessica Williams gives a charming and funny performance as the lead. Despite the underdeveloped characters, the supporting cast is equally strong —Chris O'Dowd manages to shine with a warm and likeable performance, and has a pretty good on-screen chemistry with Williams; Noël Wells is delightful as Jessica's friend; and Lakeith Stanfield, although he's barely given something to do, is always a pleasure to watch.
In addition, The Incredible Jessica James does have a nice balance of humour and drama, and keeps the comedy as realistic and natural as possible and does not overdo the drama.
Fortunately, The Incredible Jessica James avoids being a clichéd romantic comedy as the unromantic relationship between Jessica and Boone and Jessica's broken heart kind of takes a back seat and leave plenty of room to another plot to develop, the one involving Jessica's job as a teacher at a kids' theatre workshop, which is the heart and soul of the film as it's this part that captures the spirit of all those people who choose to follow their passions.
As for the character, Jessica is quite a flawed one. She is a strong-willed, independent, young woman who has pretty much nothing about her life together —and I could really sympathize and relate to her because of this. She is funny and brilliant, and the energy and passion she puts into teaching kids and helping them realize that they can do whatever they want to do with their lives is amazing. However, she often comes off as an unpleasant person, a bit of a narcissist as she considers herself to be better and smarter than everybody else. She's not so incredible when she acts like that.
 |
| Netflix |
In addition, The Incredible Jessica James does have a nice balance of humour and drama, and keeps the comedy as realistic and natural as possible and does not overdo the drama.
No comments:
Post a Comment