Amy Schumer busted through the stand-up comic turned movie star wall when she collaborated with Judd Apatow and delivered the divine Trainwreck. She returned to the silver screen next with legend Goldie Hawn in the thoroughly disappointing Snatched.
With her latest, I Feel Pretty, the comedienne scores by pairing up with the successful writing team (who make their directorial debut with this flick) of Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein (Never Been Kissed, How to be Single, He’s Just Not That Into You).
The results are a match made in heaven that plays to the strengths of all involved.
Schumer is Renee. She suffers from a lack of self-esteem. Sadly, but truthfully depicted, it is tied directly to her thoughts on her appearance. She toils in a “satellite” office of a cosmetic giant, Lily LeClaire, all the while aspiring to be where the action is in the Fifth Avenue locale where each employee appears to be more attractive than the last.
Her best friends — Vivian (SNL scene stealer Aidy Bryant) and Jane (Busy Philipps) — are always there for her and collectively they support each other in ways that are delightful to witness. It is never forced on the audience, despite having little exposition that lays out their relationship.
When Renee has a dreadful accident in a crowded Manhattan spin class, she bonks her noggin. When she comes to, Renee gazes in the mirror and is beside herself. She finally possesses the beauty on the outside that matches her stunning “what’s on the inside” attitude.
Confidence ensues, professional opportunities arise and a love interest lands in Rory Scovel’s Ethan — all within days of her head injury. She is overflowing with joy and she believes that the world that is afforded to beautiful people has now come knocking on her door.
Of course, the truth of the matter is that her appearance has not altered a bit. The lesson here is that confidence and belief in oneself sends the attractive meter into the red. That is certainly true and a lesson that millions of women could sorely use daily as so many struggle with society-defined beauty mores that have resulted in too many eating disorders and the like that rob these beautiful souls of a life once dreamed.
Some have criticized the film for using “body shaming” to get laughs. One must wonder if those critics witnessed the same movie. That could not be further from the truth in terms of where the laughs arise and the overall arc, tone and message of the entire cinematic experience. Schumer puts it all out there, from participating in a bar bikini contest to saying on a job interview for a receptionist position at her company that she could model, but “that doesn’t define me.”
Both scenes are funny, and there are numerous other examples as well throughout the film. But they are not due to the audience laughing at Schumer. In fact, viewers are laughing with her.
Also, the actress gets to employ more tools from her acting kit for many scenes that require her to be much more than a comedienne delivering punchlines or bringing the physical in physical comedy. Schumer’s acting chops are quite good, and it is a treat to experience her putting some brut force honestly out there that only adds layers to the depth of her character’s realness.
The film’s MVP is Michelle Williams. The four-time Oscar nominee is Avery LeClaire — the granddaughter and heir to the cosmetic company’s fortune and future. She delivers a performance that has her pushing the envelope of her own acting toolbox in terms of showcasing those comedy chops. Williams’ wizardry commences with her voice. It is high-pitched, softly delivered and sits in the ballpark of the vocal tone she gave us as Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn.
Then, there is the way in which she carries herself onscreen. It is as if she is a willow, easily blown from side-to-side with the slightest of wind gusts. She steals every scene she’s in and dare we say… Williams deserves another Oscar nod for putting the world on notice that she’s as comedically charming as she is dramatically diverse.
Kohn and Silverstein make a pitch perfect directorial debut. They clearly have a firm hand on their own material and one might argue that had they directed He’s Just Not That Into You, the result might have been of a higher quality. The pair have an impeccable shorthand with their lead and their supporting cast. Each character in the film is rich and not a single member is one-dimensional. They pop off the screen and through the directing duo’s helming techniques, they bring out the best in each member of their ensemble.
For example… it’s great to see Lauren Hutton back on the big screen as the matriarch of the cosmetics empire!
We have seen movies with this “it’s on the inside that matters” message.
I Feel Pretty manages to deliver it in such a way that is never demeaning or pedantic, always charming, uplifting and of course with Schumer in the lead, fantastically funny.
Grade: B+