【Overview】
Even if "SNL is not as good as it was in the past (Trump language)", Pete Davis is not the most outstanding of the new cast. But the sincerity and frankness embodied in him are rare qualities for a comedian, even more scarce than the chameleon-like imitating ability (such as the much criticized Jimmy Fallon).
When he talked about his lack of family, emotional disorder, and even suicidal thoughts in an understatement on the show, he would naturally see a sense of scars and vulnerability; this succeeded in a Millennial who likes Hacao. On top of the image, the possibility of insight and empathy is attached.
Therefore, despite the lack of impressive artistry/talents, Pete Davis has characteristics that other SNL predecessors do not have, and being young can also bring him more potential for future development: compared to Bill Murray , Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, his style has not yet been fully finalized when he touched the big screen, which also means greater plasticity.
In recent years, Judd Apato, who has rarely shot himself personally, is more inclined to produce humorous dramas than just Cheap Laugh. As the new Golden Boy of "Godfather of Comedy" Judd Apato, the semi-autobiographical "King of Staten Island" is a good opportunity for Pete Davis to improve.
【Production】
The unchanging theme of Judd Apato's film is the fear of growth and its necessary sacrifice. The former defines our protagonists who "do not want to grow up": Steve Carell in "40-year-old Virgin", Seth Rogen in "Bad Belly", and Paul Lu in "Forty Confusion" De, Amy Schumer in "The Wreckage of Life"; the latter exposes the insecurities hidden in their emotional core among chicken feathers in one place, and realizes real and enlightening personal growth.
"King of Staten Island" is naturally a standard Apato movie: how an over-aged boy learns to grow up and be responsible for his own life. But similar to "Forty Confusion" and "Wreckage of Life", there are some problems in the structure of the film. Although Jared Apato can capture many interesting on-the-spot performances, he cannot make appropriate trade-offs.
As a two-hour light comedy film, it does not put enough energy on the main line: when the key turning point on the plot (rather deliberately) appears, the film will end in less than half an hour.
Although Jared Apato’s loose narrative style is still very conspicuous in the film, the addition of Pete Davis makes "King of Staten Island" a bit heavier and darker: because of family trauma, the protagonist Scott’s Inaction is not out of laziness, but has a motivation similar to fatalism.
And his sense of alienation from the outside world is also the basic origin of the script when creating characters: Although he can recognize how his actions affect others, he cannot control and handle these relationships well. This element may seem simple, but with Judd Apto’s training and Pete Davis’s insight, it is quite a knowing blow.
【Performance】
In recent years, Judd Apato’s hands-on work is often not as impressive as "bridesmaids" and other comedy films that only serve as producers. And the key flaw of "King of Staten Island" is somewhat related to this: since "Forty Confusion", Apato movies have often overemphasized the mediocre daily life of the characters and seriously lacked a sense of urgency.
This move is intended to reflect the protagonist’s surrounding world in order to explain his worldview, but in Apato’s hands, these scattered fragments of life did not serve a major contradiction, nor did it accumulate emotions/atmosphere, the protagonist One second before the final test in the third act, there is no essential difference from the beginning of the movie.
In this way, although the comedy elements scattered everywhere will not make people feel that the film is too slow, it does not catch people on the whole, and even has the suspicion of delaying time.
To a certain extent, this is the betrayal of Judd Apato, who is best at analyzing interpersonal relationships: The suicide attempt at the beginning of the film was originally a very powerful anchor point, which can be a darker and bolder side. The film sets the tone for depression and trauma. But in order to make the movie look more relaxed, this topic has become weaker and lighter since then, which is really regrettable.
And such an overall outstanding cast can actually support a more serious "King of Staten Island." Compared with "Super Puberty", Pete Davis is obviously more credible and more affinity. The semi-autobiographical nature of the story adds an extra sense of reality. Bill Burr, Bell Poly, Marisa Tomei and Steve Buscemi also provided high-quality performances, which are in good balance with the film's temperament.
【Summarize】
Although the age is much younger, "King of Staten Island" can still see Apato's shadow of middle-aged anxiety and the disillusionment of "children's dreams". But the firefighter's "blue-collar" setting and a hopeful ending gave the movie a more pleasing foothold. As for whether Pete Davis will have the same stardom as Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, a "Pete Davis Movie" is not enough. You have to wait until "Suicide Squad 2" to watch. It has to be more real.
【related suggestion】
"Forty Not Confused"
"Super Puberty"
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