A touching comedy-drama that might boost your spirits
Here Today is a touching comedy-drama about two friends, Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish, who are forced to confront the challenges of life after a break-up. The film was recently premiered on Sky Cinema/Now TV in the UK and it’s also available for digital download.
Crystal Burnz, a veteran comedy writer for SNL-like shows, provides some of the scripts for an upcoming show starring Emma Haddish and her former boyfriend. The two are likeable and have instant chemistry together. However, this is not another Frankie and Johnny-type movie where the two fall in love with one another, despite the difference in their ages. This is a movie about friendship and how it can change over time. ..
Crystal has created an enjoyable movie that will please those looking for something gentle and warm-hearted.
Despite the presence of two great comedy stars, this isn’t a movie that is particularly funny. The sketches that Charlie provides for his show aren’t that amusing either, although the studio audience seems to be having a good time. ..
Charlie and Payge’s friendship is born out of their shared predicament: they both have an allergic reaction to shellfish, and as a result, they must spend the night at the hospital. Rather than just say goodbye when the dinner date is cut short, Charlie attends the hospital with Payge and even pays for her treatment. This friendship is built on their mutual understanding and willingness to help one another in whatever way possible.
He then goes the extra mile and uncomfortably injects her butt with an EpiPen after taking the unfortunate woman back home. So, while this isn’t a laugh-out-loud type of comedy, the movie isn’t bereft of humour as the two characters bond and grow together during their very unlikely friendship.
Charlie’s wife, who he lost after a car accident, is still with him. He is still trying to get over her death. But while you won’t be shedding tears with laughter, you might still shed a few tears at the events that happen on screen. This is as much a movie about loss as it is about friendship as Charlie is still trying to get over the death of his wife who passed away after a car accident.
As a result of her death, Charlie also lost the respect of his children who partly blame him for what happened. He is also losing his memory as a result of dementia and this becomes a major part of the plotline when Payge decides to support her new-found friend so he doesn’t have to struggle with his illness alone.
Despite the dark themes that are inherent within the script, the movie never becomes too maudlin. There is always a scene to add levity whenever things threaten to get too harrowing, so don’t expect a lot of doom and gloom when you’re watching. This isn’t to say the movie avoids exploring serious issues it presents- it still manages to explore the reality of dementia, such as when Charlie experiences immense confusion on his walk to work. But thanks to the performances of its stars and the light tone of the script, you will still have reason to smile through your tears.
Despite the strengths of “The Fault in Our Stars,” there are some problems that need to be addressed. The cinematography is a little flat, and it looks more like a TV movie than a piece of cinema. The music score is forgettable, although this isn’t a big issue when the dialogue matters more than the notes that are being played out in the background. And the broken relationship between Charlie and his daughter is too easily mended, so this plotline is a little contrived.
Despite its flaws, “The Friend” is not a waste of time. It’s not a dementia drama on the scale of “The Father” or “Supernova,” but it’s not trying to be. This is more about a friendship between two people who need each other and enjoy each other’s company. For this reason, it’s likeable and warm during most of its run-time. ..
Here Today is a well-balanced film that has plenty of humour and sentimentality. Haddish gives an excellent performance, while Crystal is dependably good. It’s not a movie that will stay with you for long, but it’s light-hearted and hopeful, which may give you some relief. ..
