Reviews

It baffles me that a show this funny can remain so underground, with less than a "cult classic" following. However I understand why many have looked over this show. The concept is not only very "out there" but the writing is very smart. In a similar way that the UK version of "The Office" is often overlooked by US fans for being "too smart", this show is closer to dry, British humor than classic American humor. But, through and through, this show is brilliant. The attention to detail is astounding to the point where the original documentaries look worse than their versions. Mulany, Meyers, Hader and Armisen pour so much passion into this show. This is not a cash grab, it's not a money maker, it's a passion project shared by 4 brilliant comedians and that can be seen in every episode. Please support this show, brilliant direction, writing and acting such as this should be rewarded and unfortunately this show is being overlooked.

In this era of every movie being based on a book, Me and Earl and The Dying Girl proves that maybe the movie can be better than the book. Jesse Andrews, the author of the book, sets up the story perfectly for a film adaptation, to the point where it almost seems as if this was his true intent with the story. This film is beautiful, it plays with stop motion, shaped frames, camera angles and drawing in a way that no other film has done in recent years. The handmade aesthetic of the film is perfect for the main character Greg as his mind sees the world through film. This is a movie for everyone, film fanatics will appreciate the many references and homages to past films and people looking for a teen, cancer romance will find this is the perfect story, feel good and heart breaking. This film is often compared to The Fault in Our Stars, for a good reason, the stories are very similar, however Me and Earl seems to be what TFIOS could have been. This film stands alone, an audience doesn't need to read the book to understand and fall in love/hate with the characters. The acting and direction is stunning, with the three leading teens stealing the show. This is truly a spectacle of what teen flicks could be if we don't settle for the mediocre films being produced today.

Immediately after seeing this movie the first thing I said was "this is my second favorite Wright movie". However after letting it sink in for a day, I now realize how much craft, technique and talent this movie took to pull off.

As for craft, the editing in this film is clean, seamless and more than impressive. Unlike many quick cut action sequences, these feel continuous and you can actually map out the locations in your head, the audience is able to see the entirety of the stunts (which are all done practically). The gimmick of "the movie is set to music" does not feel forced at all, nor does it feel like a gimmick. This film uses music both as emotional weight, a soundtrack and as a story telling device, the soundtrack is beyond phenomenal. In terms of talent, the culmination of talent between director, actor, editor, stuntman, and musician is unparalleled. Ansel Elgort stands out in this role, after being confined to teen dramas, this is a breakout role for him. He brings a silent intensity to the role which perfectly contrasts the vibrant and absurdness of the world around him. Wright of course delivers in every way, his direction solidifies every aspect of this film.

Bottom line: this is a movie for everyone, everyone will find something to enjoy in this movie. The audience in the theater was the most responsive, alive and invested audience I have ever been a part of. They winced at painful moments, cried at the romance and of course the comedic aspects of the film had everyone in stitches. This is the best film Wright has made, the Cornetto trilogy and Scott Pilgrim seem to be steps leading to this action packed, fun filled masterpiece.