The King Of Staten Island (2020): A Hilarious Film Review

Hey guys! Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, just spinning your wheels and not really getting anywhere? Well, The King of Staten Island is a movie that gets that feeling, and it does it with a whole lot of heart and humor. Released in 2020, this film, directed by Judd Apatow, isn't your typical feel-good comedy, but it's something way more real and relatable. It stars Pete Davidson, who also co-wrote the film, and let me tell you, he pours a lot of himself into this role. If you are into comedy movies, keep reading!

What's the Story?

So, what's the movie actually about? The film revolves around Scott Carlin (played by Pete Davidson), a 24-year-old living in Staten Island, New York, who's basically a man-child. He's still living at home with his mom, Margie (Marisa Tomei), and hasn't really figured out what he wants to do with his life. He dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, but his ambitions rarely go beyond getting high with his buddies and doodling on his friends. Sounds like a blast, right? But underneath the surface, Scott is dealing with some serious emotional baggage.

His father, a firefighter, died when he was just a kid, and that loss has had a profound impact on his life. He's struggling with anxiety, depression, and a general sense of aimlessness. His younger sister, Claire (Maude Apatow), is heading off to college, which only amplifies Scott's feeling of being stuck. Everything changes when his mom starts dating Ray (Bill Burr), another firefighter, which forces Scott to confront his unresolved grief and start taking responsibility for his life. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing heavily from Pete Davidson's own experiences with the loss of his firefighter father during 9/11. This personal connection brings an authenticity and vulnerability to the character of Scott that really resonates with audiences. You can feel the emotional weight behind the humor, making the film both hilarious and surprisingly poignant.

The supporting cast is phenomenal, bringing depth and humor to their respective roles. Marisa Tomei delivers a nuanced performance as Scott's mother, balancing her own desires for a fulfilling life with her unwavering love and concern for her son. Bill Burr is equally impressive as Ray, the straight-talking firefighter who challenges Scott to grow up and face his demons. Burr brings his signature comedic timing to the role, but he also injects a sense of warmth and empathy that makes Ray a genuinely likable character. Steve Buscemi also makes an appearance as Papa, one of Ray’s fellow firefighters, adding another layer of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of the firefighting community. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, creating a believable and engaging dynamic that draws you into the story.

Why You Should Watch It

The King of Staten Island isn't just another run-of-the-mill comedy. It's a film that tackles some serious issues with humor and heart. It's about grief, mental health, and finding your place in the world. But it's also about family, friendship, and the importance of human connection. Pete Davidson's performance is a revelation. He's raw, honest, and incredibly funny. He brings a level of vulnerability to the character that makes you root for him, even when he's making questionable decisions. The film is also a love letter to Staten Island. It captures the unique character of the borough, from its gritty streets to its close-knit communities. It's a place where people are real, and where humor is a way of life.

Apatow's direction is spot-on, allowing the actors to shine and creating a film that feels both intimate and expansive. He knows how to balance the comedic and dramatic elements of the story, creating a film that is both funny and moving. The script, co-written by Davidson, Apatow, and Dave Sirus, is sharp, witty, and insightful. It's filled with memorable lines and authentic dialogue that captures the way people really talk. If you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think, then The King of Staten Island is definitely worth checking out. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. This film also is a coming-of-age story about how one event in a person's life can affect them forever.

The Humor

Let's talk about the humor, because this is a comedy, after all! The humor in The King of Staten Island is very much in line with Judd Apatow's signature style: it's observational, character-driven, and often a bit raunchy. But it's also very real. The jokes come from the situations the characters find themselves in, and from their interactions with each other. There are some laugh-out-loud moments, but the humor is often tinged with sadness. It's the kind of humor that makes you think as much as it makes you laugh. Pete Davidson's comedic timing is impeccable. He delivers his lines with a deadpan delivery that is both hilarious and endearing. He's not afraid to make fun of himself, and he uses his own personal experiences to inform his performance. The film also features some great physical comedy, particularly in the scenes where Scott is trying (and often failing) to master the art of tattooing.

The supporting characters also contribute to the film's humor. Bill Burr is hilarious as Ray, the no-nonsense firefighter who isn't afraid to tell Scott what he thinks. His interactions with Scott are some of the funniest moments in the film. Marisa Tomei also gets some good laughs as Scott's mom, particularly in the scenes where she's trying to navigate her new relationship with Ray. The film is filled with witty banter and memorable one-liners. It's the kind of comedy that you'll be quoting long after you've seen the movie. But it's also a comedy that has something to say about life, loss, and the importance of finding your own path.

The Heart

Beyond the humor, The King of Staten Island has a lot of heart. It's a film about grief, trauma, and the long road to healing. Scott is a deeply flawed character, but he's also a sympathetic one. You can see that he's struggling, and you want him to get better. The film doesn't shy away from the difficult emotions that Scott is dealing with. It shows him at his lowest points, but it also shows him making progress, however small. The relationship between Scott and his mom is one of the most touching aspects of the film. They have a close bond, but it's also a complicated one. Margie is trying to move on with her life, but she's also worried about Scott. She wants him to be happy, but she doesn't know how to help him.

The film also explores the importance of community. Scott finds support and friendship in his group of stoner buddies, as well as in the firefighting community that his father was a part of. These relationships help him to feel less alone and to start taking responsibility for his life. The King of Staten Island is a film that reminds us that it's okay to not be okay. It's a film that encourages us to be kind to ourselves and to each other. And it's a film that shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The film also shows how important it is to have friends and family to support you in your life. If you have never experienced anything like this, it is a great way to see how other people deal with trauma.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict? The King of Staten Island is a fantastic film that is both funny and moving. It's a raw and honest look at grief, mental health, and the search for meaning in life. Pete Davidson delivers a breakthrough performance, and the supporting cast is equally strong. If you're looking for a comedy that will make you think and feel, then this is the movie for you. The film is a semi-autobiographical story about Pete Davidson's life, so you can expect that it is very real. I give it a solid 9/10. Go check it out and let me know what you think!