The King of Staten Island

Filmmaker Judd Apatow has proven himself as one of the key figures in the resurgence of modern adult comedies that connect with older audiences starting in the 2000s. The projects he gets involved with (either from a directing, writing, or producing aspect) all tend to have low budgets in order to focus on the movies quality rather than big named cast of actors. There's are common factors found in each of those ventures such as the standard older main protagonist type of slacker who comes across a personal life event that forces them to move their lifestyles out of their funk, some raunchy jokes spread throughout, heartfelt moments, familiar comedians who often appear in them (including his wife Leslie Mann), etc. While he's mostly known for being on the production and screenwriter side of those movies, he has directed a handful of them (when he has the time for it that is). This brings us to his latest effort on that front with The King of Staten Island, which is a "semi-biographical" take on actor Pete Davidson's life (who is the lead actor and one of the co-writers here). The movie was originally slated for a few film festivals earlier in the year as well as a theatrical release during the summer but both were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It ended up being released digitally via video on demand for a $20 rental price (part of Universal's price target as they did before with Trolls World Tour). I didn't notice much of a marketing campaign but felt the need to be as blind as possible to what happens (as well as avoiding the jokes beforehand). I watched it this past week needing a laugh along with some good vibes to wash out Artemis Fowl from my system and ended up surprised with how much I enjoyed this very pleasant watch. 

What's it about? The story follows a young man whose comfort with a life safety net is shattered when his mom starts dating a man, who is a firefighter (just like his deceased dad), and must find a new path for himself. A surprising factor about this is the main genre focus on being more of a slightly more serious comedy-drama than a standard raunchy adult comedy. There are definitely moments of humor spread throughout but it's aiming towards looking at the mentally flawed protagonist reacting to uncertainty in his own goals. It doesn't operate much with Hollywood silliness but rather a realistic enough setting where the people around him will rightfully tell him off on his judgement. The personal growth builds to a third act that doesn't say everything is all better now but is focused on taking the steps towards a mentally healthier way of living.

For all that the story gets right, however, there are some issues holding it back. There are a few scenes where the movie meanders on parts that don't feel like they go anywhere. One of them being a bit where staff of this restaurant has their own "fight club" over the tips from that work day. Another is a subplot with a group of friends doing something that sidelines them for the second half of the runtime and it feels out of nowhere compared to everything else. Removing the former would have left some room to breath with the length.   

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, and Bill Burr. Pete surprises with a pretty good performance as he undergoes a way to motions between trying to mooch off of others for his own benefit and changing his negative dark outlook on aspects in his life. His honesty about his own issues and chemistry with the rest of the main cast absolutely make the watching experience worth it. Marisa shines well in a portrayal with an accent that's reminiscent of her role in My Cousin Finny (1992) and as a mother who's taking steps forward in her personal life. Bill does a good job elevating this role as a solid foil towards Davidson in their interactions and a believable romantic chemistry with Marisa. 

Honorable mentions go to Steve Buscemi and Bel Powley with the former being a welcome supportive addition (whose role among the firemen reflects his past work as one from 1980-1984) while the latter is a delight between her caring personality as well as her placement on the list of British actors who call pull off an American accent very well.  

Overall Consensus: The King of Staten Island provides a slice of life journey that's strengthened by the performances and chemistry of its actors, respectful treatment of firefighters life impact on families, and realistic pleasant watching experience. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4🍿 Runtime: 2 hours 17 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or Judd Apatow. You don't mind some of the formulaic parts that are in most of Apatow's features (such as smoking weed or a party montage). You like seeing main protagonists afflicted with ADHD who are honest about their mental problems. You want to see a respectful portrayal of the impact a fireman's life has on their relatives. You enjoy slice of life comedy-dramas.  

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or Judd Apatow. You are annoyed with some of the formulaic parts that are in most of Apatow's features (such as smoking weed or a party montage). You dislike slice of life comedy-dramas.