The Big Sick (2017)
Film Review
By the Geezer of Oz
“Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and grad student Emily Gardner fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.” (IMDB)
The Big Sick is a beautiful, touching love story that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. The story was entertaining and touching, the characters endearing and funny. However, I felt that when certain characters entered the story, it really hit into high gear.
Kumail Nanjiani, playing himself, did a fine if somewhat reserved job. At times, certain aspects of his character were tough to read and somewhat awkward, whether intended or not. Zoe Kazan was cute and endearing as Emily, though her character was less investigated, which is a shame. Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff and Adeel Akhtar did a fine job and created some of the film’s most endearing moments playing Kumail’s parents and brother. However, it was when Emily’s parents, played by Ray Romano and Holly Hunter, entered the story, it really went up a few levels. Romano and Hunter both brought a certain toughness and sensitivity into their roles that, at least to me, changed the way I see this film. They were highly entertaining in both comedic and dramatic instances and were simply a joy to watch. Romano is a great example of a stand-up comedian turned actor who takes his craft seriously and has transformed himself into a fine actor far from the novelty of the ‘stand-up comedian turned sitcom actor’ in Everybody Loves Raymond. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the show, I just didn’t think Romano was anywhere near the actor he is today.
Overall, however, I felt the story seemed a bit rushed in parts and never truly explored some the issues it raises in enough depth. That being said, The Big Sick is still a fine comedy-drama-romance worth your time and attention. 7/10.
