The King Of Staten Island (2020): A Review

Hey guys! Today, let's dive deep into The King of Staten Island, the 2020 comedy-drama directed by Judd Apatow. This film isn't just another flick; it’s a semi-autobiographical take on Pete Davidson’s life, exploring themes of grief, growing up, and finding your place in the world. If you're looking for a movie that blends humor with heart, stick around!

What Makes The King of Staten Island Special?

The King of Staten Island stands out for several reasons, starting with its raw and honest portrayal of grief and mental health. Pete Davidson, who also co-wrote the screenplay, draws heavily from his own experiences, giving the film an authentic and deeply personal feel. The storyline revolves around Scott Carlin, a 24-year-old aspiring tattoo artist still grappling with the death of his firefighter father. This event, which mirrors Davidson's own life, casts a long shadow over Scott's life, leading to stunted emotional growth and a series of self-destructive behaviors. Apatow masterfully balances these heavier themes with moments of levity, ensuring that the film remains engaging without trivializing the underlying issues.

Furthermore, the film benefits from a strong supporting cast. Marisa Tomei delivers a nuanced performance as Scott's mother, Margie, who is struggling to move forward with her life while still caring for her son. Bill Burr shines as Ray Bishop, a firefighter who enters Margie's life, providing a catalyst for Scott's eventual confrontation with his own issues. The ensemble cast brings depth and credibility to the story, making the characters feel like real people with their own complexities and flaws. Their interactions are genuine and often humorous, adding layers to the narrative and enriching the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, the setting of Staten Island itself becomes a character in the film. Apatow captures the essence of the borough, portraying it as a place of both comfort and confinement. The film explores the idea of feeling stuck in one's hometown, a sentiment that many viewers can relate to. The visuals, the local color, and the authentic dialogue all contribute to creating a believable and immersive world. This attention to detail enhances the film's relatability, making it more than just a personal story; it's a reflection of universal struggles and aspirations.

Diving into the Plot

The King of Staten Island follows Scott Carlin, played by Pete Davidson, as he navigates his life while still dealing with the trauma of losing his firefighter father at a young age. Scott is a 24-year-old who lives at home with his mother, Margie, and has no real direction in life. He spends his days smoking weed, hanging out with his friends, and practicing his amateur tattooing skills on anyone willing to let him. Scott's life takes an unexpected turn when his mother starts dating Ray Bishop, a firefighter. The relationship forces Scott to confront his unresolved grief and the idealized image he has of his father. Ray’s presence in Margie's life challenges Scott's perception of his family and forces him to consider his own future.

As Scott grapples with his mother's new relationship, he also begins to develop a connection with Ray's children and the other firefighters at the firehouse. These interactions provide him with a sense of belonging and purpose that he has been lacking. Through them, Scott learns more about his father's life and legacy, gaining a new perspective on the man he lost. This understanding helps him to reconcile his past and begin to move forward. The film beautifully portrays the journey of self-discovery and the importance of finding connections with others in overcoming personal struggles.

Furthermore, Scott's journey involves several missteps and moments of growth. He makes mistakes, hurts the people around him, and often struggles to make the right choices. However, these imperfections make his character all the more relatable and human. The film doesn't shy away from showing the messiness of real life and the challenges of overcoming personal demons. Ultimately, The King of Staten Island is a story about finding your path, even when you feel lost, and learning to accept yourself, flaws and all. The narrative is both heartwarming and humorous, offering a balanced portrayal of the ups and downs of life.

The Cast: A Perfect Ensemble

The cast of The King of Staten Island is one of its strongest assets. Pete Davidson delivers a raw and authentic performance as Scott, drawing on his own life experiences to bring depth and vulnerability to the character. Davidson's portrayal is both humorous and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of a young man struggling with grief and identity. His ability to blend comedy with emotional depth makes his performance truly compelling.

Marisa Tomei shines as Margie, Scott's mother, portraying her as a strong and resilient woman trying to rebuild her life. Tomei brings a sense of warmth and authenticity to the role, making Margie a relatable and sympathetic character. Her performance captures the challenges of being a single parent and the desire to find happiness again after loss. The dynamic between Tomei and Davidson is particularly strong, creating a believable and touching mother-son relationship.

Bill Burr provides a standout performance as Ray Bishop, the firefighter who becomes Margie's boyfriend. Burr brings his signature comedic timing to the role, but also showcases a more sensitive and nuanced side. His character serves as a catalyst for Scott's growth, challenging him to confront his past and take responsibility for his future. Burr's portrayal is both humorous and thought-provoking, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The supporting cast, including Bel Powley as Scott's girlfriend, Kelsey, and Ricky Velez, Lou Wilson, and Moises Arias as his friends, provides additional layers to the story. Each actor brings their own unique energy and talent to their respective roles, creating a believable and engaging ensemble. Their performances contribute to the film's overall authenticity and relatability.

Apatow's Direction and Style

Judd Apatow’s direction in The King of Staten Island is marked by his signature blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling. Known for films like Knocked Up and Trainwreck, Apatow has a knack for creating relatable characters and situations that resonate with audiences. In this film, he brings a level of sensitivity and authenticity to the story, drawing heavily from Pete Davidson's personal experiences.

Apatow’s style is characterized by his use of improvisation and naturalistic dialogue. He allows his actors to bring their own personalities and experiences to their roles, resulting in performances that feel genuine and unscripted. This approach gives the film a sense of spontaneity and realism, making the characters and their interactions feel more authentic. The improvisational elements add humor and depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, Apatow’s direction effectively balances the film’s comedic and dramatic elements. He tackles sensitive topics such as grief, mental health, and addiction with care and nuance, while also infusing the story with moments of levity and humor. This balance ensures that the film remains engaging and entertaining without trivializing the underlying issues. Apatow’s ability to navigate these complex themes makes The King of Staten Island a compelling and thought-provoking film.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Watching?

So, is The King of Staten Island worth watching? Absolutely! If you're looking for a movie that’s both funny and deeply moving, this is it. The film offers a poignant look at grief, growth, and the search for identity, all wrapped up in Apatow's signature comedic style. Pete Davidson's performance is a standout, bringing a raw and authentic energy to the screen. The supporting cast is equally impressive, adding depth and richness to the story. The setting of Staten Island itself becomes a character, adding to the film's overall charm and authenticity.

The King of Staten Island is more than just a comedy; it’s a story about overcoming personal struggles and finding your place in the world. It’s relatable, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting. Whether you're a fan of Judd Apatow, Pete Davidson, or just looking for a good movie, this one is definitely worth your time. Go check it out and let me know what you think!