Amy Schumer’s debut film Trainwreck opened in theaters this past Friday. As the weekend drew to a close, Variety made the bold declaration that Schumer has catapulted onto “Hollywood’s A-list:”
“This is the birth of a new film star,” said Phil Contrino, vice president and chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. “She’s going to get tons of offers. This puts her in the same realm as Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig.”
The film exceeded box office expectations, pulling in $30.2 million. Roughly one-quarter of moviegoers cited Schumer as their reason for buying a ticket.
My wife and I went to see the film on Friday. As the raunch dialed up, we noted an older couple leave the theater.
It’s easy to understand why some people dislike Schumer’s brand of comedy. On the surface, she comes across as a flighty and hedonistic… well… slut.
It takes some time with her to realize that’s just an act. Had that older couple remained, they would have seen that Trainwreck actually argues against the vices which Schumer plays for laughs. It ultimately presents a strong argument for the emptiness of promiscuity and the value in approaching relationships with grace and a predisposition toward forgiveness.
Schumer’s sketch comedy show Inside Amy Schumer also hints at her substance. Anyone who writes satire based on 12 Angry Men or Schindler’s List requires a minimal level of intellect and insight, especially to make it work as well as it does.
If you haven’t checked out Inside Amy Schumer or Trainwreck, give it a chance. You may find her an acquired taste.
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