Not That Funny

Not That Funny was a truly wonderful movie. Tony Hale was perfect as the central character. His timing, his delivery, his presence - all very nicely done. The casting was excellent and all the characters made sense in a nice, normal way. Personally, I was happy to have only a little cussing and no sex at all. To paraphrase Anthony Lane, the film critic for The New Yorker, half the viewers aren't happy when the people take their clothes off in the movie and the other half can't wait until they do. I was pleased to know I had spent an hour and a half of my life without having to mute the sound or change the channel. Why can't there be more decent movies with good stories?!?

I saw Not That Funny at Newport Beach Film Festival and thought it was the best film of the fest. Brigid Brannagh is lovely as a daughter returning home to her grandmother's house in a small California town. Tony Hale is awkward and entertaining as the man who thinks he has to make her laugh to win her heart. Watch for a fun turn from comedian Nick Thune as the man who tries to help Hale learn comedy. I loved the depiction of the little town and the people who can see Hale's character for the man he really is, especially the relationship between Hale and his friend Kevork, played by John Kapelos. The film is full of little details that feel authentic to the world and town is charming. I'm looking forward to seeing future films from co-writer/director Lauralee Farrer. Check out this film if you get a chance.

This bubble-light romantic comedy is worth seeking out. Tony Hale—in his first leading role I think—plays Stefan, a typical lovelorn Hollywood movie type who will do anything for the girl, eh-em, woman of his dreams to fall in love with him. Or at least notice him more. In this case, Stefan has overheard Hayley (Brigid Brannagh) stating she just wants a man that can make her laugh. Stefan knows he is not funny, so he seeks advice from friends, the Internet, and even stalks a comic. What makes Not That Funny work—and so enjoyable—is it smartly stays away from the traps of most romantic comedies. For example, Stefan learns a joke we know is not going to work. We don't get the obligatory scene where it falls flat and a lesson is learned. In fact, there's a lot obligatory trappings of the modern romantic comedy that are not seen or dwelled on in Not that Funny. Thanks goes to writer-director Lauralee Farrer and co-writer Jonathan Foster. The script—like the main character —is smart and likable, earnest and fair. It does a wonderful job in showcasing some character actors you've seen before and allows Hale— still best known as Buster on Arrested Development—a rare chance to showcase a grounded hero you'd invite over for dinner. Despite a paper- thin budget, Farrer and cinematographer Brandon Lippard deliver a beautiful looking valentine to the town of Sierra Madre (near Pasadena) and a remarkable house that is so functional it becomes another character.

I can't seem to locate the church or whatever with the beautiful modern stained glass windows that at times, Hales character sits in front of.

I've put in modern stained glass in Sierra Madre and Los Angela's but nothing comes up.

Can anyone please help me?

In general, I am a fan of Tony Hale. But in Not That Funny, Hale allows audiences to catch a glimpse of the sincerity that often resides just under the surface of his more comedic offerings. Of course, much of the credit goes here to the film's writers and director. The film has just the right amount of quirkiness, which allows it to remain a romantic comedy without succumbing to tired conventions. In other words, it represents everything I love about independent film done well. Without any hint of condescension or pretension, Not That Funny offers an unassuming and quietly subversive take on love, relationships, and life. Definitely worth seeing.