Not That Funny

The storyline/Plot was very well acted by the leading man (Tony Hale) and the leading lady (Brigid Brannagh). Good relational study on both characters although I wish there were a little more signs of they will come together.

I do appreciate these type of movies with no cursing and no premarital sex because of the PG rating. It was about she accept him for the type of person he is and he learned the importance of continuing to care for other non-blood related people i.e. Her grandmother and trying to develop a friendship that would eventually lead to the next step.

Answer: The beautiful stained glass and church is St. Rita Parish, a Catholic Church at 318 North Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 (where Tony Hale's character runs at night.)

Besides the scenery and gentle small town feel, this film and the characters are charming. What a relief to know we all share so many similarities; falling short and missing out by harshly judging ourselves trying to be something we're not. Just be kind!

Saying "I'm alone, but not lonely" can and is fine. While watching these very human characters it struck me, how rich our life can be, by simply moving out of our head to see the most valuable people will see the 'real' us, and the person we are is just fine indeed.

Dr Seuss said it best. "Be who you are, say what you feel, those that mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind." (RIP Dr. Seuss!)

This movie illuminates the many brilliant colors of that Dr. Seuss quote. 'Not That Funny' has beautiful colorful people we can relate to, along with the heartfelt and enlightening entertainment we often need.

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 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.

Netflix recommended this film for me and I'm really glad that it did. It's just charming. While it's a story about a guy who wants to impress a pretty girl, It's also about family and connections and the human condition in a heart warming package.