STORYLINE: I Used To Be Funny is a dark dramedy that follows Sam Cowell (Rachel Sennott), an aspiring stand-up comedian and au pair struggling with PTSD, as she decides whether or not to join the search for Brooke (Olga Petsa), a missing teenage girl she used to nanny. The story exists between the present, where Sam tries to recover from her trauma and get back on stage, and the past, where memories of Brooke make it harder and harder to ignore the petulant teen’s sudden disappearance. Writer/director Ally Pankiw’s debut feature is both funny and heartbreaking in its honest and refreshing look at trauma and recovery, and how they affect the relationships and communities that shape us.

    Not every summer movie has to be a blockbuster extravaganza, such as the Will Smith led sequel Bad Boys Ride or Die.  Some can be an intense drama, as is the case with I Use to be Funny.  This film goes in a lot of different directions right from the start. 

     The film sets up a plot that seems like it has been done dozens of times in the past, a runaway teen and a person who cares about that teen struggles to find that teen.  I Use to be Funny is messy with how non linear it tells the story.  

    There is also a lot of discomfort built into the premise especially as events unfold.  I will not give spoilers but you can take from context in the storyline portion of this entry that this film does get a bit rough. 

   Despite being tough to watch there are some very heart warming moments sprinkled in to counter balance the movie.  Mix all that together with some well thought out stand up comedic bits and you get a really unique addition to the 2024 summer release schedule. 

    Until next time I will see you at the movies!