Balance makes for a ‘funny story’

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is a dramedy, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, in which 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist) checks himself into a mental hospital after having suicidal thoughts.

Surrounded by a fairly typical troupe of mental patients, Craig embarks on a fairly typical journey of self-discovery.

What saves this film from being fairly typical itself is a combination of accessible characters, solid writing and intermittent flares of brilliance. Among these moments of greatness was a visually and sonically stunning music video featuring the patients of the psychiatric ward performing David Bowie/Queen’s “Under Pressure.”

Craig’s artistic awakening was another high note, a flashback-style flight through a watercolor city in his imagination.

Zach Galifianakis as Bobby, Craig’s mentor, shows a depth and subtlety in his portrayal of an amiable man struggling with depression that might surprise viewers who are only familiar with his more comedic roles.

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is a touching, upbeat portrait of a society’s struggle to deal with stress, in which the serious subject matter is buoyed by just the right amount of laughs.