Sleepwalk With Me
Released August 24, 2012
Rated R
Directed By Mark Birbiglia
Starring Mark Birbiglia and Lauren Ambrose
90 Minutes
Sleepwalk With Me is an indie film written, directed by, and starring Mark Birbiglia. It’s based on a true story, one he actually told during a Broadway show of the same name. The film follows aspiring comedian, Matt Pandamiglio (Birbiglia), as he tries to juggle his lifelong dream career and a girlfriend who is aching to get married and have kids. Pandamiglio has major sleepwalking problems as well, which only adds to the stress factor. His dreaming and sleepwalking become increasingly dangerous, although it provides some great entertainment.
The story Sleepwalk With Me tells is honest and heartwarming. Matt Pandamiglio is a bartender who’s life is going nowhere, until he finally decides to do something about it. As he begins to get shows, you begin to cheer him on. It’s the perfect “average Joe” tale and it’s laid out with near perfection. As his jokes become stale and unfunny, Matt begins to tell audiences about his personal relationship with Abby (Ambrose), and that’s when he starts to blow up all over the United States. Although his fan base grows, the jokes he tells begin to resonate with him, making him realize what he truly wants out of life. The pacing is yet another thing in the movie done near-perfect. Each scene provides either a subtle laugh or important dialogue. The acting is very well-done, by everyone, even though Birbiglia isn’t a proven actor. This was quite a pleasant surprise.
Mike Birbiglia showcases his comedic talents in the film, giving it a shot of realism and honesty. Sleep Walk With Me is pegged as a comedy, however, it’s quality comedy. It isn’t slapstick whatsoever. This is probably a good thing. The film throws in a little drama here and there, giving it some diversity. The script is well-written and the story is well-told (by Birbiglia himself). There are a generous amount of funny moments in Sleepwalk With Me. For example, when Birbiglia’s character jumps out of a hotel window. You’ll find yourself cracking up, but it’s not a riot. The movie also offers up a surprising amount of emotional depth, which proves to be transcending. There isn’t much to complain about, overall.
Sleepwalk With Me surprised me and enlightened me on so many different levels. It’s a pleasant and endearing little indie flick that offers comedy, real emotion, and a clever script, outlined by a comedic overtone. The films is unique, inspiring, and heartwarming. Yes, Mike Birbiglio, we would love to sleepwalk with you.
Score:
4.5 out of 5
The Campaign
party. It’s unbiased and fair. This is the first thing you should know, because it’s something I admired about the movie. The Campaign is genuinely funny. It has some memorable moments, such as when Cam Brady punches a baby and when Marty Huggins and his family discuss their “secrets” at the dinner table. There is a ton of satirical humor here, which makes it a little more diverse.
The acting is bar none here, being driven by it’s two leads. Ferrell is great as the sleazebag congressman and Galifiankis steals the show as the flat-out hilarious Republican challenger. It’s one of his most memorable characters to date. He’s very original and the accent alone will make you chuckle with joy. Superb performance by Galifiankis. The film explores politics in a light, but effective way. The story is passable, but it’s pretty basic at it’s core. Two guys running against one another, while getting into a ton of trouble and endless drama ensuing. The happenings of these two hilarious characters is definitely entertaining, to say the least. The pacing here is solid. Each scene is necessary and understandable. It all contributes to the inevitable end, in which one must win and one must lose. The ending itself is both good and bad. It’s the one moment that is a little cliche, yet emotionally rich.
