Director: Matt Ratner
Writer: Peter Hoare (Screenplay)
Starring: Billy Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Grace Gummer, Eloise Mumford, John Behlmann, David Castaneda
Plot: The unlikely friendship that kindles between a struggling stand-up comedian from L.A., forced to move back home with his tail between his legs, and a tragically flawed, but charming and charismatic, alcoholic dermatologist.
Runtime: 1 Hour 31 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Standing Up, Falling Down starts when struggling comedian Scott (Schwartz) returns home after failing to make the impact he wanted in his mid-30s with no idea what he wants to do next with his life. Scott randomly meets Marty (Crystal) a dermatologist with an alcohol problem.
The two become friends, even they are at different stages of their lives and are clearly in need of a friend, which they both offer each other that could put them back on the right path.
Thoughts on Standing Up, Falling Down
Thoughts – Standing Up, Falling Down brings us a story that follows two men that have been through difficult times and are in need of support, leading to them meeting each other and giving each other the position to put their lives back on track. The story will show you the importance of trying to help people, seeing the impact strangers can have on people. Billy Crystal is fantastic in the leading role of the film where he covers up his performance in comedy, while being tragically broken inside. Marty is such a tragic character that you could never see the pain he is going through. Ben Schwartz is the more modern approach to a lost soul, with a comedian who has always run from things in his life, needing to put his life back together. This is a such an emotional story, despite having a calm approach that just plays out like an everyday situational comedy drama about life.
Final Thoughts – Standing Up, Falling Down is a wonderful film about finding yourself in life.