Trainwreck

Amy Schumer is already one of America’s best stand up’s and now she is on her way to being fully fledged international film star in this, her debut feature, Trainwreck.

Trainwreck is about Amy, a twenty something singleton living the life in Manhattan, New York. Ever since Amy’s father (Colin Quinn) drilled into her head that monogamy isn't realistic, magazine writer Amy (Amy Schumer) has made promiscuity her credo. As much as she enjoys an uninhibited life free of commitment, Amy is really in a rut. While writing a profile about charming and successful sports doctor Aaron (Bill Hader), she finds herself actually falling in love for the first time, and what's more, Aaron seems to like her too. Amy starts to wonder if it's time to clean up her act. What follows is a tale of girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back. You know the drill. While the story is a little formulaic the script isn’t. The comedy is wicked sharp and obviously autobiographical. Some of the scenes still have you giggling long after they are over and it is the kind of funny you only ever find when a writer is reaching deep down into personal experience.

At two hours long this films feels a little overstretched for a rom com, they could have dropped some of the more slushy scenes. With This is Forty and Funny People director Judd Apatow at the helm it is no surprise that there are a few too many of them. However, not enough to stop this being one of the hit comedies of the year. It is full of excellent co-stars and cameos. Bill Hader plays Amy’s love interest and is always good, Colin Quinn no matter what he is saying, says it with such a twinkle in his eye you can’t help but love him. Biggest surprise is Lebron James, one of America’s leading basketball stars who is excellent as a Downtown Abbey loving tight fisted cartoon version of himself. Tilda Swinton almost unrecognisable but amazing as super bitchy English editor Diana, and there is Schumer’s semi regular boyfriend (who doesn’t get that he’s gay) Steven, played by wrestling star John Cena. There isn’t enough space for proper mentions of Daniel Radcliff, Marisa Tomei, Chris Evert, Mathew Broderick. A special mention though must go to Evan Brinkman as Schumer’s saccharine sweet nephew who at thirteen years old manages to steal most of the scenes he is in.

Whilst the film is called Trainwreck the film is anything but, Schumer is an excellent writer as a stand up, and now as a script writer. This film has the feel of a first album from a hot new band that is busting out to be heard. Trainwreck is a very funny film. Hopefully she has a few more up her sleeve like it. Go and see it, get a train if you have to, it won’t wreck any of your plans in fact it gets to destination funny more than most.