Film Review: Pete Davidson Is The King of Staten Island
I love comedies that are willing to get dark. Ones that, for all the laughs, allow the audience to understand some things aren’t funny or, at least, for however light you may make a tragedy, you have to mourn your loss. Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island , out June 12 on VOD, certainly falls into that category, which is why I loved it. Similar to Trainwreck, Judd’s direction, along with Pete Davidson and Dave Sirus’ writing, allows its lead to be flawed and sad, even if you don’t find it charming or cool. This film is about the journey of Pete Davidson’s Scott to get better, which means there are times where he will be a prick.
Nobody is born a saint, and, when you are trying to be a better person, this truth really feels pertinent. The King of Staten Island is loosely based off Pete Davidson’s own struggles with mental health and the loss of his father: a firefighter. From the beginning, we see his character is STRUGGLING! He is a hot mess that is running from accidents, avoiding commitments, and would rather laugh or tattoo away his traumas then ever confront them. It is in this dynamic that the audience feels drawn to and gains some emotional common- ground with him. There are certain episodes of our life that we don’t want to emotionally embrace, and could avoid doing so for YEARS! Scott may have lost his dad as a kid, but he still hasn’t really confronted it as an adult: making him an emotional yo-yo on a hilariously filled path of mishaps and self-destruction.
The King of Staten Island – Who Is Pete?
Have you ever seen a 9 year old and thought, “I will tattoo you?” Have you ever thought, “I could live with my mom forever, sounds good?” Well, goes through a lot of those thoughts, but it is because he is CRIPPLED with self-doubt and loathing. There are some scenes throughout the film where you just want to grab a stick of sage, play some Jhene Aiko, and request Scott to write down 10 things he loves about himself. The problem is that he would not get to one or would turn the list into a joke, which is why the people in his life really do shine. They are there to love him until he loves himself.
One thingI love about this film, might be what others don’t like about it, which is that it is long. For some reason, there are people who don’t like long films, but if I am paying twenty dollars to rent it from home, then be as long as you want. I have to say there is a benefit to Video On Demand, especially with movies like, King of Staten Island. Watching it from home allowed me to absorb Scott’s journey, and really take in its exceptional supporting cast. Bill Burr is so funny and relatable as Ray: a guy, like Scott, trying to do his best despite his own sabotaging tendencies. Maude Apatow is is so loving as Scott’s younger sister, Claire, and Bel Powley’ really steals scenes as Kelsey: a smart, ambitious young woman that genuinely enjoys Scott. Meanwhile, his friends Ricky Velez’s Oscar, Moises Arias’ igor, and Lou Wilson’s Richie remind me so much of some of the people I grew up with; they may not be the brightest bulbs, but they do offer you heart and laughs. In addition, Marisa Tomei as Margie, Scott’s mom, is fabulous. She cannot do wrong in a performance. Truly! Still, Pete Davidson carries this film, and he is amazing.
The King of Staten Island – Official Trailer
While the trailers really amplify the movie as journey to becoming a firefighter, it is honestly not that big of a part. While I loved his interactions with firefighters like Steve Buscemi’s Papa and Jimmy Tatro’s Firefirghter Savage, the film isn’t really about that or, at least, not for too long. This is a character piece; you are entering the world of a young man who is getting too old for his own tantrums an tricks. Thus, Pete Davidson has a lot on his plate to make viewers invest in this film, and he totally delivers. I would see him as a leading man again and again. The King of Staten Island Comes Out on VOD June 12.
