Sundance 2017 – The Incredible Jessica James

The Incredible Jessica James should really be titled The Incredible Jessica Williams, because that woman is a star.  Williams, who stars as our titular character, is most known for her work on The Daily Show (2012) and supporting roles in films like Delivery Man (2013) and People, Places, Thing (2015).  But here, in her first starring film role, she is a revelation, in a romantic comedy that is endearing and hilarious.

Jessica James (Williams) is an aspiring playwright in New York is going through a recent breakup with her boyfriend (Lakeith Stanfield).  She then strikes up a relationship with Boone (Chris O’Dowd), a recently divorced man who is trying to put his life together.  Together, they deal with the pain of their recent break up and begin to put their lives back together.

Writer/director Jim Strouse has made a really authentic look at modern dating.  From Tinder dates to insecurities to the honesty and awkwardness of a new relationship, we have all experienced what Jessica and Boone are going through and watch it with a cringing relatability.  We also see the affects of a break up, with the internal questioning of why it happened and who’s fault it was, the struggles of finding someone new after, the dumb things we do and say when meeting somebody we think we might like, and finding a passion that you love and finding somebody who supports it because you love it.  It all stems from Strouse’s excellent screenplay and direction.

As I said at the beginning, the movie should be called The Incredible Jessica Williams because it is Williams who makes this movie.  Nobody could be as incredible as this woman was in this movie.  James is a sassy, strong, independent ball of life, yet filled with sadness and a little regret.  Her forwardness makes things uncomfortable and her love for theater and teaching her theater class of children is beautiful.  Williams has the star-power to be the breakout actress of Sundance.

Chris O’Dowd plays the lovable oaf better than anyone.  Boone is just as quippy and sarcastic as Jessica, though not nearly as cool or passionate about anything besides maybe windsurfing.  Similar to his excellent work in Bridesmaids (2011), you can’t help but love O’Dowd.  We also get yet another impressive performance from Lakieth Stanfield.  Fresh off the success of the brilliant show, Atlanta (2016), Stanfield continues to put in great performances one after another.

The Incredible Jessica Williams is a lighthearted, easy-going, uproarious comedy that slaps a smile on your face that won’t leave.  I will forever remember this movie as the film that launched Jessica Williams into stardom.

MY RATING – 3.5/4

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