‘Friendship’ Review: Netflix Funnyman Tim Robinson Conquers the Big Screen in a Squirmy Bro-Com Co-Starring Paul Rudd

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As a die-hard fan of quirky comedies, I can confidently say that “Friendship” is a cinematic gem that has left me utterly captivated and rolling with laughter. Having grown up on the likes of Steve Carrell, Gene Wilder, and Chris Farley, it’s not every day that a newcomer comes along who manages to weave their unique brand of humor into a cohesive narrative quite like Tim Robinson does in this film.

With great success in creating a dedicated fanbase through his popular Netflix sketch series, “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” the show’s versatile star and co-creator now takes it to the next level with the seemingly ordinary titled “Friendship,” a delightfully awkward depiction of male camaraderie that offers some of the most memorable laughs from this year.

In Robinson’s performance, he skillfully straddles the border between endearing clown and unsettling psychopath in Andrew DeYoung’s bold debut film as a writer-director. Playing the role of a bumbling suburban father with an ordinary personality, his character takes an ominous turn following the guidance of a kindly neighbor (Paul Rudd).

Landing Rudd as the focus of your affection certainly adds appeal, given his past experience in romantic comedies like “I Love You, Man” from 2009. This film might seem light and fluffy compared to the raw depiction by DeYoung and Robinson. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival under Midnight Madness, this bold piece is likely to find a suitable niche distributor easily.

Upon first look, Robinson seems to be doing well in life: he’s a program manager at a digital marketing firm, married to a busy florist Tami (played by Kate Mara with a dry wit), and takes good care of their teenage son Stevie (Jack Dylan Grazer). However, his fashion sense is peculiar, confined to the offerings of a single clothing brand, Ocean View Dining, even down to his large, brown puffer coat. Additionally, he experiences inconvenient nosebleeds and can sometimes be a bit of a complainer, often exclaiming “Ouch! I got wet!” when it’s not actually water.

However, the ordinary course of Craig’s life takes an unexpected turn when a misdirected parcel lands him at the doorstep of Austin Carmichael (Rudd), a scruffy television meteorologist with a distinctive porn-style mustache who harbors a fondness for Craig’s peculiar character. In no time, Austin integrates Craig into his social circle, extending invitations for him to watch his rock band perform, go mushroom hunting, and explore an abandoned aqueduct beneath City Hall.

When Craig’s overly possessive actions halt their budding relationship, Austin expresses, “I’m not ready to accept this friendship right now.” However, he learns that it’s hard to undo what has been done, leading eventually to a confrontation that proves to be uncomfortable.

Before his popular, boundary-pushing Netflix series, Robinson, he honed his satirical skills as a writer and performer for several seasons on Saturday Night Live (2012-2016), providing a strong foundation in character development. He skillfully navigates the line between making Craig appear oddball and reining him back in at the right moments to maintain viewer affection.

Rudd, in what is more of a supporting role here, nevertheless adds another memorable portrayal to his roster of mischief-makers, playing against his wholesome good looks. His rough-around-the-edges Austin Carmichael might easily have been a parallel universe version of Anchorman’s Brian Fantana.

Writer-director DeYoung skillfully chooses a leisurely pace over a hurried one to bring out the best from his characters’ performances. However, this choice results in the movie lacking a substantial plot. In certain instances, a more conventional, fast-paced approach might have been more appealing, particularly towards the end of the film.

Undeniably, when Robinson and DeYoung team up on the big screen, it promises a future that’s far from vague or uncertain for both of them.

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2024-09-12 05:55