There are certain movies that are made that would make even the most cynical people feel good about life. Upon watching Mike Birbiglia's autobiographical comedy Sleepwalk With Me, I have discovered one of those films. It is a sweet, poignant film about sweet, poignant people. It is one of those films that you watch and think "how could this be so perfectly sweet?" It is not overly syrupy nor is it mean spirited...at all.
In the film, Birbiglia plays Matt...a bartender looking to enter the comic world. When he finally gets his shot at the bar...he tanks. It is then that Matt finds an agent of a fellow comedian who was at the bar that very night. The agent sets him up to travel across the world which comes disapproved by his incredibly sweet and beautiful girlfriend, Abby (Lauren Ambrose.) The problem with Matt is that he would be an idiot to even hurt Abby yet he does not recognize that. At every opportunity to make things better...he screws things up. All the while, Matt's parents (James Rebhorn and Carol Kane) are aggressively trying to get Abby and Matt to marry. Oh...did I forget to mention that Matt has issues with acting out his dreams? Well...he does.
Birbiglia is wonderful as a nice guy with good intentions who cannot help but screw himself over time and time again. In other words-he does some unforgivable things but he is so nice we cannot help but forgive him. Ambrose is thoroughly charming as Abby and brings a surprising amount of punch to the character. Rebhorn and Kane both bring an originality and likability to the role of Matt's parents. Birbiglia wrote the screenplay along with his brother Joe and it shows how smart these two are. The screenplay is witty but it is subtle about the wittiness it presents. As well, Birbiglia directed the film with co-director Seth Barrish and the film does present a cool look. The sleepwalking sequences are visually fantastic while the rest of the film has a certain glowing look to it.
Sleepwalk With Me-simply put-is one of the best films of the year. I know this is a comedy but I still think Birbiglia should get an Oscar nomination for something. The film manages to be funny, sad, touching and dramatic all at the same time. The ending is both spot on and uplifting as well. Even if you are not a fan of his....Birbiglia has done something magical with this film and you should go see it right away.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is Not Rated)
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