Trainwreck (2015)

Although Amy Schumer is already well-known for some time in the US, I hadn’t heard of her. She’s a stand-up comedian who has her own Comedy Central show, Inside Amy Schumer and Trainwreck is her first starring role in a feature-length movie. For this movie she has worked with Judd Apatow, who was previously responsible for successful comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. The question is whether the combination is successful or if its, like the title, a trainwreck.

Just like the characters in Bro’s Before Ho’s her father teaches Amy (Amy Schumer) at an early age that monogamy is something not worth trying and it is a lesson she takes to heart. She mostly sticks to having one-night stands and her boyfriend is someone she absolutely has no feelings for (except for the fact that she likes his highly trained body). She works at a trashy magazine which is ruled by Dianna (an unrecognizable Tilda Swinton ). She is commissioned to make a portrait of the surgeon to whom all famous athletes go, Aaron (Bill Hader). She has no interest in sports, but does visit him. As the two spend more time there seems to be something to growing between the two, to absolute horror of Amy. Will she be able to tame her fears?

Basically this is a romantic comedy, but a rougher version of it. Amy Schumer manages to carry the film well and her chemistry with Bill Hader is convincing. Besides these two main characters basketball player LeBron James and wrestler John Cena also stand out as both are very funny. In addition to the romantic storyline Amy also tries to ensure, together with her sister Kim (Brie Larson), to make sure that their father feels comfortable in a retirement home. These various components come together well and ensure that Trainwreck is comedy that works.