By Keeva Stratton
What happens to romance when a generation of women grow up knowing that Prince Charming is just a fairy tale? We get the female’s perspective of a commitment-phobe in Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck.
Amy is living the life, as a twenty-something, hard drinking, pot smoking, sexually adventurous writer in New York city. She has a good job as writer at a men’s magazine and is confidently enjoying her semi-singledom.
Amy also has a very modern take on relationships. Despite seeing a man (played brilliantly by John Cena), she doesn’t believe they’re exclusive and continues to enjoy many casual encounters.
Her views on love were formed early in life by her father, who left her mother so he too no longer had to be exclusive. Her mother has since passed, and her affection for her father and his free-living ways remains a divisive point with her more traditional, and married, sister (Brie Larson).
At work, she is tasked with writing an article on a sports physician. It’s a job she resents, and her lack of research becomes clear when she finally meets the doctor, Aaron (Bill Hader).
Aaron is the opposite of Amy. Studious, hardworking and traditional in his views on marriage and children—he is in every sense a textbook Prince Charming. During the interview, Amy has a scare, and a polite dinner follows. It leads to drinks, and a few drinks leads to a few more… and Amy ends up spending the night with Aaron.
Aaron is hesitant. But, following some odd relationship advice from none other than LeBron James, Aaron decides to pursue Amy.
Has she finally found a Prince Charming, and does she even know what to do with him? This is the conundrum that she, and probably a few modern women, is faced with.
Trainwreck is a rollicking ride, with surprisingly more heart and insight than I’d perhaps expected. While Amy might be an extreme example, no doubt many women will relate to the character’s flaws and that sense of being a little bit of a mess (or mess-up) when it comes to relationships.
It’s my first real exposure to the acting talents of Amy Schumer, and it’s clear what all the fuss is about—she’s fabulous. Her voice (as the writer of the film) fits perfectly with Judd Apatow’s view of modern relationships (he directs). Bill Hader—who, if you didn’t fall in love with in Skeleton Twins, you’re bound to here—is excellent.
The cameos in this film—of which there are many—make it really special and will broaden its appeal beyond the regular rom-com audience. As with many modern comedies, it’s a little bit wrong. But, it’s also honest, outrageous and a must-see if you’re after a genuine loved-up laugh.
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Starring: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader
Rating: TBC
Runtime: 125 mins
Release Date: August 6
Reviewer rating: 4/5