Billy Crystal is not shy when it comes to his directing skills as the legendary comedic actor. Previous major directing credits include Mr. Saturday Night (1992), Forget Paris (1995) starring alongside Debra Winger, and the TV Movie 61* (2001). Crystal’s latest comedy and light drama is a heartfelt story of an unlikely friendship starring alongside Tiffany Haddish in Here Today. Charlie Buzz (Crystal) is a vetertan comedic writer of a late night live sketch comedy show who is suffering with the early stages of dementia. Charlie meets a jazz street singer Emma Payge (Haddish) who forms a sweet bond and builds a trustful friendship given the difference in their ages.
Stage 6 Films
Most recently, Anthony Hopkins shook audiences with his heartbreaking performance in Florian Zeller’s film The Father which was a beautifully and brilliantly crafted film exploring the disease of dementia. Crystal’s film is a lighthearted attempt that is simply a watchable film looking to deliver laughs. The film is a cookie-cutter, old fashioned comedy delivering witty laughs that center around the film’s theme of dementia. Crystal co-wrote the film with former Saturday Night Live writer Alan Zweibel and is also based on the short story The Prize. From experience Zweibel himself was the prize of a silent auction as someone in the past paid to have lunch with him. The film takes Zweibel’s experience turning it into something different striving to tell an emotional story as most of the jokes land where Crystal and Zweibel aimed for.
Crystal and Haddish give one of their best performances of both of their careers which is a reason to seek out this film. Haddish's character does not have much depth, but she is likeable and vibrant given her character as she also served as a producer alongside Crystal. Crystal’s character is the only one who had depth as this performance showed off his different range of emotions as he tries to come to terms with his disease. His character exercises different methods to help his memory. One method is to hang a bulletin board on the wall with labeled pictures of his family members and also to take the same walk to work everyday. Crystal’s performance is honest and the scenes he shares with Haddish radiate energy and chemistry as their performances help set the tone of the film.
The supporting cast is also worth noting including Penn Badgley, Laura Benanti, and Andrew Durand. The film presents and has a lot to say, but might not be strong enough as audiences may see some of the film’s flaws. However, it’s Crystal and Haddish you want to stick around for as this is a warm tale of the unlikeliest friends as they portray characters to cheer for even if the story is predictable. The film is sure to warm and entertain the hearts of audiences! Recommend.