Bob Funk (2009)
After he's fired from his job -- by his mother, no less -- Bob Funk agrees to quit drinking, see a therapist, and eventually report to a new boss, who might just be the woman of his dreams.
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A different way of telling a story
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
Bob Funk (Michael Leydon Campbell) doesn't realize how messed up he is. After a acrimonious divorce, Bob has started drinking too much, coming in late and dropping his own status as a top salesman. Thank goodness he works for his mother's lucrative Foam and Futon mattress store, because she would never fire him, right? After his mama hires another top saleslady, klutzy Ms. Thorne (Rachael Leigh Cook) she does warn Bob that even as her son, he can't continue as he is. Yet, Bob doesn't truly reform and only holds onto a job because his brother Ron works for the same company. First, Bob is demoted to under salesman and must report to Ms. Thorne. Eventually, he is told he must go to counseling, which he doesn't take seriously at first. Finally, after another round of binge drinking, Bob is made the sub- custodian of the place. This indeed causes him to sober up and go to Alcoholics Anon. Yet, now he's seems bitter, with none of his former sparkle. Also, Bobby may indeed have a crush on Ms. Thorne, who has never shown an interest in him personally. Will Bob get out of his funk? This alternately funny then depressing film has its moments of humor. Bob is a screw-up from the start, which makes for some comedic scenes at the bar he frequents and at work. Therefore, the first half is light-hearted. as Bob is mirthful while causing his mother extreme hassles. But, once the movie takes a turn to Bob's recovery from alcoholism, it becomes very sober indeed, pun intended. Campbell is quite good as the lead while Cook is always beautiful, funny and welcome. The rest of the cast, the sets, the costumes and the direction are quite fine as well. Are you a recovering addict or close to someone who is? You will benefit from a showing of Bob Funk but its not going to land you on cloud nine.
This is a comedy that is not funny (not a romantic comedy either).So if you are hoping to have a good laugh look somewhere else.This movie is about how a salesman ,who lives doing no good to others or himself ,comes to terms with his life.The screenplay wanders pointlessly in the middle-the character Ron seems to be a mere add-on for convenience.Then why the 3 stars?.Well the acting by both the leads and Jemison(Less detailed character but much expressed in action) props things considerably.Dialogs are also a plus-expressive ,thoughtful and funny sometimes.Professional critics may call this mediocre but anyone looking for an entertaining time kill will be disappointed.The DVD cover says this is Rachel L Cook's best film after 'She's all that'.In my opinion both are crappy films this one worser than SAT.If you are a Rachel L Cook fan then you gotta look at 'scorched'(2002).
Of course I like the title. It's phonetically the same as my name. However, I would have preferred the main character to be an action hero that saves the universe from total annihilation. Instead, he is an alcoholic loser who has a hard time getting it together. He comes through at the end of the movie.Bob Funk is employed by his widow mother, who is a shrewd business woman. His brother, Ron, appears to be the favored son, but Ron has his own problems with his marriage. Both Bob and Ron take an interest in the same woman, who sets Ron straight since Ron is a married man. Bob is divorced and eventually ends up with the woman, who is naturally clumsy.It's not a must see movie by any stretch, but it kept me engaged and it ends nicely.
My wife and I just watched this movie and we both really enjoyed it. The main character Bob Funk reminds me of Campbell Scott in Roger Dodger. He is obviously intelligent (apparent from his witty and insightful dialog) but also somewhat negative and self destructive which makes him more multidimensional than your average sharp tongued playboy. It makes for a good time to watch him rant and get knocked down and then pick himself back up again.I fully recommend you watch this and do not understand why anyone would hate it.