![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” Review: New teen drama reaches expectations
KC Bailey
October 11, 2010
The unlikely combination of teenage drama, a hospital psychiatric ward, and a dose of good humor work well with the palate of young adults.
Directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden and based on the book by Ned Vizzini of the same name, “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” depicts the story of 16-year-old Craig Gilner (Keir Gilchrist) as he checks into the psychiatric ward after having thoughts of suicide. During his five day stay, Craig befriends fellow admitted patients Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) and Noelle (Emma Roberts) and begins the process of reinventing himself with their help and encouragement. The movie explores Craig’s growth and his relationships with various people in his life, including the budding romance with Noelle.
Thoroughly realistic, Craig proves to be readily relatable for teen audiences experiencing dilemmas such as academic stress, parental expectations, depression, and first love. Gilchrist does not disappoint in his performance, being also a teenager.
Zach Galifianakis also gives a winning performance as Craig’s odd, but witty, mentor through the story; his style of comedy is well received.
Suffused with pop-culture references and appropriate humor on the childish side, the movie establishes a firm and fitting foundation of appeal to its directed audience. The storyline allots a bit of predictability; however, the quiet, dignified, and unexpected humor of the characters yields a feeling of freshness at every scene.
While mental institutions are popularized as suitable settings for horror flicks, “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” revamps the reputation of psychiatriactric wards.
The light-hearted depiction of the psychiatrica ward topples any preconception that the setting might be unwelcoming and gloomy, albeit a bit unrealistically, without potentially mocking the patients with mental disorders. Bright lighting and helpful doctors and nurses lend a cheery feeling throughout the movie, promoting a sense of hopefulness for the story. The film makes good use of unique camera angles and close-ups of the characters to help bring the viewer into an up-close and personal view of the setting.
However, while Craig’s relationships with his friends are thoroughly explored, a slight lack of connection with Craig’s family members remains. Though his family issues are addressed, the family’s dearth of screen time allows for a sense of estrangement from those characters.
“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is perfect for high school students interested in a movie they can relate to, or just to have a good time watching. The humor is simple but unique in execution, easily enjoyable by audiences of all ages (excusing the few instances of profanity for the effect).
