She’s Funny That Way Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A director pays a sex worker to quit, then she auditions for a play he’s directing starring his wife and her ex, and everyone ends up in the same room at once in a farce of coincidences.

🍿 She’s Funny That Way: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: Izzy’s Dream

The movie opens with Isabella “Izzy” Patterson, a former escort, recounting her story to a reporter. She explains how a chance encounter with Broadway director Arnold Albertson led her to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. Arnold, married to the celebrated actress Delta Simmons, has a habit of paying escorts and offering them $30,000 to start a new life.

Entanglements and Auditions

Izzy takes Arnold up on his offer and decides to audition for his new play, “A Grecian Evening,” without revealing her past. This sets off a chain of events involving Arnold’s wife, Delta, who is also starring in the play, Delta’s former lover Seth, and Izzy’s therapist, Jane Claremont, who is dating the play’s writer. The situation becomes more convoluted as various characters become entangled in unexpected ways.

Comedic Chaos and Revelations

The narrative unfolds through a series of comedic mishaps and revelations, showcasing the intertwined relationships of the characters. Secrets are revealed, misunderstandings arise, and the characters find themselves in increasingly farcical situations. The plot hinges on the series of coincidences and mistaken identities, ultimately leading to a chaotic climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Isabella Patterson (Imogen Poots): A former call girl turned aspiring actress whose life becomes intertwined with a Broadway production.
• Arnold Albertson (Owen Wilson): A Broadway director with a penchant for helping call girls, which creates complications in his marriage and career.
• Jane Claremont (Jennifer Aniston): A therapist with a sharp tongue and complicated relationships, including dating the playwright and treating Isabella.
• Delta Simmons (Kathryn Hahn): A Broadway star and Arnold’s wife, dealing with infidelity and her own romantic entanglements.
• Seth Gilbert (Rhys Ifans): An actor in love with Delta, further complicating the relationships within the play’s production.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arnold Albertson: “Nobody can tell you where your place is, where is my place? Where is anybody’s place? You wanna know where it is? Wherever you’re happy, that’s where your place is. And you’re the best judge of that. In central park for instance some people like to feed the nuts to the squirrels but if it makes someone happy to feed squirrels to the nuts, who am I to say nuts to the squirrels?” – Arnold reflects on finding happiness, using a memorable analogy about squirrels and nuts in Central Park.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10 million
• Domestic Gross: $111,996
• Worldwide Gross: $6,034,851

💥 She’s Funny That Way Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I had mixed feelings about this one. I was hoping for a lighthearted comedy, and it definitely had its moments. Jennifer Aniston was hilarious as the over-the-top therapist. I laughed out loud during the dinner scene where everything just falls apart. However, sometimes the plot felt too contrived. Still, a decent watch if you are looking for some old-school vibes. The whole tone is also similar to Woody Allen’s movies, especially with the jazz soundtrack.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of screwball comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in films with ensemble casts”
  • “Those who appreciate movies with a Woody Allen-esque style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes (prostitution)”
  • “Adult language”
  • “Infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Bogdanovich’s attempt at a modern screwball comedy feels dated. The performances are energetic, but the story relies too heavily on improbable coincidences and lacks genuine wit. A talented cast tries its best, but the script doesn’t offer enough substance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the cast is game, ‘She’s Funny That Way’ struggles to recapture the charm of classic screwball comedies. Imogen Poots shines, but the film feels uneven, with moments of genuine humor overshadowed by forced scenarios.
• New York Times: “Peter Bogdanovich’s return lacks the sharp wit and comedic timing of his earlier works. Despite a strong ensemble, the film feels like a pale imitation of Woody Allen, relying on predictable situations and tired tropes.

Audience Reactions

Jennifer Aniston’s performance as the therapist was a standout.: Most agreed Aniston stole the show with her quirky and hilarious portrayal.

Imogen Poots was charismatic in the role, despite some criticism about her accent.: Many praised Poots for her energy and screen presence.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews, with praise for individual performances but criticism of the predictable plot and uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The male lead was originally written for John Ritter, but his death stopped Peter Bogdanovich from wanting to make it. When Wes Anderson introduced him to Owen Wilson, he liked him so much that he decided to bring the movie back.”
• “Peter Bogdanovich co-wrote the screenplay with Louise Stratten, his ex-wife.”

🖥️ How to Watch She’s Funny That Way?

As of October 2024, “She’s Funny That Way” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. Physical copies (DVDs, Blu-rays) may also be available for purchase online or at retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed She’s Funny That Way, you might like these similar films:

• What’s Up, Doc? (1972): Another screwball comedy directed by Peter Bogdanovich, known for its fast-paced humor and chaotic situations.
• Midnight in Paris (2011): Shares the theme of romanticizing a particular era and features Owen Wilson in a similar role as a charming, somewhat lost character.
• Bringing Up Baby (1938): Classic screwball comedy with a fast-paced plot, quirky characters, and humorous misunderstandings.

🛒 She’s Funny That Way Related Products

• She’s Funny That Way [Blu-ray]: Own the film and experience Peter Bogdanovich’s screwball comedy in high definition. Blu-ray includes bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage for a deeper dive.
• The Essential Jennifer Aniston Collection [DVD]: A collection of Jennifer Aniston’s most iconic roles. Includes ‘She’s Funny That Way’ and other favorites.
• Vintage New York City Movie Poster: A vintage-style movie poster featuring New York City and the ‘She’s Funny That Way’ film title.
• Audition – The Broadway Simulation Game: A Broadway audition simulation game where you can play as an aspiring actress. Navigate through the world of Broadway, from auditions to opening night. Make choices that influence your character’s success.

🎧 Soundtrack

She’s Funny That Way features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cheek to Cheek” – performed by Fred Astaire
• “Manhattan” – performed by Ella Fitzgerald
• “I Get a Kick Out of You” – performed by Cole Porter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jennifer Aniston on Her New Movie, Keeping Her Wedding a Secret

Ever wondered what Jennifer Aniston thought about making ‘She’s Funny That Way’ right after her wedding? She spills some secrets and shares her thoughts on the film – definitely a fun watch!

She’s Funny That Way – Movie Of The Week | Whack

Want a quick take on whether ‘She’s Funny That Way’ is worth your time? This short review breaks down the movie’s charm, and honestly, it convinced me to give it a shot!

✨ Rate