It is hard to believe a film about teenage suicidal depression would have the word “funny” in its title. But It’s Kind of a Funny Story is light and somewhat funny. It is rather forgettable, but it is also enjoyable.

Craig (Keir Gilchrist) seems to have a nice enough life. His parents love him, even if Mom (an underused Lauren Graham) seems a little clueless and Dad (Jim Gaffigan) pushes him to excel in school. Craig has a crush on his best friend’s girl and his prestigious New York public school is very competitive, but is that really why he is depressed? A neurotic and medicated teenager is not always cause for alarm, but when Craig stops taking his medication, he feels suicidal. He takes himself to the emergency room and finds himself confined to the adult psychiatric ward (the ward for younger folks is under construction) for five days. He undergoes therapy, makes some new friends and understands himself a little better. But is that enough?

The film employs fast cuts, fantasy sequences and voiceovers by Craig, all of which serve to give It’s Kind of a Funny Story a breezy and fable-like quality. The film’s use of color animated drawings adds to its whimsical feel. Credit goes to screenwriters/directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck for a script (based on Ned Vizzini’s novel) that allows the audience to sympathize with Craig, despite his privileged background. Craig never seems self indulgent; instead he seems to be a nice boy suffering from depression. The focal point of the film is Craig’s relationship with fellow patient Bobby (Zach Galifianakis) and his relationship with troubled Noelle (Emma Roberts). The film glosses over the serious problem of mental illness among teens, although it makes some good points about the pressures they face. It’s Kind of a Funny Story’s strongest parts are the comedy scenes in the psychiatric wing. In fact, the music therapy fantasy sequence of the patients performing “Under Pressure” is almost worth the price of a ticket.

Zach Galifianakis is funny, charming and moving as Bobby, the mental patient who takes Craig under his wing. Galifianakis does not seem as comfortable here as in The Hangover, but he has nice chemistry with young Keir Gilchrist. Gilchrist is credible as the teenage Craig, and although lacking in charisma, has an innocent and likeable quality. Emma Roberts, so good in Twelve, gives another strong performance as the defensive Noelle. All of her scenes are good, and I found myself more interested in Noelle than in Craig. Tony winner Viola Davis is especially good as the bemused and wise psychiatrist.

When Craig first sees the other patients in the ward, he is alarmed and does not want to stay. He asks, “Is there a place here for people more like me?” Part of his journey involves the answer to that question. Although this film is a little less than the sum of its parts, it is moving and funny at times. There are better films in theaters, but this is a pleasant enough way to spend 101 minutes.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Keir Gilchrist (Craig), Lauren Graham (Lynn), Jim Gaffigan (George), Zach Galifianakis (Bobby), Zoë Kravitz (Nia), Viola Davis (Dr. Eden Minerva) and Emma Roberts (Noelle) Focus Features, 2010.

Gail sees a movie appears every Wednesday.

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