Sundance Review: THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES is a Charming Feel-Good Movie
Going into this movie, I already had high expectations. I love Jessica Williams and absolutely adore Chris O'Dowd and have ever since IT crowd. It's entertaining and both of the actors are great in it. The movie follows an aspiring playwright (Jessica WIlliams) as she deals with rejection, teaching children, and finding love.
I quite enjoyed this movie. It made me laugh and made me feel good as I left the theater which is often what I look for in a movie. Besides being entertaining, however, it lacked in depth. Not to say that it has no depth, but just that the film tries to deliver multiple messages that the overall theme gets a bit lost in it all.
The film seems to be trying to say that the reason why you write or do anything is for the love of it and the love of theater. But then you also see certain themes about finding love, and moving on, and finding your voice. These are all great messages and ideas to share, but when you put so many in a movie and want them all to be given the same importance, it weakens the theme you want to deliver the most.
This being said, the movie still managed to deliver some wonderful performances. Both Jessica Williams and Chris O'Dowd were fantastic. Jessica Williams fit the character so very well. It honestly feels like the role was written with her in mind. And it was. So yeah. I give Jessica Williams some great credit being for such a strong forward minded woman without feeling like a message being shoved down my throat. She was likable and full of fun and strong energy. Right from the beginning as she danced on the roof of her building, I felt she was someone that I could enjoy following for the rest of the film. Chris O'Dowd also brought great comedic timing to the show. It is obvious he has a firm understanding of comedy and what makes a delivery work, as almost every line he delivered was done in such a way that made you at least smile.
Overall, I would say this movie is worth a watch. It has great performances and clever writing. You will not be disappointed.