Film Review: Trainwreck (Judd Apatow, 2015) ★★★★

(Image Source)

Amy (Amy Schumer) is a promiscuous, commitment-phobic career woman who is forced to face her fears of settling down when she meets a genuinely good guy. Having been made to write a feature on a talented young sports doctor, she meets Aaron (Bill Hader) who makes her start to wonder if it's time to clean up her act.

(Image Source)

As a child, Amy's adulterous father impressed upon her that monogamy "isn't realistic". Now a journalist for a New York lad's mag, Amy has made promiscuity her credo whilst her younger has settled down with baby on the way. Amy's closest proxy to a relationship is with a bulky bodybuilder, Stephen (John Cena) with whom she has awkward sex with between his protein bars. As much as she enjoys an uninhibited life free of commitment, Amy is in a rut and a creature of terrible habits. While writing a profile about charming and successful sports doctor, Aaron Conners (Bill Hader from The Skeleton Twins and SNL), she finds herself enjoying his company a little too much and begins to fall in love - and what's more, Aaron seems to be initiating it all. But can she break her old habits for the sake of her first successful relationship?

(Image Source)

Judd Apatow gets back in to the director's chair for the first time in nearly three years and this time with something he didn't write himself. Written by our leading lady, Trainwreck boasts gender politics, love and sexual sensitivities and it is a Apatow film with a foul mouthed, feminine touch. Structured with your standard Apatow format, the only difference this time is that your standard flawed protagonist comes in the form of Amy trying to win back her love interest having made mistakes. Nothing about the narrative is anything new, nor is it unpredictable but as Apatow as proven in the past, the formula works. Filled with impressive cameos (not forgetting LeBron James who is outstanding) and hilarious scenes, Trainwreck proves itself to be one of the boys.

(Image Source)

There is, however, still plenty for the ladies. Contrasting between both the male and female points of view, Trainwreck provides an interesting take on relationships and gender roles. Though written by and starring a woman, gender equality sits majorly at the forefront of this narrative. Though Amy is shown as empowered, and independent; calling the shots in her sexual affairs, drinking and smoking - societies expectations creep in. Amy's sister is seen to be the 'good one' - she's settled down and raising a family. Amy, however, is the black sheep and, by the film's standards, must quit her party girl lifestyle and tone down her career commitments in order to hold down her man. Going from making a point to dislike the ideology of cheerleaders to then dressing up like one in order to win Aaron back. This is contradicting to a screenplay trying to break away from the 40 Year Old Virgins and Knocked Ups we've seen in the past. It is refreshing, however, to see a genuinely funny female lead and one that falls outside the normal Hollywood standards of the ideal female form.

(Image Source)

Taking it at face value, Trainwreck is an ultimately hilarious and refreshing comedy courtesy of a rising star. Amy Schumer has more than proved her efforts a writer, actor and comedian along side unlikely but lovable romantic interest, Bill Hader. Though certainly not one to watch with your mother, it comes highly recommended to all.  Trainwreck is in cinemas today and gets a Sophie star rating of 4 stars. Your boyfriend will love it as much as you do.

Will you be seeing Trainwreck in cinemas? I was actually very lucky that I got to see this back in May at a specialised screening. I've been sitting on my review for quite a while but glad I can share it now! It's been killing me now being able to release it. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below :)

Until next time movie fans,