Review: The Disaster Artist

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What a story, Mark.

Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) is an aspiring actor in San Francisco when he meets the eccentric Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) in an acting class in 1998. They eventually move to LA together, and after getting shot down several times, they decide to make their own movie, which Tommy writes/directors/produces/stars. It becomes the legendary "worst movie of all time" The Room.

I've talked about how much I loved Sestero's book of the same name. I read it in about three hours, I couldn't put it down. I've been eagerly awaiting this film ever since it's been announced.

You can tell James Franco really cares about the source material. He could've made a movie that ridiculed Tommy (and let's face it, he would probably deserve it) but he didn't. He didn't shy away from how much of an asshole Tommy could be - including his horrid treatment of Juliette (Ari Graynor) who played Lisa in the film. But he also manages to make him somewhat sympathetic as he sits in a theater watching everyone laugh at what he intended to be a drama.

I worried at first that I would be too distracted by how closely James and Dave resemble each other to buy them as not being related, but the prosthetic they put on James are easy to accept and he loses himself in the role. He does the accent perfectly. This is probably the best performance I have ever seen from Dave Franco as well. I was also a huge fan of Seth Rogen, who plays the script supervisor Sandy in this. He's almost like the audiences' avatar, wtf'ing his way through the entire shoot. 

The film takes its time to build Greg and Tommy's relationship before jumping into production of The Room, which I appreciated. I didn't expect that. The film is the strongest when we get to production, and even more so during the credits when they play the re-enactments to the original film side by side. The attention to detail is amazing. This film was absolutely worth the long wait.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "I aim where I am, just do scene." - Tommy (James Franco)

Comments

  1. Candice FrederickDecember 26, 2017 at 9:01 AM

    wow...i am stunned by all the great reviews of this movie. the trailer does nothing for it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. thevoid99December 26, 2017 at 2:28 PM

    It's currently in my multiplex but I'm not sure if I want to see it since I've never seen The Room and I don't know if I want to see that film though I have seen that infamous scene "I did not hit her... oh hi Mark"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 26, 2017 at 8:29 PM

      I'd suggest seeing both, but watching The Room require alcohol and/or weed to enhance the experience, imo. I think it's okay to see Disaster Artist without seeing The Room, but it's better if you see both. Or just watch a bunch of clips on youtube if you can't find the whole thing.

      Delete
    2. thevoid99December 26, 2017 at 8:50 PM

      I don't do drugs nor alcohol. I'm straight-edge.

      Delete
    3. Brittani BurnhamDecember 27, 2017 at 6:39 AM

      Ahh I didn't know that about you! Then go in with a very open mind lol

      Delete
  3. DellDecember 26, 2017 at 11:03 PM

    Thinking about making a double feature of this and The Room. Everyone is raving about this one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. s.December 27, 2017 at 8:00 AM

    So glad to read Rogen was great, I'm a huge fan of his!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 27, 2017 at 1:21 PM

      I loved him in this. It's not a huge part but he speaks the truth at every turn.

      Delete
  5. Courtney YoungDecember 27, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    I agree with the comment above that the trailer for this movie does NOTHING for me, but your review has pulled me on board to see this. Great review! It's got one showtime left in theaters, so I better haul ass to go see it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BirgitDecember 28, 2017 at 9:31 PM

    For some reason this film reminds me of Pineapple Express and I have no clue why. It is getting great reviews so I am now tempted to see it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 29, 2017 at 6:52 AM

      I loved Pineapple Express but this is way less goofy.

      Delete
  7. Sonia CercaJanuary 3, 2018 at 12:10 PM

    I absolutely loved this film. It's hilarious and has so much heart. Also, James Franco is fantastic. Great review!

    ReplyDelete

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