Movie Review Madness - The Big Sick

Bad title – The Big Sick.  Awesome movie.  This is well written, well-acted, poignant, and based on a true story. It’s a rom-com with heart, just a little film that deserves a wide audience.

Kamail Nanjiiani is from Pakistan and trying to make it as a stand-up comedian (He succeeds in real life). Anyway, his mother and father are constantly setting him up with a good Pakistani girl. Problem is, Kamail has fallen for Zoe Kazan, a white girl. Yikes!  She’s energetic and wonderful, is eager to meet his folks and wants him to meet hers. She’s told her folks everything about him. We see him deflect her questions, and when he shows up for dinner with his folks he dodges their questions. Quite a quandary.

Of course, religion and family obligations cause issues and there’s a breakup. Too sad.  Fast forward and Kamail gets a call. Emily is in the hospital. Bam, she’s in a medically induced coma. Her parents show up – the firecracker –Holly Hunter (always good), and Ray Romano (low key father who feels for Kamail’s situation. Slowly they deal with each other as Emily is in a coma. Funny, sad, and so many good lines. This movie just builds and builds and touches on so many things without hitting you over the head.

So, will Emily wake up? Does Kamail escape family obligations? How does his comedy progress? Chicago to New York, perhaps?  Dating, love, connections, and the whole cultural thing. The Big Sick just runs on all cylinders. This is a smart, caring, excellent flick. I could see it again and enjoy it even more. Take a tissue or two, trust me.  You will be cured of being totally jaded after seeing this movie.

Enjoy.