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Cast: Martin Freeman, Morena Baccarin, Melissa Rauch, Jake Lacy, Jane Curtin, Shannon Woodward, Adam Shapiro
Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) has fallen in love and can’t get up. A man’s fervent attempts at subverting happiness once it begins to cause him bouts of narcolepsy are put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.
Charlie suffers from cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy that causes sudden bouts of paralysis whenever he experiences strong emotions -- in particular, joy. He develops a variety of techniques to deny himself too much pleasure and happiness, but they're put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.
'Ode to Joy' is an engaging and fun romantic comedy about man who has really never lived because he has cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy that causes him to suddenly pass out if he gets too happy. He does a good joy of keeping it under control by using different tactics like putting tacks in his socks so he can cause himself pain if he feels too much joy coming on. It all seems to work well until he meets the beautiful and out going Francesca who he asks out on a date only to end up in the ER with a cut on his head. Realizing he just can't date her he instead hooks her up with his brother but that is only because he still wants to be able to see her and be around her but without all the pressure.
He then gets hooked up with Bethany who is the complete opposite of Francesca. Bethany is more laid back and boring, perfect for Charlie and his condition. But Charlie still has feelings for Francesca and as time goes by it starts to affect his relationships with Bethany and with his brother, Cooper. 'Ode to Joy' is a fun if not predictable romantic comedy. You always know where it is headed but that never seems to matter because the events that unfold because of Charlie's condition are at times laugh out loud funny and the entire cast is a delight to watch.
Martin Freeman has never been better as Charlie. He is both charming and funny. Morena Baccarin is amazing as Francesca, she literally lights up the screen every time she appeases. And then there is Melissa Rauch who plays Bethany. Once she enters the film it goes up another level. She plays her off the wall character perfectly and she is beautiful and funny as well. I also want to give a shout out to Director, Jason Winer and Writers, Max Werner, Chris Higgins (inspired by a story on WBEZ Chicago's "This American Life" by) for creating a funny and thoughtful comedy while remaining mindful.
'Ode to Joy' is a highly entertaining film that handles Narcolepsy with Cataplexy with respect and sensitivity. It is also a great date film that will have you laughing and crying and it will leave you with a smile on your face long after it is over.
The film opens in theaters and On Demand August 9, 2019. I had a great time watching the film and I highly recommend it to anyone that likes a good comedy romance.
Released by IFC Films
**** Out Of *****