The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
Film

Film Review: ‘Trainwreck’ Starring Amy Schumer

by Joshua Kaye July 16, 2015
by Joshua Kaye July 16, 2015 0 comments
1.1K

There are a good amount of laughs all around, but Trainwreck doesn’t know if it wants to be a comedy or a drama.

If there’s a romantic comedy with a bit of raunchiness to it, you can bet that Judd Apatow is in some way associated with the project. Over the last 10-15 years, Apatow has directed or produced numerous different films that have come to re-define the genre, e.g. 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bridesmaids, The Five-Year Engagement, Girls, etc. Apatow has proven to be successful with his formula in the past and has an eye for other films that can, in some way, be similar to his style. But that doesn’t always mean everything he touches is a hit.

Trainwreck’s plot is rather simple when it comes down to it: Gordon (Colin Quinn) let’s his young daughters, Amy and Kim, know that him and their mother are getting a divorce. How does he go about telling them? By using Kim’s doll as an example, saying that it wouldn’t be fair if he was only able to play with one doll for the rest of his life. Now older, Amy (Amy Schumer) lives her life by her father’s words – “Monogamy isn’t realistic.” When she’s not working as a journalist, she finds herself drinking, getting high, and with a different guy every night, living by her father’s words. On the other hand, her sister Kim (Brie Larson) appears to be happily married with a stepson, going against what her father taught. Amy and Kim are helping to pack up their childhood home with them having to put their father in a nursing home due to his deteriorating health.

Back at her job, Amy has been given an assignment she’s really not into at all–interviewing a sports doctor who performs career changing surgeries on a whole bunch of big name athletes, including Tom Brady, Amar’e Stoudemire, LeBron James just to name a few. Amy meets with Dr. Aaron Connors (Bill Hader) at his office and right off the bat things don’t get off to the best of starts. Amy and Aaron go out drinking together one night she ends up going back to his place where they hook up. As Amy goes to leave his place, he doesn’t let her and she ends up spending the night. Things for Amy get a bit weird as it seems like she may actually be liking Aaron which goes against her programming as a person.

LeBron Hader

Trainwreck is kind of a tough movie to write about since it doesn’t seem like Schumer and Apatow know quite what kind of movie they wanted to make. With Apatow’s experience on re-defining what a romantic comedy is in today’s society and Schumer becoming what can be described as the new “It” girl…they’re just a match made in heaven. What we’re given is a main protagonist that, in reality, feels like her own antagonist in the process. The character Amy isn’t likeable from beginning to end and her “change” doesn’t feel natural or believable. When looking at the formula of Trainwreck, it really feels like an updated, gender-swapped Knocked Up with some different situations obviously. I know that Amy Schumer wrote the script, but it feels so much like Apatow that I have to wonder how much Schumer compromised her voice just to work with the man.

That’s not to say Trainwreck is…well, a trainwreck. When the film is funny, it’s legitimately, 100% pure hilarity. Some of the jokes just knock it out of the park and some of the performances are legitimately top notch. A sentence I never thought I’d say: LeBron James steals almost every scene he’s in. Credit also has to be given to Bill Hader, who proves that he’s one of the most underrated comedic actors working today. He’s perfect actor to alongside Schumer and is the perfect foil to Schumer’s…Amy. Credit does have to be given to Schumer in the acting department, who proves she’s capable of leading a film. I imagine she’ll be given another chance and deservedly so.

One of Apatow’s faults, which comes with his successes, is that he doesn’t know when to cut a scene. A lot of the jokes in Trainwreck just kept going and going where they became exhausting and reached a point where it feels like it’s just being bashed over the audience’s head. At a certain point, Apatow needs to realize when a scene is funny and when a scene is over. It’ll help cut the length of his films but a solid 20-30 minutes. At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that Trainwreck is a funny movie. But when it tries too hard and attempts to be something more, it just feels messy and disorganized. Fans of Schumer will enjoy the chance to watch her on the big screen, but as a whole Trainwreck leaves a lot to be desired.

Trainwreck is directed by Judd Apatow written by Amy Schumer, and stars Schumer, Tilda Swinton, Bill Hader, John Cena, Brie Larson, and Colin Quinn. Trainwreck will be in theaters July 17, 2015.

Trainwreck

40 Year Old VirginAmy SchumerBill HaderBridesmaidsBrie LarsonColin QuinnForgetting Sarah MarshallGirlsJohn CenaJudd ApatowKnocked UpLeBron JamesThe Five-Year EngagementTilda SwintonTrainwreck
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Joshua Kaye

previous post
First Trailer for David O. Russel’s ‘Joy’ Starring Jennifer Lawrence
next post
NBC Announces Casting Call For Dorothy In Production of ‘The Wiz Live!’

Related Posts

INTERVIEW: Directing Duo JamsBash Talk Collaborative Partnership and...

July 14, 2025

Super-Meh: James Gunn’s Superman Feels Like It’s Trying...

July 11, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

Review: ‘Heads of State’ Brings Comedy to The...

July 3, 2025

Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, and Malachi...

July 2, 2025

M3GAN 2.0 Is Ridiculous Over-The-Top Fun, but Also...

June 27, 2025

Inside the Lavish and Starry New York Premiere...

June 24, 2025

Film Review: ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’

June 24, 2025

Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Showcase

June 22, 2025

Exclusive: Rebel Wilson Talks Weddings at “Bride Hard”...

June 21, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends hea James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends heart, humor, and high stakes. 🦸🏻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/super-meh-james-gunns-superman-feels-like-its-trying-too-hard-to-be-everything/

✍️: Julian Cannon 

-
#Superman #JamesGunn #DCStudios #DCUniverse #ManOfSteel #SuperheroMovies #MovieReview
Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch