The King of Staten Island – The Feel-Good Film of the Summer (Early Review)

How lucky are we that we get to watch the feel-good new film of the summer at home? The King of Staten Island is that film. One of the biggest casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be a shame to not get to see the film with an audience but this fact does not diminish it in any way whatsoever. Meanwhile, the film marks the feature film return of prolific comedy director Judd Apatow (who also co-wrote the script) who certainly adds his own touch. At the end of the day, the biggest takeaway of the film should be the performance of its star, comedian and SNL cast member Pete Davidson (another co-writer) who single-handedly puts himself on the map. Appearing on the majority of the film’s promotional material, Universal Pictures is clearly banking on Davidson and luckily, he delivers. He is the heart of the film and makes it well worth the rental/watch alone. Meanwhile, Apatow has made a fair share of comedians into stars and after this film, Davidson will surely join that list.

The King of Staten Island follows Scott Carlin (Davidson), an ambitious low achiever living in Staten Island with his sister Claire (Maude Apatow) and his single mother Margie (Tomei). Scott hasn’t quite been the same since the death of his firefighter father as his life has spiraled ever since. Smoking pot and hanging out alongside his childhood friends, he hasn’t had much to show for his life at that point and never really acknowledged his grief. As the rest of the family began to move on with Claire going to college and Margie now dating a firefighter named Ray (Burr), a sudden turn of events forced Scott to learn to adapt or risk being left behind. Like it or not, he would essentially have to stop repressing his feelings and face his demons, acknowledging his grief so he could finally move forward and grow up instead of being stuck with his memories of the past. This would prove to be easier said than done. His ultimate dream was to become a tattoo artist but he simply lacked the motivation and was in need of a push.

Scott’s coming of age story may have had many ups and downs to it but it did have its fair share of heartwarming moments as well to bring balance and levity. Over the course of the film, as Scott learned the truth about his father and his past, a cloud of grief slowly lifted over him and and his walls slowly came down. Things were turning around and he was finally growing up in front of our eyes and making something out of his life. With a running time of over 2 hours, it definitely won’t feel that way while watching. Scott is a compelling character to watch and an easy character to become invested in and root for because his humanity and relatability. He was a character that may or may not have always made the best decisions, showing his age and immaturity at times, however, we want him to succeed. Though there are plenty of comedic names both in front of and behind the camera, the film plays more like a dramedy than a straight comedy (not that there weren’t hilarious moments to be had), finding a great balance.

In the end, the best part of The King of Staten Island was undoubtedly Davidson’s star-making performance as Scott. His effortless charm and likability are what single-handedly made the film work as it lives or dies with Scott and his character arc. Davidson was hilarious but his power did not end there as he makes you feel Scott’s deep-seeded pain and grief and his relief once that cloud lifted from his shoulders. His character arc as his walls came down and he became more comfortable with himself was some truly great work worthy of praise. Meanwhile, the rest of the cast were also up to the task with Tomei, Burr, and Maude Apatow delivering solid performances of their own, having dynamite chemistry with Davidson, supporting him while each having their own moments to shine.

Overall, The King of Staten Island is definitely worth the watch if only for the escape. Pete Davidson fans will surely not be disappointed but hopefully this film will get him some new ones.

still courtesy of Universal Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.