The Argument

The Argument winds up being either the most horrifying funny scriptwriting workshop ever, or a really f***ed up version of Groundhog Day. Either way, an exact-science blend of tight scripting and a strong ensemble cast make this film a new comedy gem.

It’s rare to see a comedy so devoted to pacing and so concerned with driving to a satisfying conclusion.

While scribe Zac Stanford's premise invites a Charlie Kaufman-like, reality-bending take, Schwartzman plays things straight enough that one has a hard time believing the action. But viewers who get through a credulity-testing second act may laugh enough in the third to be glad they did.

It’s loud, fast, in-your-face, broad and low.

The Argument is amusing for a while, and some of the ensemble — Maggie Q and Coleman in particular — manage to access something both human and humorous in what might have seemed harsh in another actor’s hands. But silly as the filmmakers intend for this to be, there’s something unpleasant about the whole ordeal.

There are some very funny bits here, but unfortunately the concept takes too long getting off the ground, leaving the first three-quarters of the movie floating in limbo, waiting for it to all make sense.

Let me start by saying I’m a FilmSnob and I don’t like most things because most things are all the same. This film was not like other films. It took chances and wasn’t a straight down the middle comedy. The cast was very funny, it was well crafted. I think you should give it a watch, stick with it.