Some buddy comedies can be funny and heartwarming and some of them can be dumb and very inconsistent. The relationship of the main characters is the key to how buddy comedies work. In On the Count of Three, the two characters have great chemistry together, and as such, their relationship works very well.
On the Count of Three is as looney a film as its title sounds. Director Jarrod Carmichael also acts opposite Christopher Abbott. They play two best friends that decide they were going to commit suicide together. That’s just the first five minutes of the film. The rest of the film is quite a ride to actually get to that moment.
The film is set in the present day and with that comes some interesting choices with hair and music. Abbott’s character has a crazy hairstyle and he loves rock-n-roll music, something which is used very effectively in the film. The music helps his mood. He gets frustrated with a lot of things and people in the film.
His best friend is dealing with his own issues. His girlfriend (Tiffany Haddish) is about to have a child. She is saying it’s not his, but he thinks it is and wants to be a good father to the child. Also, he has to deal with his crazy friend’s vendetta against a doctor (Henry Winkler).
Despite the comedic nature of the film, the matter of suicide is a very important subject. People should take the subject matter very seriously. Just because you have problems with your boss, wife, family, or relationship doesn’t mean you should commit suicide. The film handles these matters very well. It doesn’t take this subject lightly. That’s a good thing.
The film was written by Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch. Both are currently writers on Ramy on Hulu. This film really deals with relationships between friends, family and how all the people interact together. It has a sense of what it’s going for, which is very good.
Carmichael captured a niche in society with this film. While dealing with the serious subject matter, it also has a light and entertaining feel to it. The chemistry between Carmichael and Abbott is very enjoyable to watch. The relationship is the ground this film stands on. It’s that ground that makes it a fine film.
4 stars
Dan Skip Allen
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Sean Boelman
Founder/EIC disappointment media
From the Fourth Row! 