Almost all of the comedian and filmmaker Judd Apatow’s comedies follow a certain pattern. From The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) and Knocked Up (2007) to This Is 40 (2012) and Trainwreck (2015), they take their time to tell their stories. They also aren’t always immediately likeable, but either through the course of the film or in a second viewing, grow on you. For example, on my first viewing, I found The 40-Year-Old Virgin too crude and too slow for my liking, but now, it’s one of my favourite films.

Judd Apatow’s films also feature adults who never quite grew up and now must deal with adulthood. In many ways, The King of Staten Island is a typical Judd Apatow comedy-drama. With a runtime of 136 minutes, it feels a bit too long and a slow-starter.

It tells the story of a 24-year-old high school dropout, Scott Carlin (Pete Davidson), who has been deeply affected by the loss of his father in his childhood. His father, Stan, was a firefighter who died while battling a fire. Aside from this unresolved trauma, Scott also has ADHD and an inflammatory bowel disease. He also has an unhealthy relationship with his girlfriend Kelsey (Bel Powley), and irresponsible friends who convince him to be the lookout in a robbery.

The King of Staten Island was co-written by its lead Pete Davidson. This is interesting to anyone who has seen the stand-up comedian and SNL cast member’s shtick. Pete Davidson, a Staten Island native, lost his father, a firefighter, to the attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11. The comedian makes awkward yet hilarious self-deprecating jokes about the unresolved feelings from his loss during his routine. In a sense, The King of Staten Island is based on his experiences.

The King of Staten Island is a typical Judd Apatow comedy-drama in that, despite a mediocre start and feeling too long, it is a slow-burner

In the film, his character, Scott, still lives with his mother Margie (Marisa Tomei), even though his sister, Clair, played well by Apatow’s daughter Maude, seems to have handled the loss better. Margie is concerned about her son’s future but also can’t seem to give him the push he needs. Scott wants to become a tattoo artist but struggles to get it right.

When Scott gives a 9-year-old boy named Harold (Luke David Blumm) a tattoo line, the child’s understandably upset father, Ray Bishop (Bill Burr), shows up at his door. This moment is a turning point for Scott’s family. Ray is attracted to Margie, and the two begin dating. Ray is also a nice guy and happens to be a firefighter.

Scott’s friendship with Ray and his kids Harold and Kelly proves cathartic. After meeting Ray, Scott learns more about his father through other firefighters, eventually focusing on the career path he was born for. The friendship also helps Ray grow as a character.

The performances are good, especially from Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei and Bill Burr. Apatow’s films are known for launching careers, and I suspect that this film will be a stepping stone for Pete Davidson. I also enjoyed watching Bill Burr in his supporting role. The brash comedian is surprisingly tender in The King of Staten Island. Despite the mediocre start, you can say the same about the film itself.

Rated R for language and drug use throughout, sexual content and some violence/bloody images

Published in Dawn, ICON, July 5th, 2020