Pete Davidson's semi autobiographical movie is not the dirty, empty, humor packed event you think it's going to be. I was surprised to see just how real it was in the way it dealt with heavy subjects, and how people use humor to deflect those topics and cope. As someone who does this a lot it caught me off guard to see a movie that's basically made about it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Davidson has great performance here a does Bill Burr and Steve Buscemi. This movie isn't a Hollywood production in how those feel mostly forced. This movie really just seems like a camera crew follows Davidson around in his real life. I dig it
570 Reviews
Pleasantly surprised by Davidson, the story, tone
PeachesIR17 March 2021
I have never been a Pete Davidson fan, and when I've seen him on SNL in recent years, I never thought he was funny--or I thought maybe I was too old to find his comedy style appealing. I did feel sympathy for him, as I know he has dealt with depression in recent years. I think "The King of Staten Island" taps into this, and Pete's lead character, Scott, seems closely based on his own experiences. Davidson co-wrote the screenplay; Judd Apatow directs. The film is polished and features a solid cast of veteran actors (Marisa Tomei, Steve Buscemi, Bill Burr) to support the young star.
Like Davidson, Scott's father was a firefighter who died when he was a young boy. Scott seems lost and aimless; he smokes a lot of pot; has an awkward on-and-off relationship with a neighborhood girl; and he doesn't know what to do with his life, other than possibly becoming a tattoo artist. He has artistic talent. Scott resents that his widowed mother has begun seeing a divorced firefighter, and the two men clash.
"The King of Staten Island" felt very relatable and authentic, and it focuses on a subject that has been overlooked by Hollywood in recent years---the "forgotten" working- or lower-middle class white young men searching for some meaning in their lives, some direction and purpose. Many, like the main character here, turn to drugs because they really don't know what else to do.
Scott's firefighter father died in the line of work--just as Davidson's firefighter father died on 9/11. He needs a father figure, a male role model -- and our society seems to scoff at this idea these days. Staten Island is a typical middle-class/working-class, mostly white/Italian/Irish sort of community where the residents are hard-working, family-oriented people, but nothing like the glitzy, snooty hipsters a ferry ride away in Manhattan or Brooklyn. There used to be so many great American movies about people just like Scott and his family--"Working Girl," "Nobody's Fool" and "Beautiful Girls" just off the top of my head. Recently, Hollywood seems uninterested in their stories. Yet Scott's story seems universal.
The most inspiring scenes in "The King of Staten Island" take place in the firehouse where Scott's father once worked. The firefighters are white and black, male and female, and they all work and eat and laugh together as a sort of family. Here, we see the beating heart of community, and we see the value of hard work and service. Buscemi was a NYC firefighter in real life, another element that lends "The King of Staten Island" authenticity.
Davidson does a fine job in a comic/dramatic starring role as a lost, goofy, horny young guy who doesn't really know how to take the next steps to becoming a man. He may be playing himself in many ways, but his performance hits the mark. Overall, a very touching, inspiring movie that you should watch.
Like Davidson, Scott's father was a firefighter who died when he was a young boy. Scott seems lost and aimless; he smokes a lot of pot; has an awkward on-and-off relationship with a neighborhood girl; and he doesn't know what to do with his life, other than possibly becoming a tattoo artist. He has artistic talent. Scott resents that his widowed mother has begun seeing a divorced firefighter, and the two men clash.
"The King of Staten Island" felt very relatable and authentic, and it focuses on a subject that has been overlooked by Hollywood in recent years---the "forgotten" working- or lower-middle class white young men searching for some meaning in their lives, some direction and purpose. Many, like the main character here, turn to drugs because they really don't know what else to do.
Scott's firefighter father died in the line of work--just as Davidson's firefighter father died on 9/11. He needs a father figure, a male role model -- and our society seems to scoff at this idea these days. Staten Island is a typical middle-class/working-class, mostly white/Italian/Irish sort of community where the residents are hard-working, family-oriented people, but nothing like the glitzy, snooty hipsters a ferry ride away in Manhattan or Brooklyn. There used to be so many great American movies about people just like Scott and his family--"Working Girl," "Nobody's Fool" and "Beautiful Girls" just off the top of my head. Recently, Hollywood seems uninterested in their stories. Yet Scott's story seems universal.
The most inspiring scenes in "The King of Staten Island" take place in the firehouse where Scott's father once worked. The firefighters are white and black, male and female, and they all work and eat and laugh together as a sort of family. Here, we see the beating heart of community, and we see the value of hard work and service. Buscemi was a NYC firefighter in real life, another element that lends "The King of Staten Island" authenticity.
Davidson does a fine job in a comic/dramatic starring role as a lost, goofy, horny young guy who doesn't really know how to take the next steps to becoming a man. He may be playing himself in many ways, but his performance hits the mark. Overall, a very touching, inspiring movie that you should watch.
Refreshing
serberian7 March 2021
You can't watch this movie without patience, it is a really really slow burn. But unlike blockbuster trash that's constantly served - everything serves a purpose to the plot. Life is not a 90 minute show. And this movie isn't about runtime or show. It has a message, it has motif, and it feels like reading a classic. Great, honest job.
Worth a watch
cartsghammond12 June 2020
I have followed Judd and Pete's careers pretty closely so naturally I was exited to see this movie. I wanted to see it in theaters but renting it for 20 dollars in my living room was my only option for now.
Pete has proved himself to be a funny guy and a competent actor, and even though he's playing a similar character to his role in Big Time Adolescence, this is a big step forward in his career.
I think this movie will probably receive criticism for not being as funny as some of Judd Appatows other movies, but I don't think this movie was aiming for a the same thing as Superbad and The 40 year old virgin. Judd often talks about how the key to making a good comedy is to make a good drama and add humor to it, this is the perfect example.
Pete's story is intriguing and feels completely worthy of a movie like this. Some people wanting a non stop laugh fest maybe not like it, and it does have flaws, but I really enjoyed it.
This is probably Judds best movie in 10 years. And I highly recommend giving it a watch.
Pete has proved himself to be a funny guy and a competent actor, and even though he's playing a similar character to his role in Big Time Adolescence, this is a big step forward in his career.
I think this movie will probably receive criticism for not being as funny as some of Judd Appatows other movies, but I don't think this movie was aiming for a the same thing as Superbad and The 40 year old virgin. Judd often talks about how the key to making a good comedy is to make a good drama and add humor to it, this is the perfect example.
Pete's story is intriguing and feels completely worthy of a movie like this. Some people wanting a non stop laugh fest maybe not like it, and it does have flaws, but I really enjoyed it.
This is probably Judds best movie in 10 years. And I highly recommend giving it a watch.
I liked this way more than expected
BandSAboutMovies31 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
You know, I liked this movie more than I ever would have thought. I've disliked nearly everything Pete Davidson has done on Saturday Night Live, seeing him as, at best, a one-note stand-up jammed into a show where the best he can do is look sleepy and break in nearly every sketch.
Yet this movie, a semi-autobiography as Davidson's father was also a firefighter who died on 9/11, was moving and well-done.
It's not without its problems. Like every Judd Apatow movie, there's no reason for it to be two hours and sixteen minutes. The guy has no idea how to end a movie on time.
Marisa Tomei again shows why she really did deserve that Oscar and wow, Bill Burr was a revelation. The guy is so natural and perfect here, as is Bel Powley as Davidson's love interest.
Pamela Adlon, who plays Burr's ex-wife, is actually the voice of Bobby Hill on King of the Hill, which is a shock. And Steve Buscemi, who was a firefighter while beginning his acting career, is great as usual.
I was expecting a self-indulgent mess and got a thoughtful film. I promise not to judge Davidson so harshly in the future.
Yet this movie, a semi-autobiography as Davidson's father was also a firefighter who died on 9/11, was moving and well-done.
It's not without its problems. Like every Judd Apatow movie, there's no reason for it to be two hours and sixteen minutes. The guy has no idea how to end a movie on time.
Marisa Tomei again shows why she really did deserve that Oscar and wow, Bill Burr was a revelation. The guy is so natural and perfect here, as is Bel Powley as Davidson's love interest.
Pamela Adlon, who plays Burr's ex-wife, is actually the voice of Bobby Hill on King of the Hill, which is a shock. And Steve Buscemi, who was a firefighter while beginning his acting career, is great as usual.
I was expecting a self-indulgent mess and got a thoughtful film. I promise not to judge Davidson so harshly in the future.
Very quirky and enjoyable
rocky37-4047228 April 2021
This movie really took me by surprise. A great script, brilliant dialogue and great performances by all the characters. An up-lifting story of someone who was lost and then found. Nice to have a positive message, when so often in this day and age it's the exact opposite. Liked it a lot.
Story was very down to Earth
liloiax7 March 2021
Even though I've barely gone through any of the situations that the characters have gone through I found that I easily related to all of the situations the characters were going through. I also felt that the audience could also easily relate to the characters emotions as well. In my opinion, the movie was very well done. Everybody should definitely give it a watch if they get the chance.
Surprisingly good...
Thanos_Alfie28 July 2020
"The King of Staten Island" is a Comedy - Drama movie in which we watch a young man changing his lifestyle due to some new parameters that were added in his life. From smoking weed, relaxing with his friends and dreaming of becoming a tattoo artist to the real life in which you have to work in order to receive money to do whatever you want.
I have to admit that I was really surprised by this movie and I did not expect to like it so much. I enjoyed it very much because it had a nice and very interesting plot, a very good direction which was made by Judd Apatow who is one of the writers and some very good interpretations made by its cast. Regarding the interpretations, Pete Davidson who played as Scott Carlin (and he is one of the writers), he was simply outstanding and I believe that his interpretation made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Marisa Tomei's who played as Margie Carlin, Bel Powley's who played as Kelsey and Bill Burr's who played as Ray Bishop. Finally, I have to say that "The King of Staten Island" is an amazing movie and I strongly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that you won't just find it interesting but also simply beautiful.
I have to admit that I was really surprised by this movie and I did not expect to like it so much. I enjoyed it very much because it had a nice and very interesting plot, a very good direction which was made by Judd Apatow who is one of the writers and some very good interpretations made by its cast. Regarding the interpretations, Pete Davidson who played as Scott Carlin (and he is one of the writers), he was simply outstanding and I believe that his interpretation made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Marisa Tomei's who played as Margie Carlin, Bel Powley's who played as Kelsey and Bill Burr's who played as Ray Bishop. Finally, I have to say that "The King of Staten Island" is an amazing movie and I strongly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that you won't just find it interesting but also simply beautiful.
Pleasantly Surprised
timmersnb13 June 2020
This film is a true gem. I went into it not expecting much, but I was disappointed when the movie was over. Not many films I've seen recently left me feeling that way; especially Davidson's previous film "Big Time Adolescence". "The King of Staten Island" was funny, heartfelt, and raw at times. Personally, I've always felt like Pete Davidson was the least funny member of SNL, but this film opened my eyes to what he was about as a person and where his comedy stemmed from. I appreciate that the film doesn't pretend to be something different than what it is - Pete's semi-biographical story brought to life by a comedy directing/producing pro, Judd Apatow. The supporting cast of Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, and Steve Buscemi bring some pretty great performances to the table as well. Great story about that weird part of life in your early twenties where you're still not really sure what you're doing or where you're going on life's journey. It deals with living through loss, growing up and finding out your purpose in the world. I will recommend this to friends!
Heartwarming
Angerforz17 June 2020
Movie was great all and all, such a feel good movie, original concept with a lot of funny moments and interesting scenes. The movie production may not be the best at some parts, and people may think that it looks a bit amateurish, but that's just a fraction of the movie. I really enjoyed the movie, it gave me some insights on how the real world can be, because I am a young dude myself trying to fit in and find my place in the society.
Raw
PennyForMyThoughts13 June 2020
A bit too long for that story.
deloudelouvain8 October 2020
If I could I would give The King Of Staten Island a 6.5 rating on here. If it wasn't that long maybe I would give it a seven. The story does not have interesting elements enough to entertain us that long. It wasn't bad though, just not great. It's a dramady (drama/comedy), with more drama than comedy (which is subtle but not bad). As for the acting that was good, a well chosen cast that all delivered. I don't regret watching it, but I won't watch it again to be honest.
king of boring island
Abdulxoxo5 October 2020
It's too long, and main character is very despicable and foul-mouthed,. He moan and complain about his life but do nothing about it. the story revolves around in circle and no goes nowhere. the supporting characters are more interesting.
Better than expected, worth a watch and definitely relatable
helghast-133713 June 2020
Not really a fan of Pete Davidson prior to this film and frankly still not a fan of him after it, but I respect his transformation in this movie. If you don't know (which at this point, I'm not sure how you couldn't) Pete's real dad was FDNY and died on 9/11. Whether or not he was able to use this to catapult his comedic career is something I don't know, but I never found him particularly funny. When he first got to SNL I thought he was going to be the next Andy Samberg, but his appearances seemed to fizzle and he was often relegated to doing pre-recorded bits on the show. It made me a little sad because I think his potential was and is wasted at SNL but perhaps it's one of those situations where they can't really fire him due to FDNY connections. I know it sounds kinda conspiracy theory-ish but those are my personal thoughts.
Now back to this film. I absolutely hated the first 30-45 minutes and was regretting my decision to watch the film, but I eventually finished it and I actually thought it was a decent story about personal transformation, something I definitely could relate to. Seeing the cherry picked reviews about how it was so funny and Apatow's best film are now confusing as it is neither hilarious or Apatow's best, but still very good. If you're like me and think the first half of the movie is awful, just hang in there and finish it. Everything comes together at the end so the beginning of the movie doesn't seem as awful as it is.
Now back to this film. I absolutely hated the first 30-45 minutes and was regretting my decision to watch the film, but I eventually finished it and I actually thought it was a decent story about personal transformation, something I definitely could relate to. Seeing the cherry picked reviews about how it was so funny and Apatow's best film are now confusing as it is neither hilarious or Apatow's best, but still very good. If you're like me and think the first half of the movie is awful, just hang in there and finish it. Everything comes together at the end so the beginning of the movie doesn't seem as awful as it is.
Funny, not too heavy but has substance
ciaratarpey28 June 2020
Apatow flops, but Davidson shines.
Top_Dawg_Critic30 June 2020
Seriously Mr. Apatow... 136 minutes of "too much filler, not enough substance"? This was way too long and way too slow. The only reason I didn't fall asleep, was Davidson's fine balance of pathos and humor throughout the film. His story was very relatable and he performed/portrayed it quite well. The supporting cast was great as well. Had this film been cut/edited down to approx 90 mins with better pacing, and some crazier and funnier moments, it would've been a real hit. Still, mad props to Davidson for telling his story so well. Too bad Apatow didn't write and direct it better.
Among Judd Apatows best
UniqueParticle12 August 2020
I enjoyed King of Staten Island a lot more than I expected to! A bit sad but so funny and heartfelt. Very entertaining, beautiful cinematography, well made, and great dialogue! I loved Pete Davidson I hope to see him in more projects in the future. Please stop disliking my review, I have autism and I'm a little quirky.
The King of Staten Island
haydenluz14 June 2020
The King of Staten Island is A LOT better than I thought it was going to be, being one of the biggest surprises of 2020 so far. The King of Staten Island had great emotions, having a few deep, heartfelt moments, as well as being just so damn entertaining! The soundtrack was super fitting, having greatly placed pop culture music. All of the characters were big fun, putting on genuine performances with charming character development. The coming of age script was so free, doing and saying whatever they wanted, but keeping everything as tight as possible, not just shooting out aimless, subjective comedy.
Beautiful
ethanbrondum17 March 2021
I'm conflicted
alijoydietcoke13 June 2020
I'm conflicted because it was a truly likable movie. On the other hand the editing seemed rushed and all over the place. I really liked the idea of the film and I wish it was better executed. Regardless it was enjoyable
More of a great film than just a great comedy
mrltulsa12 June 2020
King of Staten Island is a deeper dive into Pete Davidson, a mostly autobiographical look at why he is the way he is. Well done and well written and a great supporting cast from Bill Burr, Marissa Tomei and Steve Buscemi all were steller in supporting roles.
Be prepared, it is dark and not funny ha-ha, but definitely uses humor to deflect uncomfortable situations. Pete's always been an intriguing character to me, so this was a great way to pull the layers back, it's not always pretty, but I think it is definitely worth the price.
Be prepared, it is dark and not funny ha-ha, but definitely uses humor to deflect uncomfortable situations. Pete's always been an intriguing character to me, so this was a great way to pull the layers back, it's not always pretty, but I think it is definitely worth the price.
King of dark humour
akdjreview23 November 2021
King of Staten Island was an incredibly funny movie. Pete Davidson is a fantastic comedian and achieves in making everything funny in some twisted way. The fact that much of the film is also based around his life is surprising but somehow makes it more fun and interesting. Though also making it heartbreaking and emotional at some points.
There is not much to say about the film, the main character Scott has a difficult life and you get to follow him when he tries to fix it in different twisted ways, which is fun to keep up with. The film is perfect for "lazy watching" so to speak and I recommend it to everyone.
There is not much to say about the film, the main character Scott has a difficult life and you get to follow him when he tries to fix it in different twisted ways, which is fun to keep up with. The film is perfect for "lazy watching" so to speak and I recommend it to everyone.
I resisted the urge to turn it off
chrsstout31 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What I usually like about Judd Apatows 'films' is that his directing style has a real casual/awkward improv style to it. Which works sometimes, and sometimes it doesn't. It shines when interesting actors are able to let themselves shine through a role. When it works it's genius, but when it doesn't it really really doesn't. Especially if the characters are as boring as they are in King of Staten Island.
I don't really understand Hollywood's push to kiss up to Pete Davidson, but it's pretty annoying. This movie covered everything surrounding Pete Davison in the media over the past 5 years. Here are the boxes the movie checked: Dad's a dead firefighter, has tattoos, from Staten Island, "I'm crazy, my heads all messed up" said in unwavering insincerity, and of course weed.
If you knew those things about Pete Davidson from the media already, then congrats, you just saved yourself almost 2.5 hours because then there is no need to watch the movie.
The most interesting aspect of this movie is when you get to entertain the idea that, instead of being a rich garbage-person, Pete Davidson is a poor garbage-person. That- and Bill Burr gets to revisit his role as an angry dude from Boston, which is always good for a laugh; almost like if an entire character were a catchphrase.
So I basically turned it off about like 15-20 mins into the movie when Pete's mom is helping the sick kid- which is classic Apatow humor, but terribly executed. Then I came back to it thinking "maybe I'll give it another shot" and then found myself wanting to turn it off a couple more times later in the movie.
After it finished, I found myself saying "we get it Pete, your dad was a firefighter." In the words of the puking kid 15-20 mins in "everybody has problems", I just don't know why they insist we watch Pete Davidson's ad nauseam.
My more technical critiques: the first act sucked- and vaguely representative of the events in the movie: he barely missed an accident he caused and kept driving saying "I'm sorry" over and over. So yeah, I get it, he barely missed jail and got some people all riled-up in the process and spent the latter portion of the second act trying to redeem himself. Cool. But he was never really "sorry", he was just an A-hole until he had to cope. The climax sucked too; Action Bronson randomly shows up and Pete saves the day. Everything is magically better than it was before the movie started.
Trash. Save yourself 2.5 hours. Apatow should have kept making 'Love'.
Yes.
I don't really understand Hollywood's push to kiss up to Pete Davidson, but it's pretty annoying. This movie covered everything surrounding Pete Davison in the media over the past 5 years. Here are the boxes the movie checked: Dad's a dead firefighter, has tattoos, from Staten Island, "I'm crazy, my heads all messed up" said in unwavering insincerity, and of course weed.
If you knew those things about Pete Davidson from the media already, then congrats, you just saved yourself almost 2.5 hours because then there is no need to watch the movie.
The most interesting aspect of this movie is when you get to entertain the idea that, instead of being a rich garbage-person, Pete Davidson is a poor garbage-person. That- and Bill Burr gets to revisit his role as an angry dude from Boston, which is always good for a laugh; almost like if an entire character were a catchphrase.
So I basically turned it off about like 15-20 mins into the movie when Pete's mom is helping the sick kid- which is classic Apatow humor, but terribly executed. Then I came back to it thinking "maybe I'll give it another shot" and then found myself wanting to turn it off a couple more times later in the movie.
After it finished, I found myself saying "we get it Pete, your dad was a firefighter." In the words of the puking kid 15-20 mins in "everybody has problems", I just don't know why they insist we watch Pete Davidson's ad nauseam.
My more technical critiques: the first act sucked- and vaguely representative of the events in the movie: he barely missed an accident he caused and kept driving saying "I'm sorry" over and over. So yeah, I get it, he barely missed jail and got some people all riled-up in the process and spent the latter portion of the second act trying to redeem himself. Cool. But he was never really "sorry", he was just an A-hole until he had to cope. The climax sucked too; Action Bronson randomly shows up and Pete saves the day. Everything is magically better than it was before the movie started.
Trash. Save yourself 2.5 hours. Apatow should have kept making 'Love'.
Yes.
Decent film
elliotjeory18 June 2020
I liked this film it had a good script I liked the constant flow of the dialogue and the actors bouncing off each other. There is a lot of good characters and actors in this film and I liked the story too. Overall a enjoyable comedy drama.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
