A failed 30-something comedian commiserates with a regretful 60-something dermatologist. Hi-jinks and Friendship ensue: the comedic drama, old-fashioned style- tried and true themes of failure, regret, the search for redemption, finding it where you least expect it, etc. Pedestrian and cliche? Slight and minor? If you say so, but what if the movie's good? "Standing Up, Falling Down" knows what it is and stays within it's wheelhouse- you're drawn in without really expecting it because it feels human in that uniquely cinematic way. It's also buoyed by great chemistry between its leads. Ben Schwartz, mostly known for his more over-the-top comedic performances, plays it closer to the vest here, almost the straight man to Billy Crystal, who, while not really being a dramatic actor, pulls off his role with aplomb. It's nice to see a movie like this sneak in behind enemy lines- one that wears its heart on its sleeve without being maudlin or cynically pandering to some kind of denominator. It's a movie that's quietly profound- sure, kind of in a bumper sticker way, but you don't go to the movies to watch filmed philosophical treatises. I ended the film with a smile in my heart- that's gotta be worth something...
35 Reviews
a bit sad and not too funny
SnoopyStyle12 March 2021
Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz) has returned to his Long Island family home after four years of failed standup attempts in L.A. He joins his younger sister Megan (Grace Gummer) as too old to still live with mom and dad. He finds dermatologist Marty (Billy Crystal) peeing in the sink and befriends the troubled elder. He reconnects with married ex Becky (Eloise Mumford).
Scott is a bit sad and not too funny. The same goes for this movie. It's a very familiar story. There isn't much plot. The best relationship is probably Schwartz and Gummer. Quite frankly, it may be interesting to try them in a traditional rom-com. They have a good banter together. As for Schwartz and Crystal, I expected more comedic power. Both are essentially playing sad characters and that drains some of the energy out of their partnership. It seems that everything is toned down a bit including Scott's standup comedy and that keeps the movie at a low simmer.
Scott is a bit sad and not too funny. The same goes for this movie. It's a very familiar story. There isn't much plot. The best relationship is probably Schwartz and Gummer. Quite frankly, it may be interesting to try them in a traditional rom-com. They have a good banter together. As for Schwartz and Crystal, I expected more comedic power. Both are essentially playing sad characters and that drains some of the energy out of their partnership. It seems that everything is toned down a bit including Scott's standup comedy and that keeps the movie at a low simmer.
Surprisingly good, short, quirky film
sixty_four24 February 2020
Billy Crystal's nuanced performance meets very good writing in a tale about uncommon friendships and uncommon redemption. Not a perfect film, but great performances and quick pacing enable the writing and plot to tell an efficient, funny, touching story well.
Crystal strikes again
ferguson-620 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Greetings again from the darkness. Billy Crystal hasn't starred in a film since 2012's PARENTAL GUIDANCE. Sure, he's had some appearances in movies and TV shows, and done some voice acting, but that's a lot of years between top-lining gigs. It seems writer Peter Hoare (KILLING HASSELHOFF, 2017) and director Matt Ratner (his first feature film) know exactly what to do with the now 71 year old legendary comedian, and it makes perfect sense that Mr. Crystal chose this role to end his drought.
Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz, "Parks and Recreation") is a 34 year old struggling/failed stand-up comic who moves back home after a four year stint trying to make it in the Los Angeles comedy scene. His eternally-chirpy mother (Debra Monk) is thrilled to have him back in his room, but his business owner dad (Kevin Dunn) stays put in his recliner, his 30 year old sister (Grace Gummer, daughter of Meryl Streep) immediately starts jabbing him for failing (after all, she manages a pretzel stand at the mall), his friends have moved on with their own wives and kids, and Becky (Eloise Mumford), the dream girl ex that he deserted to pursue his dreams, has married another guy. Welcome to adulting Scott.
One of the most awkward 'meet-cutes' occurs when an inebriated Marty bumps into Scott on his way to urinate in the local pub's restroom sink. Soon Marty, who doubles as town-drunk and a dermatologist, is treating Scott's stress rash. The two strike up an odd friendship and the elder Marty is heard doling out life philosophy like, "Regret is the only thing that's real", and "Nobody has their life figured out." Weed is also involved as the two similarly lost souls, separated by generations, find common ground in coming to grips with their individual missteps.
We glimpse more similarities as the backstories are unfolded for Marty and Scott. The elder man's two wives and two kids have resulted in loneliness and pain for the once successful (we can tell by his house) medical professional. His son Adam (Nate Corddry) angrily blames Marty for his mother's death, and daughter Taylor (Caitlin McGee), is mostly too busy for her old man. The younger Scott, previously broke off a solid relationship with Becky to pursue his dream. There was no conversation, just the actions of a younger man's whims. It's only now that he's questioning what matters in life.
Many clichés are leaned on and some quite familiar ground (do new friends really take the podium at funerals?) is covered, but it's enjoyable to watch an old pro like Mr. Crystal do what he does best. And the life lessons may be simple and obvious, but they are also ones that so many fail to learn until late in life. Some of the humor is offered with a twist. For instance 1986 is featured via HOWARD THE DUCK and Clemens versus Strawberry. Mostly the comedy plays the role of masking loneliness, and it seems when combined with friendship, that's a more effective salve than alcohol. Writer Hoare (whose face is on the giant photo at the wake), leaves us with: "Lightning never strikes twice, but it can strike again." Just like Billy Crystal.
Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz, "Parks and Recreation") is a 34 year old struggling/failed stand-up comic who moves back home after a four year stint trying to make it in the Los Angeles comedy scene. His eternally-chirpy mother (Debra Monk) is thrilled to have him back in his room, but his business owner dad (Kevin Dunn) stays put in his recliner, his 30 year old sister (Grace Gummer, daughter of Meryl Streep) immediately starts jabbing him for failing (after all, she manages a pretzel stand at the mall), his friends have moved on with their own wives and kids, and Becky (Eloise Mumford), the dream girl ex that he deserted to pursue his dreams, has married another guy. Welcome to adulting Scott.
One of the most awkward 'meet-cutes' occurs when an inebriated Marty bumps into Scott on his way to urinate in the local pub's restroom sink. Soon Marty, who doubles as town-drunk and a dermatologist, is treating Scott's stress rash. The two strike up an odd friendship and the elder Marty is heard doling out life philosophy like, "Regret is the only thing that's real", and "Nobody has their life figured out." Weed is also involved as the two similarly lost souls, separated by generations, find common ground in coming to grips with their individual missteps.
We glimpse more similarities as the backstories are unfolded for Marty and Scott. The elder man's two wives and two kids have resulted in loneliness and pain for the once successful (we can tell by his house) medical professional. His son Adam (Nate Corddry) angrily blames Marty for his mother's death, and daughter Taylor (Caitlin McGee), is mostly too busy for her old man. The younger Scott, previously broke off a solid relationship with Becky to pursue his dream. There was no conversation, just the actions of a younger man's whims. It's only now that he's questioning what matters in life.
Many clichés are leaned on and some quite familiar ground (do new friends really take the podium at funerals?) is covered, but it's enjoyable to watch an old pro like Mr. Crystal do what he does best. And the life lessons may be simple and obvious, but they are also ones that so many fail to learn until late in life. Some of the humor is offered with a twist. For instance 1986 is featured via HOWARD THE DUCK and Clemens versus Strawberry. Mostly the comedy plays the role of masking loneliness, and it seems when combined with friendship, that's a more effective salve than alcohol. Writer Hoare (whose face is on the giant photo at the wake), leaves us with: "Lightning never strikes twice, but it can strike again." Just like Billy Crystal.
More drama than comedy.
deloudelouvain16 June 2020
Drama and comedy, not the ideal mix if you ask me, as most of the time there is more drama than comedy and that's also the case in Standing Up, Falling Down. That said I thought this movie wasn't that bad, I didn't laugh much, but the story is strange enough enjoyable to watch. It's just about different people trying to get their life back on the right track. It's rather sad than funny. The acting of Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz was good and that made it worth watching. I mostly knew Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio from the American comedy TV series Parks and Recreation where he played a rather annoying character but in this movie he proves he can play something different. As a drama this movie works, not so much as a comedy, but that's only my opinion. Goodenough for a one time viewing.
Surprisingly good
tobe_199128 March 2020
A sweet and sometimes funny dramedy.
SnobReviews2 March 2020
"Standing Up Falling, Down" is slightly clichéd but the unlikely alliance between Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz really makes solid on-screen chemistry.
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In this comedy-drama, an unlikely friendship is formed when a struggling stand-up comedian and an alcoholic dermatologist help each other find healing in their lives.
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Even though it's a buddy comedy-drama that we've all seen before, "Standing Up, Falling Down" is an often sweet, funny and relatable film that features good performances from its lead ensemble. Crystal and Schwartz work well riffing off each other and you can tell these two had a good time working together. It's decent enough to get through and one of the better VOD films you'll come across.
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A slow paced boring story without any real beginning or ending
Top_Dawg_Critic24 February 2020
This film is amateur director Matt Ratner's 2nd entry on his resume, and he delivered like a seasoned director. Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz also delivered, but nobody could save this slow paced boring story without any real beginning or ending written by novice writer Peter Hoare. The comedy was about as stale as Schwartz's character. Ignore the fake/paid 10, 9 and 8 reviews... at best this is a 7/10 but get only a 6/10 from me as I expected much more.
Welcome back Billy, we missed you and you did not disappoint.
tspike91122 February 2020
I'm not one who usually goes for the comedy/drama type movies, but I am so glad I sat down and watched this. There cannot be a human being alive that is unable to relate to something in this movie, in a personal way.
The acting was spot on, not too much or too little of anything. All the actors, fit just right. There's no hurrying the storyline, it just flows. I found myself relating and reflecting to so much of the story and it was a good feeling.
In short, you need to see this. Don't be in a hurry to do anything while you watch it. Take the 90 minutes and let yourself be whoever it is you relate to in this film. The ending tied everything together in a nice comfortable way.
Buy it, rent it, download it, whatever. Just watch it.
The acting was spot on, not too much or too little of anything. All the actors, fit just right. There's no hurrying the storyline, it just flows. I found myself relating and reflecting to so much of the story and it was a good feeling.
In short, you need to see this. Don't be in a hurry to do anything while you watch it. Take the 90 minutes and let yourself be whoever it is you relate to in this film. The ending tied everything together in a nice comfortable way.
Buy it, rent it, download it, whatever. Just watch it.
A movie about love, family and regrets
sellersev1 March 2020
No Surprises
pwmoores-494441 March 2020
I saw this film at the Glasgow Film Festival. It starts off very well for the first 30 mins and I was very engaged. Thereafter the film gets bogged down and never moves out of second gear. A shame as a good and interesting film was struggling to get out.
Many complain that this one is slow-paced...
Gernot S.27 August 2020
This is not a fast-paced movie. Don't watch it after a Marvel movie.
What it is: It has heart, it feels real. The people are likeable. I am becoming a cynic, over the years, many movies fail to engage me like they should (looking at you, Dunkirk). But this one did not.
And yes, I checked my phone once or twice. Who cares.
What it is: It has heart, it feels real. The people are likeable. I am becoming a cynic, over the years, many movies fail to engage me like they should (looking at you, Dunkirk). But this one did not.
And yes, I checked my phone once or twice. Who cares.
Easy watch
drizzlemail22 February 2020
Crystal great, but movie flat
Scooby5215 March 2020
I didn't hate the movie, however it just plods along and most of the characters aren't really interesting or sympathetic enough to really care about them. Billy Crystal tries his best, however the humour in scenes without him doesn't really work. I know it's meant to be a comedy drama but it fails to find the balance between the two and the main character was rather unlikable it made it hard to care what his outcome was at the end.
As good as buddy banter gets in a satisfying comedy-drama.
JohnDeSando21 November 2020
Disproving the old adage that you can't go home, Standing Up, Falling Down shows that laughs and sentiment can be a salve for the sadness of not making it in the big city. If you're a standup comedian like Scott (Ben Schwartz) and you can make them laugh at home, then you should come home: "Ford Fiesta - Why do they even CALL it that? I feel like it's never really a 'fiesta' inside. Right? It's just a car!" (Scott in standup mode)
Also, if you meet an aging dermatologist like Marty (Billy Crystal-never better), and the two of you can do friendly screwball comedy dialogue in regular conversation, then you made a great choice to come home. It's my long way around for saying this is a terrifically-satisfying comedy-drama in large part because these two are so well matched, like Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin in The Kominsky Method.
Scott is running from big-city failure back home to face more failure as he regrets his breakup with Becky (Eloise Mumford) when he last left home (She has recently married an attorney). Yet he succeeds in making a lasting friendship with Marty and gaining a love prospect or two along the way.
Scott faces the indifference of his disappointed dad while Marty faces off an estranged son-both funny guys have issues familiar to most of their audiences. Dad's disappointment that Scott won't even work for his lumber yard, and Marty's estrangement from his son and, more importantly, grandson are the twin impediments to their lives being better every day (Marty: "Regret is the only thing that's real. It's why the good lord gave us weed and booze- numbing agents.").
The fact that both friends can mine the circumstances for laughs helps themselves and the film. I'm not sure currently you can have better bantering buddies in a film that explores real-life challenges.
Also, if you meet an aging dermatologist like Marty (Billy Crystal-never better), and the two of you can do friendly screwball comedy dialogue in regular conversation, then you made a great choice to come home. It's my long way around for saying this is a terrifically-satisfying comedy-drama in large part because these two are so well matched, like Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin in The Kominsky Method.
Scott is running from big-city failure back home to face more failure as he regrets his breakup with Becky (Eloise Mumford) when he last left home (She has recently married an attorney). Yet he succeeds in making a lasting friendship with Marty and gaining a love prospect or two along the way.
Scott faces the indifference of his disappointed dad while Marty faces off an estranged son-both funny guys have issues familiar to most of their audiences. Dad's disappointment that Scott won't even work for his lumber yard, and Marty's estrangement from his son and, more importantly, grandson are the twin impediments to their lives being better every day (Marty: "Regret is the only thing that's real. It's why the good lord gave us weed and booze- numbing agents.").
The fact that both friends can mine the circumstances for laughs helps themselves and the film. I'm not sure currently you can have better bantering buddies in a film that explores real-life challenges.
Hidden Gem
michellejombwe9 February 2021
Loved it. Don't let the poor title and lower profile lead actor fool you. It is a well written, heart warming story with an excellent script. The lead actor, while not good enough to be a successful stand up comedian, is certainly a very talented actor, one to look out for. Loved seeing Billy Crystal in a multi-dimensional, dramatic character role while still retaining his signature charm.
"You see, if there's one thing I know about, it's booze."
classicsoncall2 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was the second film in a month I've seen about a failed stand-up comedian, the other one was 2019's "International Falls". Well, maybe not so much failed in this case as burned out and ready to find a normal life for Scott Rollins (Ben Schwartz). I wasn't crazy about Scott's introduction to Billy Crystal's character Marty, that bathroom scene was pretty much uncalled for with Marty relieving himself in the sink. How drunk would you have to be to do something like that? I don't think Marty was that wasted, and at the same time, Scott wasn't all that offended. The setting provided an unusual dynamic to what would become a May/December friendship between a couple of guys who were trying to find their way, with Scott remorseful over a life that could have been, and Marty despondent over a failed relationship with an adult son from a first marriage. I have the feeling that for some viewers, some of the situations might hit a little too close to home, and provide more angst than the comic relief the picture tries to offer. The quips and one-liners are well delivered, with the best back and forth probably between Scott and his thirty year old sister Meg (Grace Gummer), trading barbs over each's station in life. Nostalgia fans will line up with Crystal's character reliving the 1986 World Series, while Scott whiles away some time with a "Howard the Duck' rerun from the same year. The finale leaves it to the viewer's discretion as to where Scott winds up with Marty's daughter (Caitlin McGee), an association brought about by Marty's untimely and unfortunate demise.
Worthy of a watch but could have been so much more.
sunintended16 July 2020
The film is a bittersweet drama with comedic touches dealing with the subjects of regret, loss and addiction. Both Crystal and Schwartz are excellent although I felt
the plot was oversimpistic and fell foul to the usual Hollywood cliches but thankfully
moved at a pace which allowed it to be forgiven.
I felt there was the possibility of a really great film here, as most of the ingredients were present but as always most films now get stuck in a rut of losing their subtlety and simply over repeat to enforce simple concepts about dealing with life.
The film is worth a watch to enjoy the chemistry between Schwartz and Crystal but it felt that there should have been more of this.
I felt there was the possibility of a really great film here, as most of the ingredients were present but as always most films now get stuck in a rut of losing their subtlety and simply over repeat to enforce simple concepts about dealing with life.
The film is worth a watch to enjoy the chemistry between Schwartz and Crystal but it felt that there should have been more of this.
story of a stand up guy.
ksf-26 February 2022
Stars billy crystal and ben schwartz. Ben is a standup, moving back in with his parents. Billy is a dermatologist, who may or may not actually have medical credentials. They form a friendship, in spite of their age difference. Ninety minutes of banter. They both have a lot going on in their lives. They both seem to be having mid life crises, although one is very young, and one is older. A real mix of serious philosophical issues, some funny comedy. Gets pretty dark near the end, but ends on a positive note. They cover a lot of ground in a short time. Directed by matt ratner. His first full leng film direction. Story by peter hoare.
Great movie!
laur-2325430 January 2022
A rough start, and a tear - jerking ending!
manicpixiedreamgirl24910 October 2023
Schwartz and Crystal did such an amazing job! It was very simple and a bit slow, but otherwise really good! The comedy could use a brush - up, and I didn't really like how if they aren't having heartfelt conversations or at the dermatologists office, they're smoking joints, but I think all - in - all, its a sweet piece of cinematography.
One of the things I was a bit startled by was how Marty (Billy Crystal) died in the end and it was a bit unbelievable.
So glad Billy Crystal is back and better than ever in this dramedy of a decade. I cried a single tear in the car crash scene. Ben could have been better.
One of the things I was a bit startled by was how Marty (Billy Crystal) died in the end and it was a bit unbelievable.
So glad Billy Crystal is back and better than ever in this dramedy of a decade. I cried a single tear in the car crash scene. Ben could have been better.
???!!!
windsorenquirer25 February 2020
I watched it for 40 minutes waiting for something funny to be said or to happen. Couldn't take it anymore. Slow and boring, uninteresting guy with an uninteresting life.
Was it supposed to be a comedy???!!! God help us... or help Hollywood.
Well done intelligent movie
irishscrub4419 October 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Billy Chrystal was subtle, enchanting and carried his role off with aplomb. His eyes still had a sparkle but there was a sadness in them also that cemented his part in the movie perfectly. His talent has not dimmed over the years, I'm glad to say! It was a joy watching him take on a serious role so convincingly. His part was very well-written. Ben Schwartz was not very familiar to me but I will say right off the bat that he was well-cast. He had just the right amount of hang-dog demeanor to carry off his role as the cynical not-quite-defeated unsuccessful comedian. His performance was thoughtful and believable. I recommend this movie!!
A bit funny at certain point, but overall quite bored! Should have done better!
kwenchow29 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film start with a man "Scott" having a speech at the restaurant, and he back to his house with his father "Gary" scene! As turnout, this film is about the story of the friendship of Scott and his doctor "Marty"! Entire film full of quite bored conversation! The ending car crash scene don't even show to the audience! Make the film quite frustrated to watch! Barely laughable scene is, Marty telling the police "Ruis", he don't possess any weed, but the smoke come out from his mouth! At the end, Marty die by car crash! Scott introduce his new girlfriend "Taylor"(Marty's daughter) to his family! Scott tweeting Marty! That's it! Another disappointed film!
Brilliant
mind-064639 February 2022
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