The King Of Staten Island Review: 6 Ups & 3 Downs

Judd Apatow's flawed dramedy mostly sings.

The King of Staten Island Pete Davidson
Universal

Judd Apatow's first feature film in five years, The King of Staten Island, is out now on VOD services everywhere, allowing Universal to once again test the viability of day-and-date streaming releases following the unexpected recent success of their movie Trolls World Tour.

And while hardly a revelatory effort from the esteemed comedy filmmaker, his latest nevertheless serves up a reliable fusion of heartfelt drama and uproarious laughs.

Mounted as something of a vehicle for star Pete Davidson, this richly personal character study truly comes alive in its more intimate moments, even if the usual Apatow issues are certainly still here in abundance.

Yes, it's self-indulgent, overbaked, and tonally inconsistent at times, but it also mostly blends its comedic aspirations well with its desire to be something more than your typical studio comedy.

In our challenging present, that may serve as a source of both comfort and amusement for many, even if it largely just delivers what both Apatow's fans and detractors will already expect.

And first, here's what doesn't work about Apatow's latest...

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.