Standing Up, Falling Down

Matt Ratner

2020

Synopsis

An unlikely friendship kindles between a struggling stand-up comedian from L.A. — forced to move back home to Eastern Long Island with his tail between his legs — and a tragically flawed, but charming and charismatic, alcoholic dermatologist. Discovering to be kindred spirits, each helps the other find healing, in addition to the confidence to face the "failures" in their lives.

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Recommendations

78
Austin Chronicle
As always, the tale is in the telling, and Standing Up tells it well.
75
Movie Nation
Jokes, sparkling bits of dialogue, a few touching third act twists and laughs in surprising places.
75
San Francisco Chronicle
A small, independent comedy-drama that does a number of things very well. It does them all quietly. The scenes don’t swing for the fences. The emotional work is true, not pushed, and by the end, the movie ends up giving the sense of a world.
75
TheWrap
Funny and honest in equal measures, like a good stand-up routine, Standing Up, Falling Down uses a light touch to teach us there’s always more to learn.
75
The Film Stage
The plot’s obviousness melts away because we’re having a genuinely great time as these flawed men grow ever so slightly with each passing minute. They feel real.
70
Los Angeles Times
While the template may be familiar, the nicely balanced blend of comedy and pathos still hits the mark.
70
Screen Rant
In the end, Standing Up, Falling Down is all the better because of Schwartz and Crystal. Their comedic delivery is effortless and their personalities beautifully mesh together. Even as the story becomes more somber, they dive into dramatic elements with ease, turning this story's familiar plot into an interesting meditation on regret and the way it takes its toll.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
Although there is nothing groundbreaking about the story told in Standing Up, a series of small grace notes help to freshen this dissection of lost souls searching for second chances.