Charlie suffers from cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy that causes sudden bouts of paralysis whenever he experiences strong emotions -- in particular, joy. He develops a variety of techniques to deny himself too much pleasure and happiness, but they're put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.... (Full plot summary below)
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Charlie suffers from cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy that causes sudden bouts of paralysis whenever he experiences strong emotions -- in particular, joy. He develops a variety of techniques to deny himself too much pleasure and happiness, but they're put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.
Leave your thoughts about Ode to Joy.
| Film ThreatAlan NgEveryone has defined, and distinct characters and no one is phoning it in. Just sit back and enjoy this unique romantic comedy. |
| ReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe film’s depiction of cataplexy is a reasonable representation considering how it’s being used (sufferers may understandably disagree). It’s too bad that so many of the screenplay’s other elements – like its treatment of basic human emotions – are badly mishandled. |
| RogerEbert.comNick AllenA plainly affable romantic comedy that’s not too powerful with its romance, and certainly not its comedy. |
| The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisFreeman, never the most animated of performers, gives his specific brand of passive British miserabilism free rein. But it’s Melissa Rauch, as Charlie’s safely dull, place-holder girlfriend, who steals the show. |
| The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckOde to Joy fails to live up to its title by attempting to wring comic mileage from a medical condition that sufferers probably don't find very funny. |
| VarietyTomris LafflyMostly known for his behind-the-camera TV credits on shows like “Modern Family” and “1600 Penn,” Winer doesn’t bring much finesse into the generic visuals of Ode to Joy. In fairness to him, no amount of directorial elegance could have saved the artificial beats of a narrative that fails to create believable sexual tension between its “romantic” leads and amounts only to an utterly shallow showdown between brothers with long-standing scores to settle. |
| Los Angeles TimesNoel MurrayThe movie was inspired by a real person but nearly everything that happens here plays as phony. |
| User ReviewTVJerryMartin Freeman brings an anxious intensity to any role he plays (most recently in the darkly funny Breeders on FX). This character gives him a chance to amp up those traits for laughs. He plays a man with cataplexy, a disorder that makes him lose muscle control whenever he's happy. To avoid that outcome, he moves thru his day focusing on the miserable side of life, until he meets a wonderful woman (Morena Baccarin). In addition to Freeman's affable charms, Jake Lacy (as his brother) and Melissa Rauch (as his "safe" girlfriend) add additional funny moments. Director Jason Winer is most associated with his work on Modern Family and he captures that same buoyantly upbeat/offbeat vibe here. While the romance plays out predictably, getting there provides lots of sweet appeal and delightful comedy. |
| User ReviewfranvillanuThe film is worth watching, it's not a masterpiece, but the casting did a great job in portraying cataplexy in comedy, as challenging as it can be. Considering that it is a comedy and not a documentary about the condition, Freeman gives a warm and sentimental performance and Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin adds a charming and honest touch to the film. Recommended for Martin Freeman fans. Total score: 6.5. |
