The film tells about a hooker-turned-Broadway-thespian. This film discovers a “recurring intersection between these two facets of her life”. In a short time, a married Broadway director will fall for a prostitute-turned-actress and decided to help her advance her career in these moments.
She's Funny That Way often displays an old-school generosity and polish, and at least one breakout performance - but just as often, its moments of inspiration are tempered by miscasting and shrill attempts at humor.
Amusing piffle for audiences congenitally annoyed by new-fangled comedies.
The Asahi Shimbun GLOBE (Japan)
December 19, 2016
She's Funny That Way is trying very hard to be a sexy screwball comedy. It tries so hard, with such a contrived and silly story, that it only succeeds in wearing the audience down. [Full review in Japanese]
Too many times the characters in this movie sprint across the line separating quirky charm from know-somethingish affectation, and then stay on the wrong side of it.
So hopelessly nostalgic about the madcap fizz and fury of screwball pictures, it never works up a head of steam as a funny, in-this-moment comedy on its own.
It's a lighthearted, somewhat amusing romp written by Bogdanovich and his ex-wife Louise Stratten, filled with interweaving stories that twist and turn, and are amplified when it becomes clear this isn't the first time Arnold has "mentored" a prostitute.
