The Skeleton Twins

A few years ago I saw The Big Year starring funny men Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, and was confused because I enjoyed it though it just wasn’t funny. I felt some ofthat ambiguity again watching the non-comedy The Skeleton Twins featuring Saturday Night Live alums Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. The movie deals with feelings of alienation and despair that these twins attributed to a father with a dark side. After 10 years apart, they come back together to help each other sort out their respective lives.

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ClearPlay cuts images of blood and bodily functions, scenes of implied intercourse, and about 120 instances of language, more than 20 of them the F-word. The movie deals with topics of homosexuality, dishonesty, rape, infidelity, and suicide, and there are some intense family arguments, limiting the movie’s appropriateness to mature teens and above. The predominant theme is the strength of family bonds.

“Will Skeleton Twins tickle my funny bone?...”

Though not “humerus,” The Skeleton Twins gives its leads Hader and Wiig a sturdy framework to exhibit the uncanny chemistry they no doubt honed during years as SNL castmembers. The performances deserve accolades as the script deftly negotiates moments that are alternately amusing and devastatingly poignant. Great choice for adventurous ClearPlay users, no bones about it.

Marty Nabhan, ClearPlay “Cast” Member

Rated R for language, some sexuality and drug use ; 93 mins; Directed by Craig Johnson