The Angriest Man in Brooklyn - A Movie Review

Repress anger and live in the moment.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn opened in theaters in 2014. Henry is a perpetually angry man. Crossing his doctor the wrong way, Dr. Sharon Gill informs him that he has 90 minutes to live. Believing it is the last day of his life, Henry promptly sets out to reconcile with his family and friends.

This movie hits a different level when you realize what happened to the late Robin Williams three months after this film’s release. The Angriest Man in Brooklyn is a dark comedy that opens your mind about living your life to the fullest no matter what happens.

The late Robin Williams had more connection to this role than he let on at the time of filming. Playing a man with endless anger, he shouts and does what he pleases. Williams was hilarious in the role, though it’s sad to see Henry like this.

Aside from his comedy career, Williams was an excellent dramatic actor which this movie displays well. He captures Henry’s frustration and bitterness but also vulnerability. He wants to connect with somebody but has chased the people closest to him away.

If anything, this movie shows how talented an actress Mila Kunis is. Undergoing her own struggles, Sharon spends the film’s majority racing around to save her patient. I am impressed with Kunis’s abilities. Kunis sells a remarkable emotional performance while dictating a positive message about doctors.

Peter Dinklage plays the estranged brother of Henry. These are the type of roles that I want to see Dinklage in. Dinklage's portrayal of Aaron is a highlight as he injects the character with a delightful mix of quirkiness and sincerity. His scenes with Williams are particularly enjoyable, showcasing fun comedic exchanges.

Led by a great team of ensemble actors, the cast of The Angriest Man in Brooklyn delivers strong and compelling performances. Each character is flawed. Their chemistry and range contribute to the film's emotional depth.

More credits include Melissa Leo, Hamish Linklater, Sutton Foster, Richard Kind, and James Earl Jones in a memorable small part as a store owner with a stutter. The stutter was not hard for Jones to garner. This is a fact that I never would have guessed about Jones, but he used to have a stutter of his own.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn is best described as a dark comedy. A lot of vulgar languages is tossed around (mainly from Williams). That may turn viewers off. Taking place in New York City, the location plays well into the film’s strained mood. New York City is a busy city with everyone trying to get somewhere.

Overall, Phil Alden Robinson did well with the direction of the story. The film tackles some serious themes, such as regret, forgiveness, and redemption, but keeps a light and humorous tone throughout. The story is well-written, keeping the audience engaged until the very end, with some unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Don’t spend life being angry. That’s the best moral of the film. Anger keeps us from living our best lives and making healthy relationships. The film highlights how anger can consume someone. As the film regards, learn to forgive people instead of cutting ties.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn wasn’t my favorite film, but I still laughed at several moments thanks to the comedic timing of the late Williams. I kept thinking about what happened to Williams following this film’s release, so it wasn’t the best film in his career. If you want to watch it, find it on Amazon Prime.