I like quirky films that feature either strange characters or just a strange circumstance. The latest film The Climb looks to infuse a strange look into friendship starring Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino, Gayle Rankin, Talia Balsam, George Wendt and Judith Godreche, but does it bring something fresh and weird or will it be a friendship not worth keeping?

 

The Climb follows the hilarious and oftentimes awkward examination of the toxic lifelong friendship of Mike and Kyle. While Kyle is kind and a bit of a pushover, Mike is a train wreck, who, despite his affection for Kyle, always seems to sabotage Kyle’s relationships. Told through a series of vignettes, Kyle struggles to deal with the fact that his best friend might just be the worst person for him.

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The only trailer I ever saw for this offered up some laughs, so had me intrigued. Heading in I had a different perception for what I was getting for some reason, but it was so much more and I think I loved it. Right out the gate the film lives up to the name featuring the two friends out riding. What I was surprised to quickly learn that this riding climb is not the ongoing focal point, but instead the initial discussion catalyst for all the craziness that follows.

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The film follows these two friends through a long period following the bombshell dropped in the initial climb. From here we are in for a series of thing that continues to test their friendship and the boundaries they cross. I found myself frustrated with each scenario, but also realizing the meaning behind it all in the power of real friendship no matter how dysfunctional it is. While there are plenty of laughs the film is actually heavier than I expected using a real life setting to make it work and relatable.

 

This is one I don’t want to give anything away as it all needs to unfold on screen for the viewer. I think it will hit everyone differently and no doubt entertain in all its quirky and often strange yet real execution.

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Decide for yourself and grab your copy of The Climb available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.