A Happening of Monumental Proportions

A Happening of Monumental Proportions, directed by Judy Greer, is a 2017 dark comedy featuring a star-studded cast with the likes of Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Garner, and Brendan Hunt. The movie cleverly intertwines several storylines, and the events unfold in the period of just one day at a public elementary school in Los Angeles. However, do not be misled by its setting. This movie does not fall under the usual category of a feel-good school-centric tale. It toward unexpected and quirky territory.

The story predominantly revolves around two eccentric individuals: an unassuming widower named Daniel (Common), trying to navigate his job and parenthood on the same day as "Career Day" at his daughter's school, and a well-meaning, yet slightly hapless school principal named Nina (Jennifer Garner). Their worlds unexpectedly intersect on this eventful day, setting off a series of hilarious and awkward situations that belies the mundane veneer of ordinary life at a school.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the film is the charm of its ensemble cast. Keanu Reeves adds his distinct brand of quirkiness as Bob, the school's maintenance worker. Meanwhile, Jennifer Garner, in the role of Principal Nina, deftly parodies the archetypal, overworked and underappreciated school administrator. The movie weaves these main narratives with the bustling life of the school - teachers having meltdowns, students dealing with everyday dilettantes, a hapless career counsellor trying to sort through the chaos, along with a mix of other colorful characters.

The movie shines with its dark humor and sharp-witted dialogues and whimsically sheds light on the societal expectations that burden both adults and children. A Happening of Monumental Proportions does not shy away from exploring themes that take root in the average lives of its characters – job dissatisfaction, the stress of parenthood, the struggles of fitting in, amongst many others. This movie is not just about the monumental happenings of the day, but also the monumental proportions of the seemingly trivial trials and tribulations of everyday life.

What sets A Happening of Monumental Proportions apart from other comedies is its disarming aggressiveness and its irreverent outlook on the commonality of life, adroitly skewering societal norms and conventions. The comedy originates not just from the peculiarities of the characters, but also from the surreal circumstances that these ordinary individuals find themselves in.

Serving as Judy Greer’s directorial debut, she manages to maintain a precarious balance between comedy and drama. The narrative is filled with bizarre situations and plot twists, but the primary emphasis is on the character development rather than the slapstick humor. The eccentricities of the characters and their unique ways of sharing their innermost fears and desires make this movie a delightful watch.

The film's cinematography deserves a special mention; the vivid and colorful visuals reflect the mayhem and absurdity unfolding in the narratives. The editing is crisp, and the shifts between the multiple storylines are handled well, with each storyline getting its fair share of screen time. The music, fittingly quirky and upbeat, complements the film’s overall tone excellently.

Though A Happening of Monumental Proportions appears at the outset as a straightforward comedy, it subverts these expectations by evolving into a riveting dark comedy that reflects upon life's ironies. The film is a kind of a love letter to the unacknowledged humor that is present in our everyday lives. It highlights how monumental events can stem from the most ordinary of situations, thereby giving a whimsical twist to the concept of life imitating art.

In conclusion, A Happening of Monumental Proportions is an unusual, eccentric comedy that peels off the facade of normalcy in an everyday setting to reveal the comedic absurdities concealed beneath. Embellished with quirky humor, witty dialogues, and riveting performances by a star-studded cast, this dark comedy entertains and provokes thought with its unexpected tone and uniqueness. If you are in the mood for an offbeat comedy that explores the joy, hilarity, and irony of ordinary life with a considerable dash of absurdity, this film is a must-watch.