I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 404 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Joaquin Phoenix is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, I'm Still Here earns its spot. I'm Still Here gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. I'm Still Here is a portrayal of a tumultuous year in the life of actor Joaquin Phoenix. With remarkable access, the film follows the Oscar-nominee as he announces his retirement from a successful film career in the fall of 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip-hop musician. The film is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads and explores notions of courage and creative reinvention, as well as the ramifications of a life spent in the public eye. Joaquin Phoenix and Antony Langdon lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2010. What keeps I'm Still Here from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, I'm Still Here respects your intelligence. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Joaquin Phoenix sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.