"All is well and nothing really has happened." That is how the mysterious Russian Commentary finishes her commentary on the DVD English 2 track of this film.I bought this film for $3 along with two other films at Big Lots, a bargain store. I have been watching many classical movies from the 1930's and 1940's and I was a bit depressed because of the marvelous actors and actresses in those films are dead and I really can't express my appreciation of their talent to them.When I first watched this film, it was late at night and I kept fading in and out. I assumed that I had missed the plot, so I watched the film again the next morning. Only only the second viewing did I understand that I had not nodded out as much as I thought, but I had seen every scene, and the film did not really have a traditional plot.In some reviews, the film is compared with Cassavetes improvisational style, which is correct, but Cassavetes was working with \professionalactors and actresses. In this case, the director is working with friends, although they may be actors and actresses are certainly amateurs. They do not aim at making the scene dramatic. This lends an even greater sense of realism than Cassavetes ever achieved. I understand that the film has started a style of cinema called "mumblecore" or "Slackavettes". For that reason I think it is important, although, I haven't seen any of the other movies that are in the style.I thought Kate Dollenmeyer's lead performance was wonderful. She is very undramatic and this draws one in and makes her more fascinating to watch. Hopefully, she will be in other films.Obviously, one has to have an interest in rather minimalist, low budget art, independent films to enjoy this film. Otherwise... Most movies want you to fall in love with them. This one just wants to be friends. Not such a bad deal.

Every filmmaker has a responsibility to at least make an attempt to create something that is visually compelling. That is the reason film, as a medium, exists. Funny Ha Ha is not a film. It is filmed, but it is not a film by the definition given above. No matter how well written the dialogue is or how subtly performed the acting is, it is a worthless endeavor if the VISUAL aspect is ignored. If all you care about is acting and dialogue, then put on a play. Films are visual. The writing and acting are a part of it, but it is nothing without the visuals. To see what I mean about film being a visual medium, go watch KOYANISQATSI and POWAQQATSI. They have no actors or talking, but they are two of the finest films ever made. Funny Ha Ha is a waste, and if it is indeed the "citizen kane" of mumblecore, I will be staying away from the entire genre.

What happens when some bored teenagers in Boston get their hands on a camera? It depends on several things of course. To paraphrase my grandmother "It's all good fun until someone decides to actually make a movie". And while this sorry waste of energy won't 'put an eye out', you might actually wish for a stick in the eye, the thought being that the pain would distract you from having to endure another moment of this mess.Firstly, nobody in the film can act...and I mean that kindly. Ms. Dollenmayer also has the misfortune to be rather plain (also being kind here). I could see the film 11 times and not pick her out of a line up.But mainly, why make this film? It seems to be about a girl who is in a summer doldrum, trying to find a job and a boyfriend. I have a suggestion for this character: "Put on some makeup, brush your hair, make a quick trip to the GAP and grow a personality". We have all been in similar situations, some of us did something about it and some just wallowed in self pity, waiting for the miracle that never came. My point is that, while this seemingly angst ridden premise may seem quite profound and meaningful for the kids who spent 3 weeks doing what they normally do and filming it, as a story, it lacks direction, tension and above all, it's boring to other people. There is no story arc, and more importantly, I could not work up a bit of interest in these characters, what they were doing or where they may end up.It would be difficult to write a spoiler for this film, as there is none. To me, the entire project was spoiled when this over eager, under talented lot, somehow got the $67.25 to actually make it. I sincerely wish them well and hope that their real lives take a turn for the serious.

I'm not a big fan of the low-budget talkies. The shoe string budget films by Linklater and Kevin Smith that have 20 somethings discussing philosophy or working dead end jobs, and are filmed with static 16mm cameras usually kill me. As a result, I was not looking forward to FUNNY HA HA when it came in through NetFlix. Nonetheless, I have to say Andy threw me for quite a loop - this movie got me. I actually didn't find the Casavettes style that irritating. But, I think that's because of casting. Kate Dollenmayer is wonderful - she has a face that you can look at for hours. And the other non-pro players do a wonderful job. Andy's improv style works extremely well, and keeps one's interest. Kudos, brother. This one stands out. Ha.