I’m a sucker for weird, off-beat comedies and Riley Stearns certainly seems to have one for us with “The Art of Self-Defense”. Stearns writes and directs this darkly funny movie about a mild-mannered accountant who seeks to learn self-defense after being attacked by a bully motorcycle gang. It’s a pretty basic idea on the surface but there is definitely a quirky sense of humor at its core.
Who better to play a mild-mannered accountant than Jesse Eisenberg. In the first trailer we see him perfectly portraying the timid and insecure Casey who seeks help from a local Sensei (Alessandro Nivola). Imogen Poots also stars in what looks to be a dry and wacky independent comedy.
“The Art of Self-Defense” hits theaters July 12th. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or giving it a pass.
Keith & the Movies 
Maybe. Depends on the reviews. If it’s a movie that takes a condescending attitude towards its main character, not interested. Might be a hint of that in the trailer.
I didn’t really pick up on that. I just viewed it as a quirky dark comedy which is something Eisenberg does really well. We shall see soon.
I saw this trailer weeks ago. Could be decent as I do like Jesse Eisenberg.
It looks like it has a really good dark sense of humor. It could fall flat but it could also be right up my alley. Fingers crossed.
I’m definitely going to check this one out. Jesse Eisenberg has that certain awkward quality that speaks to me. It kind of looks like dumb fun with a just a smidge of inspirational message. Nothing too sappy. I like dark comedy.
I’m really interested in it. I like slightly goofy dark comedy and this looks like that. But I also think it could have a surprising amount of heart. Anxious to check it out.
Very intrigued
Same here. It could be very funny or very bland.