It's Kind of a Funny Story
by Ned Vizzini
Most of it was well-done, but there were some major plot points that really didn't sit well with me.
1) Jennifer is a perfect example of how not to write a trans character. Trans women DO NOT want to "fool" you into having sex with them. Medical staff shouldn't out their trans patients (although God knows many of them probably do), and outing them isn't likely to produce a nonchalant laugh. It's an unbelievably shitty thing to do. Her name isn't "Jennifer/Charles," it's JENNIFER. And similarly, she's a SHE, not a "he/she/it." (Even if you don't agree with me, what kind of human being calls another human being "it"?)
2) When Craig maliciously tells Nia's boyfriend she's taking antidepressants, Vizzini treats it like you're supposed to be cheering for Craig as he alienates people who are not good for him. Er... no. That's a nasty, manipulative, and just plain shitty thing to do to a person. From then on the text treats Nia with total disdain, which is also weird and feels icky.
Other than that? Cute, ridiculously indie, with a few nicely written bits and a few cliche ones. I'm curious if the movie will be better or worse. I really hope they cut the Jennifer bit, because it's unlikely to get better in the retelling.