Martin Freeman is a great “every guy.” No offense to the talented, handsome actor, but he doesn’t have the chiseled features of Brad Pitt or the hulking physique of someone like Dwayne Johnson. Freeman is just the guy that seemingly looks and acts like most real guys. That’s probably what made him so great on the British version of “The Office.” And it’s seemingly what makes him such a likable guy in “Ode to Joy.”
As seen in the first trailer for the upcoming romantic dramedy, Freeman stars as an every guy, but with a twist. You see, he may be the hapless, kind schmoe that you find in all these similar films, but in the case of his character in this project, there’s the whole narcolepsy thing. You see, Freeman’s character is under constant fear that at any moment he can pass out uncontrollably, stemming from some sort of extreme emotion, specifically joy.
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So, when he comes across a beautiful new woman that makes him feel…emotions, he has to pawn her off on his younger brother. But of course, he still pines for this seemingly perfect woman.
The film stars Freeman, Morena Baccarin, Melissa Rauch, Jake Lacy, Jane Curtin, Shannon Woodward, and Adam Shapiro. “Ode to Joy” is written by Max Werner and directed by Jason Winer. The filmmaker is probably best known for his TV work, directing episodes of major network comedy series like “Modern Family,” “Life in Pieces,” and “Single Parents.” He also helmed the “Arthur” remake in 2011.
“Ode to Joy” arrives in theaters and OnDemand/Digital on August 9.
Here’s the synopsis:
Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) has fallen in love and can’t get up. A man’s fervent attempts at subverting happiness once it begins to cause him bouts of narcolepsy are put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.