Here Today: Crystal’s directoral comeback

After being gone from the big screen for nine years, Billy Crystal is back both as the director and protagonist of Here Today (2021). What started as a comedy about the “old writer still at the office” turns into a story about finding support in the utmost weirdest circumstances. Crystal’s performance as Charlie Burnz reminisces on the past comedy hits of Crystal’s career with some sticking with the audience and some receiving no laughs. Burnz can kind of be seen as a caricature of Crystal with various comedy hits within television, film and Broadway. As we can see, Burnz is a name you should know in the comedy business.

What takes a turn during this whole film however is learning that Charlie has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Having flashbacks with his late wife and children to reminiscing on her death, Charlie goes through his day battling an invisible diagnosis that he has not shared with anyone.

One day, Charlie is supposedly having lunch with a person who won an auction to dine out with the famous comedian. What happens is typical Tiffany Haddish comedy with her having an allergic reaction to a seafood salad she ordered without knowing she was allergic.

The story then follows the connection between Haddish’s character, Emma, and Charlie as she becomes the first person to learn about his diagnosis. Although the dramedy in this film leans more towards comedy, there are some dramatic moments with Charlie that showcases what dementia might be for some people.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.