When dealing with suicide and mental illness, "funny" isn’t the first word that comes to mind. However, this unusual dark-comedy, which starred famed comedian Zach Galifianakis, managed to be both funny and sensitive, handling the film’s subtext with class.

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” follows Craig, played by Keir Gilchrist’s (Showtime's "United States of Tara") spending five days in a psychiatric ward, after he rings the suicide hotline and is told to visit a hospital.

Craig’s problems don’t appear, at first sight, that serious: he’s sixteen and like most teens struggling with parental pressures, love and growing-up. But his adverse reaction to stress, i.e. throwing up his food and having vivid dreams of death, reveal deeper problems.

During his five-day stay he finds the true meaning of love, friendship and life, and through his new friend, patient Bobby (Zach Galifianakis), he learns to appreciate the things he has, and not dwell on what he can’t change, "Those not busy being born, are busy dying," Bobby referring to Bob Dylan to guide Craig.

The film could be criticized for fictionalizing life in a psychiatric ward; in reality it’s far from enchanting. However, its use of set-pieces, such as escaping the ward to get ice-cream and the patients singing and dancing almost in sync, kept the film entertaining and positive.

The film sticks to its main themes and main character, Craig, preferring not to go too deep into any character apart from Craig. For instance, Bobby reveals he is back in the ward after trying to kill himself once again, and is also struggling to keep in contact with his daughter. But the film fails to address this, only alluding to why he tried to take his life.

The same is true for the object of Craig’s affection Noelle (Emma Roberts), who has been emitted to the ward for self-harm. There are scars across her body and wrists. She asks Craig, "Why haven’t you asked me about them?" and he replies "figured you’ll tell me when you are ready."

Zach Galifianakis is the stand-out star of the movie; his charm, caring attitude and personability in his role could earn him a best-supporting actor nomination at the Academy Awards.

Focus Features "It’s Kind Of A Funny Story" is adapted from Ned Vizzini’s book of the same name. The film’s screenplay is both clever and interesting, from the writers of Indie hit "Half Nelson," Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, and could earn the duo a Best Screenplay nomination.

A must-see movie that will leave you feeling uplifted and touched.

To reach reporter Ken Van der Meeren, click here. To read his blog, click here.