Reviews & Quotes | Julia Scotti: Funny That Way

Educational Media Reviews Online | Kimberly Poppiti, St. Joseph's University, Patchogue, NY
Highly Recommended "The overall message of Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is one of self-acceptance, which seems apt to resonate with viewers in various fields. It is likely to be of greatest interest to those in the fields of communication, LGBTQ+, and women’s or gender studies."

Booklist | Candace Smith
"By turns hilarious and touching, this program presents the gender quest in a fresh, effective way."

The Guardian | Leaf Arbuthnot
★★★★☆ "[A] film of real compassion, that will stay with you long after its (zippy) runtime is over."

BBC World News
Why I came out as trans to the world on America's Got Talent

New York University Tisch School of the Arts | Prof. John Canemaker, Academy Award Winner, Head of Animation

“Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is, in my opinion, one of the most empathetic, emotionally engaging and joyful depictions of identity diversity and gender reassignment issues yet seen in films.”

University of St. Joseph | Dr. Mary Alice Wolf, Professor Emeritus of Human Development and Gerontology
“This timely and deeply joyful film speaks to the opening of doors, realization of change and revelation across the threshold of social, developmental and psychological growth in the adult years. A lively, emotionally rewarding film that will enrich a wide range of curriculum.”

Hammer to Nail | Melanie Addington
"While comedian documentaries often blend in the typical struggle of telling jokes on stage that impacts those around them, for Julia, the stage serves as a safe place to come out and to explore, leading only to more positive relationships. An unexpected journey and comeback story unlike any other, Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a welcome story in 2020."

Video Librarian
PRIDE MONTH PICK "A strong addition to queer-oriented shelves."

The Advocate
"[T]he remarkable rise and return of 'the crazy old lady of comedy.'"

Alliance of Female Film Journalists | Review by Susan Wloszczyna
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED "[R]efreshingly honest and moving"

Indiewire
“A must see!”

Gay City News | Review by Christopher Byrne
“Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is in its own way a tiny epic. It has a quest, tests of foundational beliefs, demons to be fought, transformations, and a hero to root for. Like any classic epic, it’s virtually impossible not to be drawn in, moved, and come to care deeply for the hero. And, at times, you’ll laugh yourself silly.”

Film Threat | Review by Rob Rector
“Whether she is on a stand-up stage, speaking with families of LGBTQIA members, or just hanging at home with her family, Scotti's passion for performance and healing with humor pervades every scene.”

Edge Media Network | Review by Kilian Melloy
“a triumph not only for the comedian herself, but for audiences who need to hear from trans people about their own lived experiences and who, not incidentally, need a good laugh.”

Unseen Films | Review By Steve Kopian
“Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is highly recommended on the level of this is going to be one of your most cherished films of the year"

Awards Daily | Review By Joey Moser
“When you perform with such honesty and heart, you can make everyone laugh because they connect with you. Susan Sandler’s new documentary, Julia Scotti: Funny That Way, gives the comic the chance to explore her own history and share it with us.”

The Queer Review | Review By James Kleinmann
“Laughter is a powerful way to disarm, break down barriers, and potentially make people question their own prejudices, so it’s heartening to see the warm reception that Julia receives as she tours mainstream comedy venues, often in conservative regions..."

Washington Blade | Review by John Paul King
“[Scotti’s] willingness to use those gifts as a means to open eyes and minds to the experience of trans people, and Sandler crafts her movie to highlight that aspect of Scotti’s persona, creating a portrait of someone who has transcended personal struggles to become a beacon for empathy and understanding – without losing her sense of humor in the process."

Jumpcut Online | Review By Hamish Calvert
“A funny, charming and at times emotional story of a woman and her family, this documentary is an honest and incredibly approachable addition to the ever expanding genre of queer, and more specifically, trans cinema"

Set the Tape | Review By Amy Walker
“really well made and thoughtful look at a woman who’s putting herself front and centre, who’s opening herself up to hate and criticism for who she is, all in the pursuit of bringing people joy and laughter”