Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On? is that rarest of things, a feel good film that actually makes you feel good. The film centers on Alex Novak (Will Arnett in a rare and strong dramatic performance) a man struggling with a recent separation from wife Tess (Laura Dern, terrific) who with a mix of not wanting to pay for drinks and the influence of his friend’s “special” cookies, decides to go on stage at a new york comedy club open mic and discovers he might just have a hidden talent for stand up comedy. The third feature from co-writer/co-star/director Bradley Cooper is a modest film lacking the dynamic filmmaking of A Star Is Born or Maestro but that is ultimately a benefit, Cooper has a great premise and lead in Arnett and smartly steps out of the way allowing the material to speak for itself. Is This Thing On? is a small film and i don’t want to overpraise it but in its own modest way it’s truly wonderful and smart in how it weaves a feel good story with authentic depictions of the Comedy Club scene and a true sense of real insight into the challenges of maintaining domestic happiness even as life becomes harder and regrets threaten to burn you out. It won’t change the world but like a great stand up bit Is This Thing On? might just make your evening a bit better at least for a couple hours and especially in these troubled times that is worth praising. 

I Give It 5 Stars!!!