Is This Thing On?

Your dad’s open mic

I cannot believe this movie was 90 minutes long because it was a SLOG.

Will Arnett’s “Alex” escapes his marriage (or perhaps works through his internal marital struggles) through stand up comedy. Even though Alex is uncomfortable at first, (Bradley Cooper with the insane close ups making the entire audience feel uncomfy) Alex finds peace in laughing about his divorce and discovers a supportive community in his newfound hobby. These moments are sensitive and sweet.

But Laura Dern’s “Tess” (Alex’s wife) is critical and defensive. She blames Alex for her insecurities after retiring from an Olympian-level career in volleyball. (She gets upset that Alex framed an old photo of her at the peak of her career?? WHY) Her storyline is poorly written.

The absolute WORST part of the movie is Alex and Tess’ friend group. The scenes drag—adding no value to Alex’s growth nor the plot. The friends were weird and callous to their friends’ divorce. Also WHY THE HELL IS PEYTON MANNING IN THIS MOVIE LOL.

It’s obvious that Alex is happier with his new comic-community than with his old friends. I rooted for him when he found comfort and healing onstage. But alas, he goes back to his drab life, insisting that the marriage ended because of him and that he’s willing to be “unhappy” with her than to be “unhappy” alone.

Lame.

★★☆☆☆