Is This Thing On? 2025 Movie Review
Comedy can be the most potent therapy for human suffering. No matter how tough life gets, it will always be funny. Comedians and comedic performers understand this deeply: despite life’s struggles, the ability to make others laugh during dark times is a special gift for both the audience and the performer. There’s nothing else like it.
‘Is This Thing On?’ explores that journey. It follows Alex (Will Arnett), who initially had no interest in comedy but starts doing stand-up as he faces a divorce and a midlife crisis. One night, wandering the streets, unsure of what he’s doing, he enters a comedy club. Only comedians performing on stage can get in free; everyone else must pay. He signs up to perform and takes the stage, sharing his struggles with the crowd, who laugh a little. By the end, the experience lifts his spirits, and something inside him wakes up. He decides to follow this new path and even tries to fix his life. Though he’s not as funny as a comedian-something almost every character in the film points out, including family and friends-it doesn’t matter in the end. If you enjoy it and it gives you a new sense of purpose, it’s not a waste of time or effort.
It wasn’t the most exciting film I saw at this year’s festival; I didn’t think much about it afterward, but there’s still a lot to appreciate. ‘Is This Thing On?’ is Bradley Cooper’s third film as a director, and he also has a small supporting role. Compared to his previous two movies, it’s the least flashy in terms of filmmaking, but for a story like this, I’m not sure if it needed to be. It’s still a well-shot film.
Everyone’s acting is the highlight. Will Arnett delivers a strong performance, once again channeling his BoJack Horseman character as a depressed man with complex emotions trying to rekindle his past life. Laura Dern is also excellent here. I mean, it’s Laura Dern. What else would you expect from her? Bradley Cooper’s character is named Balls, and yes, that is his real name. An eccentric character who pops in and out of the story, and whenever he appears, he’s always up to something wacky. He got the most laughs, both from me and the audience.
So yeah, that’s about what I took away from it. It’s a heartfelt film about self-discovery that explores complex relationships and shows how comedy can save someone’s life. Also, change it too. Even in middle age, it’s not too late. The arts save lives.
