Is This Thing On?

 

       The third feature from director Bradley Cooper is a less bigger than life and ambitious than his last two film. This drama (with comedic overtones) examines a couple suddenly ending their twenty year marriage and the effect it has on them and their friends. What sets it apart from other films of it's ilk, is the coping mechanism for Alex, the husband, as he accidently falls into stand up comedy and finds his material from the current state of his life.

        The film stars Will Arnett as Alex (who also was one of the writers along with Mr. Cooper and Mark Chappell), Laura Dern as his wife, Tess, Bradley Cooper as "Balls", Alex's best friend and Andra Day as Christine, who is married to "Balls". Co-starring are Amy Sedaris , and Christine Ebersole and Ciaran Hinds as Alex's parents. Blake Kane and Calvin Knegten play the couple's two boys. Sean Hayes and his real life husband, Scott Icenogle have a small part as a couple who are friends of Tess and Alex. They barely contribute anything to the film and are basically background actors. Peyton Manning has a small cameo as well.

         The film focus is on Alex and Mr. Arnett is terrific in the role. After a terrifying first time on stage, he finds his rhythm and discovers a joy in performing, he never thought possible. While Ms. Dern has the smaller role, she is always excellent and does a solid job as Christine. The two boys are well written roles and both young actors play wise beyond their years.

           Unless you are a big fan of Mr. Arnett, the film is rather pedestrian and is probably worth waiting for a streaming service at home in the near future.