Time: 121 Minutes
Age Rating: M – Offensive language & sexual references
Cast:
Will Arnett as Alex Novak
Laura Dern as Tess Novak
Andra Day as Christine
Bradley Cooper as Balls
Director: Bradley Cooper

When I first heard about this movie, I only knew it had Will Arnett and involved stand up comedy. However, I became curious about it when I learned that it was Bradley Cooper’s latest movie, considering that it seems a far cry from his last directed film Maestro. I actually quite liked it overall.

Is This Thing On? has a good blend of drama and comedy, and it is a little funny. On a structure level, it is a little messy and loose, and the stand up aspect was one of the weaker aspects of the movie, especially when it comes to the writing. However, I was invested in the more emotional marriage and relationship part of the movie, and I thought that the conversations and dialogue were engaging and flowed well.

Will Arnett and Laura Dern give great performances, they share good chemistry and their relationship feels grounded and genuine. Arnett particularly gives some career best work here and plays the drama really well. The supporting actors are solid with Bradley Cooper, Andra Day and Ciaran Hinds, Cooper is particularly notable as the film’s comic relief.

Bradley Cooper’s direction is far more subdued and scaled back compared to his last two movies but I thought it worked really well. The cinematography is quite effective, the close ups on characters (mainly the two leads) really puts you right there, and I especially like how it goes heavy on the handheld camerawork during the stand up sequences.

Is This Thing On? is a heartfelt and well directed dramedy with incredible performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern.