Is This Thing On?

Loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, Will Arnett stars as a newly-separated fortysomething who discovers a way to talk through his issues by doing stand-up comedy. At times the film is a little cute for its own good such as how Alex (Arnett) falls into comedy while high, the manner in which his secret is discovered, and the unavoidable kid performances and parties all movies like this seem contracted to contain.

When the film stays with Alex, his journey in embracing his stand-up and using that as a resource to make sense of his life, Is This Thing On? works fairly well. It is worth noting that while Alex's work life if loosely described as something in finance we see no example of this represented in screen, ever see him at work, or view how his new hobby effects that side of his life.

Despite Laura Dern giving a fine performance as his wife Tess, when Is This Thing On? examines her life in his absence the film often comes to a stretching halt (such as her bizarre job interview/date with Peyton Manning). The yo-yo-ing will they, won't they aspect of their relationship also grows a bit tiring after awhile, especially as it steals screentime away from Alex's stand-up.

There are some nice aspects of the film including how both Alex and Tess struggle to be good parents to their young boys and how their separation makes them happier people but no more complete than they were before. The biggest joke of the film is these two appear to belong together (something they both seem to understand at a fundamental level, even if they can't express that to each other). Even if the film hadn't given away the most pivotal, and quotable, scene of the film, there's no surprise about where the story is ultimately headed.

Although mostly one-note, there are several recognizable faces in supporting roles such as Alex's meddling parents (Ciarán Hinds and Christine Ebersole), co-writer Bradley Cooper as Alex's ridiculous brother having his own marital struggles with his angry wife (Andra Day), and Amy Sedaris, Chloe Radcliffe, and Jordan Jensen as some of the new friends Alex makes in stand-up comedy.

The film works more often than it doesn't, but, as is true with all stand-up comedy, not all of Is This Thing On? lands. However, if the premise sounds interesting to you, there's likely enough to keep that interest (although maybe not enough to earn a second viewing).

• Title: Is This Thing On?
• IMDb: link