The Mosley Review: Is This Thing On?

I love films that take a different approach to a familiar story. Where most would go the tried and true route of chasing the more depressing and stressful dramatic story, this film takes a more constructive approach. Divorce is stressful and painful for all involved and most just shutdown, but others find a new avenue to decompress. Some buy stuff, build things or find any type of hobby that is therapeutic and not destructive. This film wisely uses stand-up comedy in the most honest and heartfelt way to convey the mental pain and healing process for the main character of the film. Each segment represented a sort of check in for not only the main character, but the audience as well. It was smartly used and shot in an immersive manner that made feel in the shoes of the leads. I loved that choice and it made for a way more intimate story than I thought I was getting.

Will Arnett delivers an excellent performance as Alex Novak. He is known for his comedic prowess, but he gets a chance to put his more dramatic skills on display in a very vulnerable way. Alex was a shell of a man that was there for his kids, but more of a ghost when it came to his soon to be ex-wife and Will delivers that feeling expertly. When he took a leap into the stand up comedy world, you start to see life pour back into his body and soul. It was a beautiful depiction of therapy in a hobby that was surprisingly wholesome. Laura Dern was wonderful and equally hurt as his separated wife, Tess. She had a taste for life that seemed to be not fulfilled by her husband no matter what she tried. Laura gives her the character a rigidness that at first was stressful to witness because of how well she manages to keep her real pain hidden from her closest friends. The way she begins to open up later on in the film was interesting and fun. Just like her estranged husband, she starts to find her hobby to channel some life back into her passion for her past career. As the story progresses, the chemistry between her and Alex goes from frustrating to electric as you see a new spark become lit. Andra Day was great as Tess’ opinionated and very nosy friend, Christine. She has a personal stake in their relationship and her feelings toward Alex were fun in a very offbeat scene. Bradley Cooper was fun as Christine's husband and Alex's best friend, Balls. He was a caricature of the self absorbed actor and I loved his banter with Alex the most during a birthday party. He may not be in the movie for that long, but he sometimes acted as a lesson to Alex. Ciarán Hinds was great as Jan, Alex's father. He was that classic peaceful man that loved to disappear into his hobby and has a hilarious craving for juice boxes. I loved the scene between him and Alex outside the comedy club the most. It was the most heartfelt moment between a father and son.

The score by composer James Newberry was good and reminded me of Antonio Sánchez's score from Birdman when it was present. It was sparatic, but well timed in the more sincere moments of the film. Visually, I loved that the camera work was close to the characters as it made it all the more intimate. Stand-up comedy is a home for most people that need to air out what they feel and it can be funny by how ridiculous life is. This film highlights that in an intimate way that I haven't seen in a long time. It may not be a rush out and see film, but its a good matinee for sure. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!