Review: Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On? follows Alex Novak (Will Arnett), a man adrift following a recent separation from his wife, Tess (Laura Dern). Feeling isolated, Alex visits a local pub one evening with simple intentions. Unable to afford the cover charge, he discovers that signing up for the open mic comedy night grants him free entry. With nothing left to lose, he takes the stage, inadvertently stepping into a world that offers him a path toward redemption.

Direction and Cast

Is This Thing On? is directed by Bradley Cooper, who also appears in a supporting role. It is a close contest as to where his primary talent lies; Cooper has established himself as an exceptionally capable director with several acclaimed titles to his credit. Should he ever choose to step away from acting, his directorial career is clearly on a firm foundation.

Will Arnett delivers a career-defining performance in Is This Thing On?. While he utilizes the comedic timing he is known for, he also demonstrates a dramatic range previously unseen. His portrayal is raw and meticulously crafted, capturing Alex’s internal struggle with poignant precision.

Laura Dern’s portrayal of Tess is equally well-realized, and Dern continues to prove her versatility across genres. Arnett and Dern skillfully navigate their characters’ complex dynamic, creating a relationship that feels entirely authentic to the audience.

Script and the World of Stand-up

The screenplay is based on the life of British comedian John Bishop, with several sequences reportedly drawn directly from his personal experiences. The film is further bolstered by an array of actual stand-up comedians portraying themselves or fictionalized versions of their personas.

Technical Aspects

Is This Thing On? is unfortunately unavailable on UHD in Sweden, leaving enthusiasts to rely on the Blu-ray release. While the image remains sharp and clean, the absence of HDR is noticeable. The audio is presented in DTS 5.1, which is adequate for a dialogue-heavy feature, though the lack of a Dolby Atmos track—which the disc surely had capacity for—is a missed opportunity. The inclusion of an insightful documentary is a welcome addition, though the lack of a commentary track is disappointing.

Personal Reflection and Conclusion

In summary, Is This Thing On? resonated with me for several reasons. Having spent a brief time in the stand-up comedy circuit two decades ago, I found that the filmmakers perfectly captured the unique tension of live performance. The film masterfully balances the euphoria of a successful set with the sheer terror of a failed one. It is a well-crafted production throughout, and I highly recommend it even to those who have never entertained the thought of stepping onto a stage.

Below is a video clip from my stand-up debut.

SF Studios sent a review copy for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our reviews; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.