All Joking Aside

I was pleasantly surprised by this 'little' 'low budget' movie. The writing was good, and the story progressed without being obvious and predictable, although, now that I think of that - we expect the student to grow and learn and there to be a happy ending, and it's easy to also assume the student will teach the teacher. I enjoyed this movie, and it didn't drag. The writing was smart - and educational about standup comedy - and I'd recommend this to anybody who likes standup, and has ever had any thoughts that they could be funny. This movie could be homework for anyone with dreams of being a comic - but is pleasant enough that watching it doesn't seem like 'work.' Recommended.

Comedy is hard work. Ask any comedian. And basing an entire script on the deconstruction of comedy is the hardest work of all. Look at Mrs Maisel, a project that started with some of the best producers and writers in Hollywood yet eventually lost itself anyway. This little film remains compelling and engaging right to the finish, thanks mainly to Markinson who steals each of his scenes and unfailingly connects with the viewer. Just as a good comic should.

Shannon Kohli has worked in TV, directing episodes of Riverdale and The Magicians. With a script from James Pickering (his first full-length film. although he did write a short version of this called Comedienne in 2014), she tackles the world of what it takes to be a stand-up. Charlene Murray (Raylene Harewood, who has been in some small roles but really seizes her moment here) was inspired by her late father's dream and wants to try comedy at an open mic night. However, she's heckled by Bob Carpenter (Bruce Markinson, who has also been in several movies in small roles but really is great in this), a burned-out comedian who just may become her mentor. I really enjoyed that Bob makes Charlene realize that she has to determine what is different - or even wrong - about who she is before she can create the kind of comedy that will win over the crowd. It's not enough to be funny. She has to be different. She has to be herself.

Why bother doing a movie about comedy and make it not funny? Even dark humor and the struggle is fine. Was this supposed to be Dave Attell mentors Tiffany Haddish in a world where comedy doesn't exist?. Don't waste your time with this one watch The Opening Act instead.

Why bother doing a movie about comedy and make it not funny? Even dark humor and the struggle is fine. Was this supposed to be Dave Attell mentors Tiffany Haddish in a world where comedy doesn't exist?. Don't waste your time with this one watch The Opening Act instead.

Shannon Kohli has worked in TV, directing episodes of Riverdale and The Magicians. With a script from James Pickering (his first full-length film. although he did write a short version of this called Comedienne in 2014), she tackles the world of what it takes to be a stand-up. Charlene Murray (Raylene Harewood, who has been in some small roles but really seizes her moment here) was inspired by her late father's dream and wants to try comedy at an open mic night. However, she's heckled by Bob Carpenter (Bruce Markinson, who has also been in several movies in small roles but really is great in this), a burned-out comedian who just may become her mentor. I really enjoyed that Bob makes Charlene realize that she has to determine what is different - or even wrong - about who she is before she can create the kind of comedy that will win over the crowd. It's not enough to be funny. She has to be different. She has to be herself.