Movie Review: ‘Is This Thing On?’

In Theaters on December 19 via Searchlight Pictures is ‘Is This Thing On?’ the new movie directed by Bradley Cooper, and loosely based on the life experiences of British comedian and actor John Bishop.

​In Theaters on December 19 via Searchlight Pictures is ‘Is This Thing On?’ the new movie directed by Bradley Cooper, and loosely based on the life experiences of British comedian and actor John Bishop.   

In Theaters on December 19 via Searchlight Pictures is ‘Is This Thing On?’ the new movie directed by Bradley Cooper, and loosely based on the life experiences of British comedian and actor John Bishop.

The new movie stars Will Arnett (‘Arrested Development’), Laura Dern (‘Marriage Story’), Andra Day (‘Marshall’), Sean Hayes (‘Will & Grace’) and Cooper.

Related Article: Bradley Cooper in Talks to Star With Margot Robbie in ‘Oceans’ Prequel

Initial Thoughts

Since the Oscar-winning success of ‘A Star is Born’, Bradley Cooper has been taking big swings, such as composer biopic ‘Maestro’.

His latest co-writing/directing (and in this case acting in a small but memorable supporting role) is a swing in a different direction –– it’s a more relatable, down-to-earth story but one that might still have some issues finding an audience, since it’s a largely downbeat story of a couple going through the machinations of a split with the unusual angle of the man involved finding something new in his life.

Script and Direction

Cooper, writing here with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell, takes the story of UK comic John Bishop (who himself got into stand-up later in life after his marriage collapsed) and transposes it to the States.

Naturally, the focus is on Arnett’s character, but there is enough space for Dern’s to have her own storyline, while Cooper’s is more comic relief, but with an emotional undercurrent.

The various comics whom Arnett meets are well drawn enough given limited screen time.

Directorially, Cooper keeps things low key to match the story, and finds a good groove with his cast. The comedy isn’t exactly the best you’ve ever heard, but then that’s kind of the point.

Cast and Performances

Arnett’s Alex Novak is a careworn type, who feels like life has somewhat drained from him. Still, the actor gives him enough energy so as not to be a depressing chore.

Dern’s Tess, meanwhile, feels like an equally rounded character in her own right, and while most of the other characters drift in and out, the likes of Cooper and Andra Day’s do make an impact.

Final Thoughts

‘Is This Thing On?’ seems unlikely to find the sort of rapturous response as ‘A Star is Born,’ and it may still have trouble succeeding at the box office (since there are other, better examples of relationship and life dramas this awards season), but it’s got a certain something that works.

‘Is This Thing On?’ receives 75 out of 100.

What’s the story of ‘Is This Thing On?’?

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family — forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Who is in the cast of ‘Is This Thing On?’?

Will Arnett as Alex NovakLaura Dern as Tess NovakAndra Day as ChristineBradley Cooper as BallsSean Hayes as StephenChristine Ebersole as MarilynCiarán Hinds as JanScott Icenogle as Geoffrey

List of Movies directed by Bradley Cooper:

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