95 Miles to Go

I didn't know what to expect when I heard about this documentary, I thought it was going to be more of a comedy concert movie than an intimate look at the man who starred in the very popular, long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond." But as it turns out, I was totally engrossed the entire time--Ray is as naturally hilarious in real life as he is a talented actor on the screen. It was great to see him interacting with the behind-the-scenes people at the different venues (his comedy performances are interspersed within the road tour framework of the film), driving across the South & freaking out about flies, toxic smells & pre-opened water bottles, & telling his friend/opening act/director of the film Tom Caltabiano how he really feels about his fame, money & insecurities. I highly recommend catching this film either on HBO or when it's released on DVD for its intimate "warts & all" portrayal of one of the most well-known actors/comedians of our time!

Ray Romano's eight-day drive through the south on a stand-up comedy tour becomes more than he bargains for when longtime friend and opening act, Tom Caltabiano, brings a film student along to document their thousand-mile journey. Together, all three struggle with Ray's obsessions, phobias, and insecurities in this unscripted exploration of new-found fame.

I have nothing nice to say about this film. Ray Romano has never been a great comedian, and even his sitcom was successful because of Peter Boyle and Brad Garrett. Here, we see just how awful and unfunny he can be.

The clips from the stage are not funny, with his observations on life not being clever, original or quirky. He has nothing to offer his audience, and only a small group seems to enjoy his style (elderly women). The stuff from his hotel and more is even worse... wow, such a boring man. If you want to be a professional comedian, watching this film can teach you everything on how to not be successful.

I like Ray Romano, I like 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.

I did not like this documentary.

It didn't need to exist in the first place. I think sometimes with stand-up comedians we don't need to see behind the curtain, it's ok for there to be some mystique about the person. Look at Jerry Seinfeld - he doesn't pop up too much and we're all glad of it.

This was a dull, slow affair. The journey parts aren't funny, I'm not sure Romano comes out of them looking all that brilliant too.

The bits where he's actually doing stand-up are good, but ultimately for me this was just a DVD extra that should never have been expanded further.

I watched 95 Miles to Go because I've greatly enjoyed other behind-the-scenes on-the-road stand-up comedian films and shows, especially Comedians of Comedy.

When you think of a comedian tour film, you think of comedians joking with each other, riffing, playing practical jokes, and taking turns insulting each other. In short, being funny. But there's very little of that in this film. Far too much time is spent demonstrating that being on the road is boring for the most part. The concert footage is funny, but it's almost entirely old material which Romano and Caltabiano have since performed on TV.

One redeeming element is the interesting contrast between the Ray Romano who takes the time to shake hands and sign autographs even when he's running late, versus the insecure, whiny, complaining Ray Romano.

95 Miles to Go will be of interest only to viewers who are fascinated by the life of the stand-up comic on the road. If you're expecting hilarity, you'll be disappointed.

Tom Caltabiano and Ray Romano are best friends from their stand-up. They would create the hit TV show 'Everybody loves Raymond'. At the end of the 5th season, they decide to go on a stand-up tour. After flying to Florida, Ray, who is afraid of flying, would drive on an 8 days 6 performances road trip with Tom and intern Roger Lay Jr.

Ray Romano's observational stand-up is solid. The snippets of it is pretty good. The problem is the road trip. It's bland. The problem is that he's not performing. It's simply the guys being bros without any drama. Their friendship comes through as almost a married couple. They're comfortable with each other and it shows. Sadly, it's not exciting and there is not much comedy in that. His little observations and neuroses are interesting but not actual laughs. Much of it is home video quality with the sound to match. One does get a sense of their friendship and that's something great for fans.