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.

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.