Road Hard

Unlike many here, I had never heard of Adam Carolla before I happened on this movie.

I liked it. Yeah, it's a little formula. But it does the formula well. Would it have worked as a big-budget Hollywood rom-com? Who cares? The home movie feel of it is a character in its own right. The performances are all good, the main plot is brilliant (stand-up who's so-so on-stage but hilarious in real life; good set-up for a portrait of a guy busting his head to make it in show-biz), and Howie Mandel kills as himself in a bit part that's simultaneously reality-TV immediate and probably not him at all.

Bottom line: this guy did good with what he had. It's watchable. You'll wish the character well. You'll understand his predicament. You'll be glad you rode along on his roller-coaster.

Ok! I love stories about artists - writers, poets, artists, musicians, comedians - but I really didn't expect to like this. Two of the writers are also the directors and one of the writers is also the star! Recipe for disaster!

Except it's not quite. It's billed simplay as a comedy but it's more a delayed rom com.

The progression through the story is engaging. Adam Carolla (who I have never heard of, unlike some reviewers here) plays an excellent part and Diane Farr is simply brilliant as the love interest. The other actors are excellent, too, even those in bit pats and there are far too many to mention.

It may not be a laugh-out-loud movie - that depends on your frame of mind when watching it - but it is 'amusing' and it did keep me watching. It's a solid piece of work and if you enjoy a touch of rom with your com or simply like to see a little of the world of stand up then this will be worth your while.

Wow, what a surprise. Wasn't expecting much from this film tonight. Got a free AMAZON PRIME subscription and decided to check out some films this week. Tonight was "Road Hard". I thought, if it sucks i can flip it off after 10 minutes, no hassle - just find another. But after an hour I was still engaged. I'm not engaged easily.

First and foremost, this is a very well written movie. The dialog is honest, true - and funny. That's a hard combination to do and do well. Perhaps it's because I'm a middle aged man searching for all the same answers Bruce Madsen was, or just simply appreciated the honesty in the script, acting and dialog. Whoever cast this film should get a huge pat on the back. You know some films where your 10 minutes in and think "who the hell cast this thing, none of these actors have chemistry or remotely fit their characters!!!". Been there, done that. Not here. No way. This is perfection. Yes, there are several well known actors in this film, but several that aren't - and EVERYONE does a fantastic job. The story flows like a river knowing where it's going - and the actors tug at your heart frequently.

It's films like this that re-instill my faith in Hollywood. That make me more willing to take a chance on a film, even though a major, proved actor isn't a part of it. This film is so much better than so many other films I've seen this year with a budget much larger. What a gem. What a diamond in the rough. Don't hesitate, watch this. You won't be sorry!

First off, I think that Adam Carolla is hilarious and listen to his Podcast almost daily. However, when watching this movie, I felt as though I was watching his Podcast playing out in cinema form. Now, this probably wouldn't be a bad thing for viewers who do not listen to his Podcast. Almost every bit/joke in the movie I have literally heard over and over from his podcast.

The funniest bits from the movie are when Adam is telling jokes during live stand up shows in the comedy clubs. I know it's a comedy but some things are just over the top, like the portrayal of his quirky Agent Baby Doll. How many wig jokes can you make in a movie? This movie was very disappointing and in my opinion not very funny regardless of every joke already being heard on his podcasts. I know Adam is not an actor per say, but he's bad in this movie. He shows almost no emotion and he's very stiff throughout the entire movie. The supporting actors are also not very funny.

I really wanted to like this movie because I think that Adam Carolla is a comical genius, but in reality, he needs to stick to his Podcast and TV shows because being an actor in movies is not in his wheelhouse.

Adam Carolla co-wrote, co-directed and stars as Bruce Madsen. A comedian who made it big with a hit sitcom but since it ended, he is back on the road playing small clubs while his former partner is a successful talk show host.

Bruce lives in the garage of his former marital home. His ex wife does not like him being in her house even to visit their adopted daughter who is looking to go to college. Bruce is happy in the garage, he spent more time there when he was married doing woodwork.

Bruce is funny, his humour is acerbic. Bruce knows this and he sees himself as being funnier than a lot of comedians that are on television. However as his very successful ex comedy partner Jack Taylor (Jay Mohr) reminds him that Bruce did not play the game to stay at the top. Being funny is not enough to sustain a showbiz career.

Road Hard is a bittersweet comedy looking at life of a comedian who is past his prime. It actually is funny in a low key way. Obviously Carolla has seen guys like Bruce or he might even be Bruce himself. However Carolla is not a strong enough actor here, his character comes across as one note. It is also hard to sympathise with his character. Bruce's agent (Larry Miller) and friends are correct that if only he kissed some butt and played the game, he would be more successful.