Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.
- Directors
- Writers
- Stars
- Becky
- (as Sarah Halford)
- Phil
- (as Philip Rosenthal)
- Directors
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Carolla really nails the mid-life crisis moments of a career gone off the rails, slowly, inexorably, unexplainably, or really never having one, as one turns the corner in life to realize it ain't gonna happen. Every man will recognise Carolla's character, sack-kicks, the humiliation and smile to themselves.
The smoking/credit card scene is worth the price of admission.
They don't make movies like this anymore—Although they just did, eh?—as it's just a decent story, with good character development.
John Candy used do flicks like this, that didn't do box-office boffo, but were just good little flicks.
I think this'll do a lot better in rotation, than it did in the theatres.
It's for a different audience than your action-oriented fan but well worth the time.
SweetDoug
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!
Few comedy movies are funny, and even fewer American comedians are. The movie and the protagonist don't break either mould, though Carolla is likable as the lead.
I didn't like this one as much as his movie "The Hammer", which was a lot more interesting. It's a movie about a down-on-his-luck comedian travelling around doing shows with varying degrees of failure. He used to be on a TV show called "The Bro Show" and his co-star, played by Jay Mohr, is now hosting a Letterman-style TV show that is the highest rated in the US.
I think the movie needed more moments of truth. There is one monologue Carolla gives about having to compete with Youtube stars as a middle aged comedian. The movie needed more bits like that; many of the aspects of Carolla's character, like him having an adopted Asian daughter, and his weird, wig wearing manager, seem too obviously fake and forced.
There is something particularly embittered about a comedian on skid row. Being forced to find humour in a dark situation, and being funny on stage when their life off it is anything but. "Road Hard" would have done better to embrace this, rather than avoid it.
I'd love to see this material handled by the likes of Todd Solondz.
Did you know
- TriviaCarolla funded the film by raising $1,435,723 at fundanything.com.
- GoofsAfter Bruce and Kim discuss Tina's college in the garage, Bruce turns on the table saw, but the blade doesn't move.
- Quotes
Bruce Madsen: You want me to warm up your audience?
Jack Taylor: Of course, I'd be honored. Audience warm-up guys make a lot of money, Bruce.
Bruce Madsen: You want me to be your fluffer, Jack? That's fucking humiliating! I can't believe this is how you look at me.
Jack Taylor: I don't look at you that way, Bruce, that's how the business looks at you.
Bruce Madsen: Then fuck the business.
Jack Taylor: I don't get you man. You think this business is like a "Punt, Pass, and Kick" competition where all that matters is being funnier than everybody else.
Bruce Madsen: Isn't that what it's about... being funny?
Jack Taylor: Wake the fuck up, Bruce. Funny has, like a little bit to do with it... this much. It's like the figure skating compulsories. You go around, you do a figure-eight. Yeah, that's cool, but what you're judged on in this business is the long program.
Bruce Madsen: You're using figure skating analogies, Jack? You've changed, buddy.
Jack Taylor: And you haven't, Bruce. You never wanted to put in the work, the real work of building a career. So, instead, what do you do? You hide behind the rebel flag? You're fucking Cliché Guevara, man! I'm offering you a job, Bruce. It's a good job. Take the job.
- Crazy creditsThe End Credits include multiple mid-credits scenes of different unrelated comedians doing a minute or two of stand-up material.
- How long is Road Hard?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Трудная дорога
- Filming locations
- Burbank, California, USA(Flappers Comedy Club)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $113,169
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $105,943
- Mar 8, 2015
- Gross worldwide
- $113,169
- Runtime1 hour 38 minutes
- Color