"Is This Thing On?: Director/co-screenwriter Bradley Cooper curbs the flashier filmmaking flourishes that marred his Maestro and that understated approach results in one of his best features, an observant and wise depiction on the disorientation and loneliness that happens when a couple separates. Both funny and bittersweet, Is Thing Thing On? begins with the amicable parting of ways between Alex (Will Arnett, who is also co-writer and producer) and Tess (Laura Dern)."
"A light but astute touch from Cooper and a smart screenplay from Cooper, Arnett and Mark Chappell make the film seem mature and wise. The stand-up scenes ring true, and are even painful when Alex vents rather than invents on stage. Is This Thing On? isn't flawless and does rely on a couple of plot turns that seem a bit of stretch. You won't care."
Director Bradley Cooper curbs flashier filmmaking flourishes and employs an understated approach that yields one of his best features. The film observes the disorientation and loneliness that follow a couple's separation with both humor and bittersweet tones. Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) amicably part after more than twenty years of marriage and parenting, each pursuing new paths: Alex finds candid success in stand-up comedy while Tess seeks to revive a stalled volleyball career and explores coaching and dating. Supporting characters react variably, adding texture. A smart screenplay by Cooper, Arnett and Mark Chappell and authentic stand-up scenes create emotional truth despite a few stretched plot turns.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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