Will Arnett shines in director Bradley Cooper’s warm, funny, “Is This Thing On?”

Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper shifts from music to stand-up comedy for his third directorial effort, “Is This Thing On?” from Searchlight Pictures.  Cooper also co-stars in the film and co-writes the screenplay alongside Will Arnett and Mark Chappell.

After many years together, Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern) amicably end their marriage, entering the awkward phase of learning how to live separately while raising two boys and maintaining their friendships.  One day, Alex discovers a new hobby: stand-up comedy, which leads him to learn more about himself and his relationships.  Assisting Alex on his journey are his best friend (Bradley Cooper) and his spouse (Andra Day).

On paper, “Is This Thing On?” could have followed a typical underdog narrative, introducing a rival and a mentor, with a climax centered on a comedy club competition.  Instead, director Bradley Cooper chooses to explore an adult relationship drama.  When the film was announced with Arnett in the lead role, I was curious to see how it would turn out.

While Arnett has displayed his humor in various films, he isn’t a traditional stand-up comedian, and this unique angle actually adds to the film’s charm.  The opening scenes effectively set the stage for Alex’s journey to the comedy stage, and I genuinely admired how seamlessly this progression unfolds, creating an organic flow that captivates the audience.

Alex’s debut on stage is a therapeutic moment, and Arnett fully embodies the material.  Throughout the film, he delivers the best performance of his career, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him nominated for some awards. Oscar winner Laura Dern matches his performance with equal excellence.  Cooper doesn’t portray Dern’s character as vindictive or unlikable; instead, she is simply a woman who has lost her way and is trying to find herself again.

Bradley Cooper and Andra Day are good in their brief roles.  Although Cooper doesn’t give them much depth, both characters are relatable, resembling friends we all know.  However, I must say one of the most surprising moments of the film involves Peyton Manning as a possible suitor for Tess.  Manning is a natural on camera, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in another movie.

A dramedy in the vein of early James L. Brooks, “Is This Thing On?”  is another winner from director Bradley Cooper with a rock-solid performance from Will Arnett.

Final Grade: B+.

Is This Thing On?  opens in theaters on December 19th.