by Henry Pham
Is This Thing On? marks Bradley Cooper’s third directorial effort, following A Star is Born and Maestro, for which he received nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor for both films. It focuses on a couple Alex and Tess, who, after being together for many years, have reached an amicable end to their marriage, thus beginning the awkward stage of figuring out how to live separately while raising two boys and maintaining their friendships. Alex discovers a new hobby and, in the process, learns more about himself and his relationship.
Actor and real-life comedian Will Arnett (Fox/Netflix’s Arrested Development) and Oscar-winning actress Laura Dern (Marriage Story) are both well-cast in this film. Arnett stands out with his genuine comedic presence and demonstrates versatility through roles such as Gob Bluth and the LEGO version of Batman. In addition to his performance, he co-writes and co-produces the film with Cooper. Dern delivers an engaging and powerful portrayal, offering thoughtful perspectives on marriage, happiness, and divorce. Her role is one of the greatest, apart from the Jurassic Park franchise. Their on-screen chemistry effectively captures the complexities of marital relationships.
Bradley Cooper shines as director, writer, producer, and actor portraying Balls, Alex’s best friend and the wife of Christine (portrayed by Oscar nominee Andra Day). The concept of this story looks so interesting. It feels like watching a Seinfeld movie or a live-action BoJack Horseman (also featuring Will Arnett and supporting actress Amy Sedaris, who also appeared in this film), but it’s based on a true story. The cinematography is gorgeous, amplifying Will Arnett’s performance, who uses stand-up comedy as a coping mechanism for his character’s divorce. Even though some of the storylines are unnecessary, this is an impressive directorial effort for Cooper.
His directing is based on Maestro, utilizing his laid-back camera-operating hands and simply lets the actors and the script play along. The screenplay is the huge standout. The editing is raw in the compelling way, while the NYC setting is impressive, a place where comedy clubs have been popular for many generations. The climax is well-executed, capturing what happens to these characters in real life, and it ties directly to the storyline. But the real winner here is comedy, the principal key to filmmaking. Whether comedy does not suit you, it is the medicine of life. And the cameo appearance from football player Peyton Manning also adds some bonus points to this final comedy product.
Will Arnett delivers a comedic yet impactful performance in Is This Thing On?. He and Cooper collaborate effectively, resulting in a well-crafted comedy-drama. The film demonstrates the therapeutic power of humor and excels in comedy, direction, acting, and screenplay, the latter of which is noteworthy. With a runtime of approximately two hours, it is a compelling film and a strong contender for awards, particularly for its achievement in screenplay. Audiences who appreciate the work of Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett are encouraged to see it in theaters during the current awards season. It is one of the best films I have ever seen in 2025. I saw this early in theaters just a month ago, and I promised that you will get some laughs and tears at the same time. After you watch this movie, you will have a good night, and will have some hugs and chocolate. Oh, and don’t forget to tip the waitresses as you exit the movie theater with a satisfying smile.
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