Is This Thing On? (2025)

Manuel São Bento October 16, 2025

★ 9/10

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/is-this-thing-on-review/ "Is This Thing On? is the unexpected festival gem that demonstrates Bradley Cooper's masterful control over the form and heart of the story. It's a film that surprises with its authenticity, balancing raw humor with sincere pain thanks to the brilliant performances of Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Visually enriched by the intimate cinematography of Matthew Libatique, the movie teaches us that art can be our most honest cry. A warm, essential reminder that it's never too late to grab the microphone and start telling our own story, transforming crisis into catharsis." Rating: A

Brent Marchant December 20, 2025

★ 9/10

When did marriage vows incorporate the promise of living an inviolable life of happily ever after? It often feels like many of those who enter into such a contract believe that there’s supposed to be an inherent entitlement to perpetual wedded bliss, but, as they often discover, that proves not to be the case. So then what? Where do couples who’ve hit rough patches go from there? For most, it’s often separation and/or divorce, but is that really the most effective solution? As this latest offering from writer-actor-director Bradley Cooper illustrates, the trouble may lie with considerations other than a husband and wife’s compatibility – and if that issue proves not to be at fault, continued happiness might ensue, and no need for a parting of the ways may be required. Having been married for 20 years, Alex Novak (Will Arnett) and his wife, Tess (Laura Dern), have found their ma…

CinemaSerf February 8, 2026

★ 6/10

“Alex” (Will Arnett) is watching his life unravel. In his mid-forties, his marriage to “Tess” (Laura Dern) is heading to the divorce court and he’s generally feeling unfulfilled. He heads to a bar for a drink but balks at the $15 entrance fee. That’s to cover the costs of some folks doing stand-up, but is waived if he does ten minutes himself. Might as well, he thinks, so he takes to the stage and nervously begins to entertain the punters - many of whom are circuit regulars or aspiring comics, themselves. He doesn’t think he’s funny, nor does anyone else, but it is soon a regular vent for his spleen. When his estranged wife is out on a date one evening, they end up in the very club where “Alex” is doing his own far more visceral routine about his faltering marriage and needless to say she’s less that impressed at being the butt of his critique. Thing is, though, mig…