The Opening Act
Rating: A-
If you have ever wondered what it might take to break into show business then please allow me to direct you to check out the new film The Opening Act starring Jimmy O. Yang, Alex Moffat, Cedric The Entertainer. The film follows Will (Yang) a young man who is desperately trying to break into the comedy scene. He is hustling working for an insurance company during the day and spending his nights at open mic nights just trying to get noticed. When his friend Quinn, played by Ken Jeong, gives him his first big break to be the emcee at a local Improv he jumps at the chance to see if he has what it takes to make it on the big stage.
The film was interesting to me. It felt like it was trying to be a modern-day Punchline. Young comic, just trying to find their footing and making all the mistakes they can along the way. For Will his lack of confidence in himself is him main drawback. He is trying to be the sweet nice guy who is suddenly swimming in a world of sharks. You will see him do a lot of things that will make you slap your forehead and say, “c’mon man, really?”. Will has a lot to learn. He is guided by his newfound friend Chris (Moffat) who is a much more seasoned comic who puts partying and the ladies above all else. The guy flies by the seat of his pants and doesn’t seem to take much seriously. On the flip side Will also finds a mentor in the Improv’s weekend headliner played by Cedric The Entertainer who doesn’t like the screwing around “all party all the time” life. He takes this career seriously and does offer up solid and helpful tips to Will and honestly to anyone watching looking to make their passion into a career.
Despite all the insanity Will finds himself in the main message of the film is about following your passion and really putting your heart into achieving your goals. You should walk away from this film hopefully with a renewed passion to make your own dreams happen. Now as I said before this film does have moments that feel like it is trying to be the classic 1988 film Punchline, but this film relies less on Will’s friendships to lit him up and more about finding the strength in himself to do watch he loves, which I admire. It is not nearly as serious as Punchline and takes comedic approach to its subject matter. Because let’s face it, life can offer some truly funny moments and what comic wouldn’t want to take advantage of that?
Overall, we scored The Opening Act with a solid A-. The film keeps moving at a steady pace and it delivers just what you expect it to in its hour and a half run time. Comedy fans should enjoy the long list of comedians who make appearances in this film as well, everyone from Bill Burr to Whitney Cummings, there is a long list of talent that make appearances throughout the film. Also, as a bonus, if you stay through the credits those very comedians chime in on what they went through when they were trying to make it in comedy. Overall, this is an inspiring film that comedy fans should check out. Will is relatable on several levels to all of us. So be sure to take some time a chance out The Opening Act.
The Opening Act hits theaters everywhere October 16th.