Don't Think Twice

"Don't Think Twice" is a movie about a group of friends who have kept alive an improv group known as "The Commune." One "show- boater" (played by Michael Keegan-Key) in the group lets loose during one night's performance because he knows a scout from a knock-off of "Saturday Night Live" television show will be in the audience. Lo and behold, he and his girlfriend (expertly played by Gillian Jacobs) land auditions while the rest of the troupe, albeit through clenched teeth, wish them good luck. I think the one huge mistake about the movie is its promotion. Billed as a "comedy," that is just an incorrect and very misleading label. Yes, there are some comedic moments, but this is a serious look about these peoples lives. When some of them come to the realization they have made it as far as they are going to make it, well, it's just painful to watch. Comedian Mike Birbiglia, who wrote and stars in this movie, is just amazing. His ensemble cast are also top-notch. One of the most poignant parts of the movie is when Gillian Jacobs' character pretends she is at the bottom of a well and replies to her boyfriend, "it's okay for me to be at the bottom." I can see why some people are disappointed, and I will strongly caution (again) this is NOT a knee-slapping, gut-busting comedy. It is an all too real lesson about life. Rated R for language and adult situations.

"I think for anyone - male or female - in improv, the biggest thing to get over is the fear. I think every improviser has that." Rachel Dratch Don't Think Twice makes you think more than once about not just the enormous demands of comedy, including fear of failure, but also about doing anything for a profession that may give you little to no compensation other than the joy of doing what you love and are good at. More than anything else, this comedy makes a poignant comment on the irony of talented people making it while other talents struggle never to be recognized. Miles (writer-director Mile Birbiglia) feels it painfully as he sees Jack (Keegan-Michael Key) win a spot on Weekend Live (no doubt, Saturday Night Live) while Miles and his other colleagues labor in the lesser venue of NYC on the improv team, The Commune. As the title of their improv group suggests, their work is communal, depending on an effort for which individual spotlights have no place. Ironically, Jack wins the Weekend Live job partially by standing out doing a solo routine even though his colleagues warned him against it. Don't Think Twice does an effective job of showing the inherent contradictions of communal support and individual talent. In the matter of a romance between Jack and Sam (Gillian Jacobs), the tensions between their emerging rewards for their talent and sacrifice are subtly displayed in their loving routines and their personal love. You would not be surprised to know how difficult it would be to determine which bits in the movie are improv and which are rehearsed, so good are the performers. Even that puzzle supports a theme about the intersection of reality and artifice, a benign clash between the creative improvisation and the spontaneity of life itself. Both bring their rewards and disappointments. Here is a comedy with touches of real life--hey, I think that's what life itself is all about.

LJ'S QUICK MOVIE REVIEW "Don't Think Twice", directed by Mike Birbiglia, is light-hearted comedy that follows the story of a small, six-member improv group called The Commune. The Commune is essentially a closely knit team, with each member complementing the other. However, when Jack, an ambitious member of The Commune, gets the opportunity to join 'Weekend Live!' (a huge entertainment company), he faces a unique situation. He wants to achieve greater success, but doesn't want to leave his faithful and hardworking team behind. The well-written script is elevated by the great organic performances put forth by Keegan-Michael Key (Jack), Gillian Jacobs, Birbiglia, and the rest of the cast. Every single character has moments of self-doubt, self-discovery, and emotional conflict. Overall, "Don't Think Twice" is definitely a comedy worth watching because it explores the themes of envy, loyalty, and a sense of belonging through dynamic characters we can all relate to. LJ's Grade: B

A comedy/drama? NEITHER! Rather, a sad portrayal of a depressing troupe of self-proclaimed improvisational wannabes who collectively cling to the fantasy of TV stardom. If there is any value to this film it's a lesson for people of how NOT to be, nor become: 1) each individual of the troupe egotistically believes, and as the pressure of their loser life builds, vocally expresses/vents/rants that the others lack the talent that they themselves possess, and 2) when one of them looks to have an opportunity of some success, the others rather than offer celebration and support, spew jealousy and vile. The reality is they are ALL talent-less Adult Losers who in blatant denial refuse to give up on the hopeless and selfish dream that's bankrupting their future. Is all that something to make a move about??? Also, it was a bit surreal watching this film try to portray their on-stage comedic performances: hysterically funny to the actor-audience in the film, but fell flatter than a dead cat to the theater audience. Finally comes the "happy ending" that's tacked-on at the end so we'll all feel good as we exit the theater. But, rather than a resolve that is the result of some real-world personal growth, realization or achievement; the happy ending is the result of a financial inheritance (how Millennial!) from the just deceased father of one of the Losers, whose dying "thank you" they all mocked as he lay dying in a hospital as well as again the day they buried him. Nice touch of humanity, eh? No humor, no drama, nor nothing else of ANY entertainment value to be found here. As big a loser as the pathetic characters it portrays.

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source: Don't Think Twice

I wanted to see this movie because it incorporated some of my favorite actors. I wasn't disappointed, not only by their performances, but by the writing itself. The movie was laugh out loud funny but also poignant and touching. I recommended it on Twitter and told everyone they should go see it. It was a great date movie too -- my husband and I, who often have fairly different tastes in movies and TV -- both really enjoyed it. It was sweet enough for me and had enough humor and action for him. I also love that it was an indie flick and a labor of love. Highly recommend!

Great insight into improv side of the comedy world and the struggles and emotions involved with trying to fulfill the dream of stardom. Both funny and touching,the film follows the ups and downs of each member of an improv troupe as they attempt to find their niche while dealing with day to day struggles with family, relationships and each other. It doesn't have light sabers or magical creatures, but if you can get past that (because you're an intelligent adult with a sense of humor) then I would recommend this film. The casting was perfect and I've added this film to a short list of movies that I can go back to at anytime and enjoy.