Road Hard

source: Road Hard

' ' ' Yeah! One of the few movies I've had laugh-out-loud moments in, for years. Carolla really nails the mid-life crisis moments of a career gone off the rails, slowly, inexorably, unexplainably, or really never having one, as one turns the corner in life to realize it ain't gonna happen. Every man will recognise Carolla's character, sack-kicks, the humiliation and smile to themselves. The smoking/credit card scene is worth the price of admission. They don't make movies like this anymore—Although they just did, eh?—as it's just a decent story, with good character development. John Candy used do flicks like this, that didn't do box-office boffo, but were just good little flicks. I think this'll do a lot better in rotation, than it did in the theatres. It's for a different audience than your action-oriented fan but well worth the time. SweetDoug

"Road Hard" is a watchable, though fairly uninteresting comedy. Few comedy movies are funny, and even fewer American comedians are. The movie and the protagonist don't break either mould, though Carolla is likable as the lead. I didn't like this one as much as his movie "The Hammer", which was a lot more interesting. It's a movie about a down-on-his-luck comedian travelling around doing shows with varying degrees of failure. He used to be on a TV show called "The Bro Show" and his co-star, played by Jay Mohr, is now hosting a Letterman-style TV show that is the highest rated in the US. I think the movie needed more moments of truth. There is one monologue Carolla gives about having to compete with Youtube stars as a middle aged comedian. The movie needed more bits like that; many of the aspects of Carolla's character, like him having an adopted Asian daughter, and his weird, wig wearing manager, seem too obviously fake and forced. There is something particularly embittered about a comedian on skid row. Being forced to find humour in a dark situation, and being funny on stage when their life off it is anything but. "Road Hard" would have done better to embrace this, rather than avoid it. I'd love to see this material handled by the likes of Todd Solondz.

My quick rating - 6,0/10. I know this may be biased since I do remember the days of being in junior high and staying up late to listen to Drew and Adam on Loveline late at night before bed. Adam Corolla was always and still is a very witty comedian which is basically what this movie is about. I am not sure just how accurate this movie is but I know a lot of it is his story. That being said, his acting is just him being, well, him. The additional characters in the movie do a good job in support, even to the point of ridiculous (Larry Miller stole the show here as Baby Doll) Even when there was time to show a bit of emotion it still was believable. Overall a funny drama about the stand up world that I am sure is very true for some and worth a watch to fans of comedy.

A few people have written outstanding critiques about this film. As far as Adam's acting, he seemed as if he wasn't even in the moment of what was happening. He seemed as if he was distracted and/or exhausted possibly due to his other projects. I know that his character is actually tired of everything in his life anyway, but Adam delivered everything in the same monotone manner even when his character's life was improving. Also, when I was in film school I received outstanding advice: never let a low budget movie LOOK like it's low budget. I never felt as if I was watching a well-produced feature film. It's just a below average effort to me. I like some its messages such as the pull of L.A. versus a more "normal" lifestyle, which I'm experiencing myself now anyway. But I laughed at this thing only once, and I wasn't in it for the drama.

Not sure how anyone can do a spoiler alert most who watch this will be fans will have heard each bit 20 times. So as someone that listens to his podcast I feel like I have heard every single bit in the movie. I basically rented a movie version of his podcast. And the worst part is Adam always hammers the hack moves of Hollywood but then he does a movie with hack moves. Downtrodden dude meets girl? Got it. Dude is forced to make a hard choice and we watch him think long and hard about a decision? Yep there he is pushing his broom at an apparently very difficult small pile of wood shavings. Cheesy manager? Yep and worst part is Adam talked about the wigs so much that it wasn't even interesting to me by the time I saw the movie. He just goes from podcast bit to podcast bit. If you listen to the show you basically got a full on preview the last 6 months as he jammed each bit at least 3 times. Dogs on planes? At least 5 different 20 minute rants. Teddy Pendergast played by DAG? So many times I lost count. I admit that bit is funny. Anyhow the movie is one tacky Hollywood scheme after another. And frankly he sucked at the stuff he bags on all the time. And Adam just cannot act- Road Hard is exactly the same character as The Hammer and both sound and look a lot like him on his 2 shows and it made me realize that something very sad is going on here Adam has low self esteem and beats himself up. He is often a broken record and even when he interviews guests he spends much more time talking about himself. I guess if you aren't a fan of the show the movie may seem like a cute indie flick. And most fans of the show are rabid so they'll love it. And bad reviews will be dismissed. I recently stopped listening to the show due to the repetitive nature of it. I don't have it out for Adam I just honestly thought it was a really bad movie. I gave it a 4 but I think I am being generous. Sorry Adam you blew it.

Adam Carolla raised $1.5 million for this movie, spent a million, and it still looks like a low budget movie. The story is hackneyed and forced, the main character is extremely unlikable, the dialogue is stale and forced, and the nudity is gratuitous. This is a movie made for the fans who forked over movie to Carolla to make this sad, forgettable movie. Everything is based on Carolla's own experiences or observations. He's clearly jealous of Jimmy Kimmel, once his closest friend who gave him his start as a headliner. Somehow Kimmel has considerable clout in Hollywood, and has always wanted to help his old friend, but Carolla is too stubborn and narcissistic to accept it or move with the times. The best scene in the movie is with the Kimmel analog, played by Jay Mohr, mildly scolding Bruce (played by Carolla) to "do the work". Bruce rejects it by calling it being his "fluffer". The entire movie is unpleasant and not funny, despite it being about a stand-up comedian. Carolla's talents are limited, and whining about how life is so hard for him in a 90 minute movie shows that limitation.

Ok! I love stories about artists - writers, poets, artists, musicians, comedians - but I really didn't expect to like this. Two of the writers are also the directors and one of the writers is also the star! Recipe for disaster! Except it's not quite. It's billed simplay as a comedy but it's more a delayed rom com. The progression through the story is engaging. Adam Carolla (who I have never heard of, unlike some reviewers here) plays an excellent part and Diane Farr is simply brilliant as the love interest. The other actors are excellent, too, even those in bit pats and there are far too many to mention. It may not be a laugh-out-loud movie - that depends on your frame of mind when watching it - but it is 'amusing' and it did keep me watching. It's a solid piece of work and if you enjoy a touch of rom with your com or simply like to see a little of the world of stand up then this will be worth your while.

Adam Carolla co-wrote, co-directed and stars as Bruce Madsen. A comedian who made it big with a hit sitcom but since it ended, he is back on the road playing small clubs while his former partner is a successful talk show host. Bruce lives in the garage of his former marital home. His ex wife does not like him being in her house even to visit their adopted daughter who is looking to go to college. Bruce is happy in the garage, he spent more time there when he was married doing woodwork. Bruce is funny, his humour is acerbic. Bruce knows this and he sees himself as being funnier than a lot of comedians that are on television. However as his very successful ex comedy partner Jack Taylor (Jay Mohr) reminds him that Bruce did not play the game to stay at the top. Being funny is not enough to sustain a showbiz career. Road Hard is a bittersweet comedy looking at life of a comedian who is past his prime. It actually is funny in a low key way. Obviously Carolla has seen guys like Bruce or he might even be Bruce himself. However Carolla is not a strong enough actor here, his character comes across as one note. It is also hard to sympathise with his character. Bruce's agent (Larry Miller) and friends are correct that if only he kissed some butt and played the game, he would be more successful.

First I am surprised the movie had a budget of 1.5 million dollars without any hi-fi's.,.The story is good, the main character played well! For those who love * scenes, they will be happy with sudden appearance of actress Aria London great naked * covering entire screen in the swimming pool!!! Hard to see :)