Amy Sedaris

Is This Thing On? (2025): Bradley Cooper’s Compelling Dramedy on Why People Fall In and Out of Love

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Is This Thing On?” is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born, Maestro), who also stars in the film as Balls. Joining him is a cast including Will Arnett (The LEGO Movie, Arrested Development), Laura Dern (Jurassic Park, Marriage Story), and Andra Day (The Deliverance, The United States vs. Billie Holliday). This film is about a couple, Alex and Tess, agreeing to separate, as well as the new adventures and challenges that come their way as a result. Meanwhile, Alex develops a hobby as he turns to the New York comedy scene.

If you have followed this blog for a while, you would know that I am a child of divorce. Having such a background immediately made me intrigued by the premise of “Is This Thing On?”. The fact that it also has stand up comedy as a significant thread of the plot also had me hooked. In the past number of years, I have been fascinated by the art of standup. I personally do not take part in standup, but when I am not watching movies or game shows, standup comedy is probably the other option in which I regularly immerse myself. Even if I did not have these potential biases intact, chances are I would still be excited for “Is This Thing On?” as it is directed by Bradley Cooper. While I have come to admire him for his acting career, he has also turned himself into a solid director. His version of “A Star is Born” is excellent. His follow-up, “Maestro,” is a slight step down, but was still very well made.

Up to this point as a director, Bradley Cooper was 2 for 2. But not anymore. He is 3 for 3. “Is This Thing On” is amazingly well done.

I have seen the teaser trailer for “Is This Thing On?” a few times before watching other movies and I was always intrigued by its basic premise. Essentially it teases that a man going through a separation turns to standup, and bases his material on his personal journey. It taps into the classic ideas of writing what you know and that you often cannot have comedy without first experiencing tragedy. Basically, every bit of Alex’s material from the getgo is about his relationship. Not all of it is based on truth. Every once in a while he will make up a character for a bit, but the material all traces back to his struggle. Other characters respond to Alex’s material with praise. The praise is not exactly for the humor, but rather for the material’s therapeutic nature. Standup is practically Alex’s way of relieving stress through a tough time.

Despite prominently featuring standup as part of the plot, one could argue that “Is This Thing On?” is not exactly a comedy. If you were to ask me, I would argue it is to a certain degree. There are laughs to be had, including at some of the material offered by Alex and additional comedians in other scenes. But it is not a pure comedy in the way that “Splitsville” would probably be. Both films deal with separation and the complication of relationships in some way, but “Splitsville” seems to have more lighthearted fun with its premise whereas “Is This Thing On?” keeps things more grounded. The film in no way feels confused in its tone. Separation is not an easy concept to deal with, and the film makes sure that message is seen through. We see the couple struggling. We see their children and loved ones asking questions and needing to give their two cents on aspects of their relationship. We see the impact their own separation brings upon other people. The film keeps its tone serious while balancing things out with a few jokes here and there.

“Is This Thing On?” has a lot to say about relationships, marriage, and how those things can affect personal lives. The film paints divorce not necessarily as the end of a relationship, but perhaps a new beginning in some ways. We see Alex diving into standup, while Tess puts a major focus on volleyball. For the latter, this is something we find out was once a part of her life, but she had put it on the backburner.

The film also brilliantly highlights why Alex and Tess coupled up in the first place, why Alex in particular fell in love with Tess when she was younger. There is a fantastic scene where Alex reveals a piece of décor in his new place. Said piece has a specific link to Tess. Once Tess realizes what this piece is, she is upset by it. I understand both sides of this issue. Alex even defended his idea by suggesting that the children will appreciate the piece because it will show how awesome their mom is. The piece does a phenomenal job at encapsulating the idea that people fall in love with a certain version of someone. I am single and do not have a lot of relationship expertise, but this film seems to tell its audience that with commitment comes change. Not just in the status of the relationship, but the members of the couple themselves. Whether it is the way they look, the way they act, or what they do. While that change may be great for one person as they are making it, the other may not feel the same way. The film seems to paint separation or divorce as a proper path to change oneself for the better, but also recognizes that even at the end, there is still sometimes a sense of love and appreciation between both members of the couple. However, those feelings are not as strong as they were at one point.

Also, Bradley Cooper’s directing style in this is top notch. I was not sure if after “A Star is Born” that Bradley Cooper would simply be a one trick pony, but he kills it behind the camera, getting magnificent performances out of everyone, but most especially Will Arnett and Laura Dern as Alex and Tess. I bought into their relationship, not to mention its slow but steady decline. Never once did I feel either character overplayed any of their emotions. Every reaction that could have been an extreme is dialed down just enough to avoid becoming over the top. Some of the couple’s dialogue back and forth also hit me, most especially at the one scene involving where Tess says she is upset about Alex’s new décor. The scene, and one that quickly follows it, are among my favorites of the year. They make for dialogue-driven mastery both in front of and behind the camera.

But the cast does not just stop at Arnett and Dern. Bradley Cooper himself has a role in the film as Balls. This should not be too big of a surprise considering Cooper also starred in his last two films. Only difference is this time around, he is not THE star, and playing a supporting role. He has a lot less spotlight this time around, but he knows his place as his character and I thought he did a good job. The film only gets more star-studded from there, as former NFL pro Peyton Manning plays a notable role in the movie. And while she did not have a monstrous amount of screentime, I was more than happy to see Amy Sedaris showcase her lively personality while playing the small role of Kemp. Much like “Friendship” earlier this year, “Is This Thing On?” made me laugh and also made me think. It is not as hilarious as “Friendship,” but I do not think that Bradley Cooper was trying to make a movie as laugh out loud funny as “Friendship.” If that was the goal, I would say he succeeded while still committing to comedy at times.

In the end “Is This Thing On?” is easily one of my favorite flicks of the year. After seeing “Maestro,” I was not sure what Bradley Cooper was going to do next as a director, or if he even wanted to helm a third film for that matter. I am more than glad to see that this was the idea he had up his sleeve, because “Is This Thing On?” blew me away. I was expecting the film to be good, and I came out thinking it was a gem. Of the three Bradley Cooper directorial efforts, this is easily my favorite. Granted, I have some potential biases that could play a factor. Although I am sure even if I did not have those biases, I would have still fallen in love with this film. I admire the characters. I dig the story. I found the pacing to be perfect. The film successfully balances comedy and drama. There are predictable parts, but much like “Godzilla Minus One,” which was my favorite film of 2023, even the moments I saw coming felt earned. “Is This Thing On?” is definitely not going to be as big as “A Star is Born,” but I hope enough people go check this out in theaters to the point where it becomes a box office success like that film did, because the movie is compelling from start to finish. I am going to give “Is This Thing On?” a 9/10.

“Is This Thing On?” is now playing in select cities. Tickets are available now!

Courtesy of A24 – © A24

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Marty Supreme!” Stay tuned! Also, be sure to look forward to my end of the year countdowns! I will be reflecting on my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of 2025! If you want to see these posts and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Is This Thing On?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Bradley Cooper film? I will accept anything where he is in front of or behind the camera. Heck, even in films where he is behind the camera, he is still in front of it. Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Smurfs (2025): One of the Smurfing Worst Animated Movies Ever Made

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Smurfs” is directed by Chris Miller (Madagascar, Shrek the Third) and stars Rihanna (Home, Ocean’s 8), James Corden (The Emoji Movie, Cats), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, The Founder), JP Karliak (X-Men ’97, New Looney Tunes), Daniel Levy (Schitt’s Creek, Happiest Season), Amy Sedaris (The Mandalorian, Clerks III), Natasha Lyonne (American Pie, Poker Face), Sandra Oh (Killing Eve, Grey’s Anatomy), Jimmy Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Win Ben Stein’s Money), Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures, Gifted), Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, Sausage Party), Hannah Waddingham (The Garfield Movie, Ted Lasso), Alex Winter (Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Grand Piano), Maya Erskine (PEN15, Blue Eye Samurai), Kurt Russell (The Thing, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), and John Goodman (Revenge of the Nerds, The Big Lebowski). This film centers around its titular blue creatures who go on a mission to save Papa Smurf from evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel.

I hate using the term “kids movie,” mainly because it sounds like an insult towards certain people who watch those kinds of flicks. It is kind of like the term “chick flick,” as if a guy cannot watch films like “Easy A” and have a good time. That film is a blast, and I, a straight white male, fully endorse it. That said, having now seen “Smurfs,” I do not think it is a movie for anybody. Not even children.

This is not to suggest the film is inappropriate for kids. But if you were to ask me to recommend a movie for children, “Smurfs” would be the one I would recommend as a punishment. Forget the time out corner! Forget the extra chores! Forget the soap! Putting on “Smurfs” is the ultimate tool for any disciplinarian!

I saw “Smurfs” in a nearly full theater containing tons of families. Almost nobody uttered a sound during the film. Not the parents, not the children, no one. I actually chuckled once, but being the dark soul that I am, my chuckle was towards the fact that a particular character opted to sacrifice themself. One could argue that part of why I was laughing at this joke was that I wanted the characters to die so the movie could end.

It reminded me of “Borderlands” when Claptrap repeatedly gets shot. Spoiler alert, he ends up surviving! But at the time, that scene gave me a dose of optimism, because it hinted there was a chance that the film’s most annoying character could be left out of the picture.

In the case of “Smurfs,” my singular chuckle was not directed at the film’s most annoying character, but my point stands.

“Smurfs” is chock-full of well-known talent. You have Nick Offerman, John Goodman, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, even Kurt Russell! These are skilled actors, but there is not much for them to do in this film other than read some of the most predictable, unfunny lines in Hollywood movie history. There are a few lines in this film where I was trying to predict what line would succeed it, what joke would flourish as a result. It goes for the obvious joke time and time and time and time again. It is so annoying and makes for something absolutely uninspired. With these recently mentioned big name actors, you might wonder who has top billing. It is none of these people! Shocking, I know. Instead, that honor goes to Rihanna.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures – © Paramount Pictures

I am not surprised that Rihanna has top billing. She has an impact on popular culture. That said, her music is not for me. I cannot name a single song of hers that I genuinely love. But this movie is Rihanna’s not just in the sense that she plays one of the core characters, but it is also hers through the music. Several of Rihanna’s hits make it into the soundtrack. If you are a fan of Rihanna, you will probably have more fun listening to these songs by themselves. That said, Rihanna does have an original song featured in the film, particularly during the credits, but at times, it is almost headache-inducing. By the end of this film, I truly wanted Rihanna, to “please, stop the flipping music.”

Paramount Animation/Paramount Animation – © Smurfs™ & © PEYO – 2025 Lic. Lafig B./IMPS © 2025 Par. Pics.

When it comes to finding a main character, it seems to clearly identify James Corden’s No Name Smurf (left) as the protagonist, but again, Rihanna’s Smurfette has such a notable presence to the point where she almost steals the spotlight. You might as well call this movie an 89 minute Rihanna music video featuring the Smurfs. I had trouble figuring out what this movie was trying to be. Is it a musical? Is it a comedy? Is it an adventure? Is it the latest attempt at the multiverse craze? The people behind the movie do not seem to know who exactly they are making it for. “Smurfs” is a family-friendly property, so the crew definitely had children in mind. Although one difference between “Smurfs” and another film from this year I frankly disliked, “A Minecraft Movie,” is that the kids at my screening seemed to be into it, whereas “Smurfs” was a misfire for all audiences, including yours truly.

If I had to pick a movie that “Smurfs” reminds me of, my immediate answer is “The Emoji Movie.” Will kids like this movie? Theoretically. Will adults like this movie? Probably not. Is it colorful and polished? Yes. Does have an everyday “nobody” protagonist? You betcha! Does it have generic sounding songs that have had their time on top 40 radio that get stuck in your head once you leave the theater? Absolutely! If you ever read my expletive-riddled review for “The Emoji Movie,” you may remember me comparing that pile of excrement to films like “The LEGO Movie,” “Wreck-it Ralph,” and “Inside Out,” suggesting that “The Emoji Movie” is a remix of those flicks, but significantly worse. “Smurfs” is basically a reskin of “The Emoji Movie.” Sadly, “The Emoji Movie” lingered so much in my mind that I could not think of any good films to compare “Smurfs” to while I was watching it. At one point, “The LEGO Movie” came to mind because No Name Smurf kind of reminded me of Emmet, whose standout quality is being incredibly pedestrian and everyday, but this film, arguably on purpose, felt like a spiritual sequel to “The Emoji Movie.”

Heck, James Corden is in both films! James Corden seems to be at the top of the list called “Actors to hire if you Have no faith in your project.” Between this film, “The Emoji Movie,” “Cats,” “Gulliver’s Travels,” “Superintelligence,” and “Cinderella,” Corden has built quite the resume of films that made me question my position as a movie person.

Did I mention that both movies reference arguably the most famous line from “Casablanca?” Because they do! And I would argue that “Smurfs” somehow trumps “The Emoji Movie” in terms of how poorly executed the delivery of that line was.

Yes, this movie has tons of stars in it. But they are all given a script that feels more akin to something that would go straight to Paramount+. I guarantee, if Rihanna, and perhaps some of these other actors were not in this film, this would be a streaming exclusive.

That said, there is one segment that I admire in this movie. Without spoilers, it involves a multiversal trip. I thought it was kind of creative. Unfortunately, it only lasts for a minute or two, and then the movie goes back to its regularly scheduled so-called programming. I could see this segment being something that one of the film’s animators would be proud to have on their demo reel. It is the greatest spark of creativity in what is ultimately a dumpster fire that lacks any and all imagination. The film is not consistent with its style. One moment it is fully animated. In another it is live-action. And there’s tons of weird blending between the two styles that sometimes make no sense whatsoever.

The film also reminded me of the equally unimaginative 2011 film “The Smurfs.” Not just because the film features the same characters, but the story beats are kind of similar because all the Smurfs end up leaving Smurf Village and end up in the real world. But perhaps more importantly, both films are not funny and absolutely boring! For an 89 minute movie to be boring is a true feat. It is one thing if the movie is two and a half-hours, but this movie flies at a TikTok pace and still manages to make me, and perhaps the children around me, want to fall asleep. The Smurfs in this movie may be blue, but by the time it was over, it had me turning red.

In the end, “Smurfs” is smurfing bad! It sounds like the obvious comment to make at this time, but if anything it is only fitting after watching this predictable 89 minute brain cell eradicator. “Smurfs” is easily the worst film I have seen so far this year. The film’s full of cringeworthy sequences that feel more like they are designed to show off Rihanna’s singing voice rather than tell a compelling narrative. The movie’s script is riddled with jokes that feel dated. And if they are not dated, they likely will be in five years. There is a sibling rivalry subplot between the film’s villains that ends up being a bore. The film surprisingly has enough time to introduce Kurt Russell’s character. By the time we got to his part of the film, my first thought was “Wait, now? Why are we doing this?” I like me some Kurt Russell, but his presence in the film feels out of the blue. No pun intended. If you want a good movie to take your child to, get tickets for “Elio” or if they’re a little older, take them to see “Superman.” I think the film will grab their attention, and possibly stick with them even as they get older. Do not waste your money on “Smurfs.” I am going to give “Smurfs” a 1/10.

You might make an argument that me not liking this film is irrelevant because it caters more towards children than it does adults. I do not know. I think the many silent children in my theater would have something to say to you. And also this brings up another thing, if the children in my theater, or other children who watched this film for that matter, did like it, I wonder what they will think of it in ten years. Will they feel the same way? Again, this is why I always bring up Pixar as animation’s current gold standard, because they are making films that refuse to insult children’s intelligence. Kids like them. Adults like them. Everyone likes them. Heck, I, a 25 year old man, watched “Cars” recently, which I first checked out when I was six years old. It is still worth watching as an adult. The film looks fantastic, features likable characters, and with my older age, I appreciated the film’s commentary on convenience and how that changes society. It did a great job at that by highlighting the unfortunate impact an Interstate had on the small town of Radiator Springs. Sure, “Smurfs” tries to implement a lesson about being yourself, but it feels surface level and is not enough to save the film from being dull and unfunny. Please avoid this movie at all costs, you will thank me later.

“Smurfs” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Courtesy of 1.21 – © 1.21

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for the brand new horror film, “Together.” Stay tuned! Also, I will eventually be sharing my thoughts on “Oh, Hi!,” “Weapons,” “Freakier Friday,” and “Nobody 2.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Smurfs?” What did you think about it? Or, what is the best piece of “Smurfs” media out there? I need to know because these recent movies do not seem to be doing it for me. If anyone has a recommendation, please send it my way. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!