Don't Think Twice (2016) Reviews

• Thoughtful, surprising and genuinely entertaining

  renbostelaar2016-12-28

  Don't Think Twice is a tremendously satisfying film about a very specific world, and anybody familiar with the gruelling hustle of comics, writers and improvisers vying for any measure of success in those fields will recognize many of the characters and small details that Mike Birbiglia has written into this film. Outsiders, though, don't have to worry that this is all "inside baseball" for comedy nerds because the emotions and relationships that propel this film are pretty universal. Driven by a talented ensemble and featuring as many poignant moments as genuine laugh lines, this humble film may stick with you a lot longer than you'd expect.

• A Realistic Movie for the Next Generation

  lizzbirkhoff2016-12-29

  I'm not one who usually likes an inconclusive ending, but this was an exception. Birbiglia's writing is obviously based off of experience and reality, which makes this movie a fresh breath of air. While the movie focuses around a group of comedians who are very funny when onstage, their lives aren't exactly a laugh, and that's just real life. There were sad moments, sure, but there were also happy moments, and funny moments. I don't understand the need for pure entertainment for an hour and a half. Can't we all just feel something human? If you like movies that are purely separated from reality, this isn't for you, but in my opinion, this movie was real and spoke to me. I was very excited to see this movie and I was more satisfied by the end than I thought I would be. I have recommended this film to everyone and will continue doing so. A real win by Mike Birbiglia and the rest of the cast.

• Very good dramedy

  miniotd2016-12-28

  One of the best movies of the year. Grounded, realistic, funny, and bittersweet. If you want a pure comedy, this isn't the movie for you. It certainly is funny, but it is also spend a fair chunk of the movie on characters and conflict. It's dramatic parts actually ended up working better than the comedic elements for me. The acting was surprisingly very good for actors who have made their names in comedy and improv. Gillian Jacobs and Chris Gethard were the standouts, though each of the actors has at least one standout moment. Not for everyone certainly, but very good and one of the best of the year. I think I'll finally get around to seeing Birbiglia's other movie "Sleepwalk With We" now.

• Don't Think Twice--Just Watch It!

  dcarsonhagy2016-12-09

  "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.

• Heartwarming

  treider-894222016-12-28

  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.