Well, the 2020 movie about working in the stand-up comedy scene actually turned out to be better than I had anticipated that it would. I sat down to watch "The Opening Act" without really knowing what the plot was, nor had I actually heard about the movie prior to watching it. But I was given the chance to sit down and watch it, so of course I did.
Sure, the storyline was sort of predictable and very straight forward, but it proved to be enjoyable enough. It is not something that will revolutionize the comedy genre, by no means. But it turned out to be adequately entertaining. However, it was the acting performances that made the movie rise up and out of mediocrity.
For a movie that has the likes of Cedric the Entertainer, Bill Burr, Iliza Shlesinger and Ken Jeong on the cast list, then the movie was actually phenomenally carried by lead actor Jimmy O. Yang. He really performed quite well and rather believably as well. The way those awkward scenes where he bummed out on the scenes were just cringeworthy to watch, and he pulled those off phenomenally well. This was definitely his movie for the most parts.
"The Opening Act" has a good mixture of both comedy and a good storyline at heart, so there is a little bit of something for just about everyone sitting down to watch it I think. There are some good jokes in the movie and definitely some good performances.
This is, however, unfortunately not a movie that I believe has the contents to support more than a single viewing. Don't get me wrong here, because the story was good and the movie was entertaining, but the plot just doesn't really offer enough to carry more than a single viewing.
My rating of "The Opening Act" is a six out of ten stars.
The Opening Act
2020
Action / Comedy
The Opening Act
2020
Action / Comedy
82% - Critics
83% - Audience
6.0Plot summary
Will Chu is stuck in a thankless job while trying to pursue his true passion in life, becoming a stand-up comedian. When he gets the opportunity he's been waiting for, the emcee slot on the road opening for his hero Billy G., the realities of life on the stage come crashing in. Between relentless hecklers, drunk comedy groupies and hard-to-impress morning radio DJs, things get off to a rough start. Even if he can learn from his idols and overcome the challenges, he'll have to prove he has what it takes to make his dream a reality.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
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A funny movie about being a funny guy...
Not comedy
Story about someone hate this job and pursing something what he wanted to be when he's a kid. Bad is the story wasn't funny and should classify as a drama of this.
Ohio sucks
Will Chu (Jimmy O. Yang ) quits his day job to be a comedian. He gets a job at the Improv in Pennsylvania as the MC. He doesn't make much money, but it is his passion. He bombs a few times too and has to play wing man for the other comedians. The drama of film overshadowed the comedy aspect which I didn't think was very funny, just cliche nightclub jokes.
Guide: F-word. near sex. No nudity.