Is This Thing On? (2025) Review: A Deep Dive into Critical and Audience Reactions

Welcome to the What’s After the Movie blog, where we go beyond the credits to explore the real reception of the films you love. Today, we’re dissecting the critical and user opinions surrounding Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial effort, Is This Thing On? (2025). This comedy-drama, starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, has sparked a fascinating conversation about art, therapy, and the raw hustle of the New York comedy scene. Rather than a simple plot summary, this post will analyze the spectrum of reviews to give you a clear picture of who this movie is for and what the consensus truly is. For a full breakdown of the film’s details, be sure to check out the official Is This Thing On? page on What’s After the Movie.

The initial wave of critical reviews paints a picture of a warm, well-crafted, and surprisingly heartfelt film. Critics largely praise its sincere approach to exploring midlife crisis and divorce through the unconventional lens of stand-up comedy. However, a deeper analysis reveals nuanced disagreements about its ambition and lasting impact. User reviews from platforms like Metacritic add another layer, highlighting a more personal connection with the film’s themes, even when acknowledging its flaws. Let’s dive into the detailed reception of Is This Thing On? to see how these perspectives compare.

Critical Acclaim for Is This Thing On?: Analyzing the Positive Reviews

The critical response to Is This Thing On? has been overwhelmingly positive, with many major outlets celebrating it as a refined and thoughtful addition to the comedy-drama genre. Publications like The Times awarded it a perfect score, calling it a “[A] warm and hilarious comedy drama,” while The New Yorker noted its unique focus, writing, “Is This Thing On? isn’t a dishy, insider’s view of the New York comedy scene, and it isn’t trying to be. It knows that its best material lies elsewhere.” This sentiment is a common thread among its admirers: the film is less about the glitz of comedy success and more about the personal, therapeutic journey of its protagonist, Alex, played by Will Arnett. Collider’s review encapsulates this transformative power, stating, “Once Arnett’s Alex takes the stage, it transforms into one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year.”

A significant point of praise centers on Bradley Cooper’s direction. Compared to his previous, more stylized works like A Star Is Born and Maestro, critics have noted a deliberate shift towards a more restrained, actor-focused approach. Screen Rant highlights this, pointing out the “sincerity that underscores its central themes, and the performances, writing, and direction don’t cut corners.” This “hands-off” direction, as some users also noted, allows the performances and the raw, in-your-face cinematography to shine, creating an intimate feel. The film is being applauded for its authenticity, particularly in shooting stand-up scenes in front of a real audience, which The Telegraph cheekily notes adds to the film’s charm, especially when Cooper’s own supporting character, “Balls,” swipes the biggest laughs. This analysis of directorial style is exactly the kind of in-depth content we love to provide at What’s After the Movie. For more on how directors shape a film’s reception, explore our director profiles.

However, even within the positive reviews, there is a sense of measured praise. Paste Magazine offers a representative view, labeling the film as expertly made “comfort food.” They write, “Cooper isn’t reinventing comfort food, but he is cooking it well. You may not remember it in a few months, but it goes down easy and leaves you feeling surprisingly full.” This suggests that while the film is highly enjoyable and well-executed, some critics question its groundbreaking potential or long-term memorability in the pantheon of great comedy-dramas. It’s seen as a solid, emotionally satisfying experience rather than a revolutionary one.

Divergent Perspectives: Mixed and Critical Opinions on the 2025 Film

No film achieves universal acclaim, and a thorough review analysis of Is This Thing On? must account for the more critical and mixed perspectives. These reviews often acknowledge the film’s strengths while pinpointing specific elements that prevented it from reaching greatness. The A.V. Club, for instance, gave the film a 67, appreciating its modest approach to healing but detecting a lingering sense of “actorly grandiosity under its skin.” This critique hints at a slight dissonance between the film’s raw, grounded aesthetic and what the reviewer perceives as an underlying ambition for Oscar-worthy prestige that doesn’t fully land.

The most consistent criticism from both professional critics and users revolves around the film’s narrative structure and certain character arcs. The Playlist succinctly captures this with their 75-score review: “Is This Thing On? isn’t perfect. It stumbles where it should soar.” User reviews on Metacritic expand on this, with several pointing out that while the main plot involving Arnett and Dern is strong, secondary storylines feel undercooked or unnecessary. User cinemapersonified noted that “the C plot just felt very unnecessary and clouded this movie’s story,” a sentiment echoed by others who found some group scenes brought the pacing down. This split in narrative focus appears to be a key reason the film didn’t resonate as strongly with some viewers.

Perhaps the most pointed criticism comes from user planktonrules, who gave the film a 5. Their review raises two fundamental issues: the believability of Alex’s stand-up success and the likability of the characters. They argue that Arnett’s comedic material in the film isn’t actually funny enough to justify the positive reaction his character receives from club audiences, which breaks the suspension of disbelief. Furthermore, they found most characters either unlikeable or uninteresting. This contrasts sharply with other reviews that found the characters deeply empathetic, highlighting how personal connection to the protagonist’s journey greatly influences the viewing experience. It’s a reminder that a film’s reception is deeply subjective. After reading reviews, why not test your own knowledge with a fun movie quiz on our site?

Will Arnett’s Performance: Live-Action BoJack or a New Classic?

A point of near-unanimous agreement in the Is This Thing On? reviews is the strength of Will Arnett’s leading performance. Critics and users alike praise his ability to portray a man grappling with divorce and a search for purpose with a palpable sense of authenticity. The comparison to his iconic voice role in BoJack Horseman is frequent and telling. User MattyLuke-81663 observed that Arnett “once again channel[s] his BoJack Horseman character as a depressed man with complex emotions,” while cinemapersonified explicitly called his performance “live action Bojack Horseman.” This isn’t a slight against Arnett’s range; rather, it underscores his mastery in portraying a specific kind of charismatic, deeply flawed, yet ultimately empathetic melancholy.

The performance is hailed not just for its emotional depth but also for its chemistry with co-star Laura Dern. Reviews consistently mention that the scenes between Arnett and Dern feel “real” and are a highlight of the film. They effectively capture the complicated dynamic of a marriage coming to an end, with both actors bringing a grounded energy to their roles. Screen Daily noted that the film “settles comfortably into a melancholy register, watching Alex and Tess negotiate their new normal, with or without punchlines,” a tone that is sold primarily through Arnett and Dern’s nuanced interactions. Arnett’s performance is the emotional core that allows the film’s central theme—using comedy as therapy—to feel genuine rather than contrived. For more on the careers of actors like Will Arnett, visit our actor profiles.

However, a fascinating dissenting opinion on the acting comes from the same user review that praised Arnett. cinemapersonified offered a surprising critique of director Bradley Cooper’s own supporting performance, calling it “pretty bad” and relegating him to a “slapstick physical comedy character that doesn’t use any of his strengths.” This highlights an interesting divide; while some, like MattyLuke-81663, found Cooper’s character “Balls” to be a scene-stealing source of big laughs, others felt the performance was tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film’s raw sensibility. This split shows that even within a generally praised cast, individual character interpretations can significantly impact a viewer’s overall opinion.

Comedy as Therapy: The Central Theme in Is This Thing On? Reception

The most potent and frequently discussed aspect of Is This Thing On? is its exploration of stand-up comedy as a form of personal catharsis and therapy. This theme resonates powerfully across both critical and user reviews, forming the emotional backbone of the film’s reception. User MattyLuke-81663 beautifully articulated this concept, writing, “Comedy can be the most potent therapy for human suffering. No matter how tough life gets, it will always be funny… ‘Is This Thing On?’ explores that journey.” The film is not presented as a typical rags-to-riches story about becoming a comedy star, but rather about finding a voice and a purpose during a time of profound personal crisis.

Reviews emphasize that the film’s success hinges on making this therapeutic journey believable. The raw, hand-held cinematography that places the audience directly in the comedy clubs is repeatedly praised for amplifying this feeling. cinemapersonified noted that the film is “so raw and in-your-face with its cinematography as it amplifyies Will Arnett’s performance, who uses stand-up comedy as a therapeutic outlet.” This technical choice reinforces the theme, making the viewer feel like they are on stage with Alex, experiencing the vulnerability and release of performing. The conclusion that the film draws—that a creative pursuit has intrinsic value even if it doesn’t lead to fame—is cited as a particularly strong and heartfelt message. As one user put it, “If you enjoy it and it gives you a new sense of purpose, it’s not a waste of time or effort.”

This focus on theme over plot is what leads to the film’s described “comfort food” quality. Slant Magazine captured this well, calling the film a “finely observed and good-natured piece of work that carries some of the creative angst of Bradley Cooper’s other films but without the need to convince us of its main character’s genius.” The goal is healing, not greatness. This resonates with audiences looking for a relatable, character-driven story. If you’re interested in films that explore similar themes of personal growth, you can find great recommendations in our curated movie lists and movie collections at What’s After the Movie.

Audience vs. Critic: Comparing Reactions to Is This Thing On? (2025)

When we compare the aggregate critical reception with detailed user reviews for Is This Thing On?, we find a story of alignment with subtle but important divergences. Critics, on the whole, have rated the film highly, focusing on its directorial craft, strong performances, and successful execution as a comedy-drama. The Metacritic score, compiled from professional reviews, reflects this positive consensus. The language used is often that of appreciation for a well-made film—praising its sincerity, warmth, and observational quality.

The user reviews, while also generally positive, tend to use more personal and emotional language. They connect with the film on a relatable level, seeing their own struggles with purpose, relationships, and finding joy in Alex’s journey. The criticism from users is also often more granular and specific. For example, while a critic might mention a minor pacing issue, a user like AndrewParadis will pinpoint that “the ending, though, totally missed the tone and felt disconnected from the rest of the movie.” Similarly, the debate over the funniness of Alex’s stand-up routines is a hurdle raised more frequently in user reviews, as it directly impacts the believability of the central premise for them.

This comparison reveals the different lenses through which these groups view film. Critics often assess a movie within the context of a director’s filmography, the genre, and cinematic trends. Users, however, are more likely to evaluate a film based on its emotional resonance, entertainment value, and personal relevance. For Is This Thing On?, both groups largely agree it’s a good film, but for slightly different reasons: critics admire its craft, while audiences connect with its heart. This is exactly the kind of nuanced analysis we strive for at What’s After the Movie. To form your own opinion, you can read a concise summary of the film on our site.

Final Verdict: Who Should Watch Is This Thing On? Based on Reviews

So, what is the final verdict on Is This Thing On? based on this analysis of its reviews? The overall sentiment is decidedly positive, marking it as one of the more well-received comedy-dramas of 2025. It is a film that seems to have achieved its primary goal: to deliver a warm, funny, and thoughtful exploration of personal healing through art. The performance by Will Arnett is almost universally considered a reason to watch, and Bradley Cooper’s restrained direction has been praised for serving the story effectively.

This movie is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy:

• Character-driven stories about midlife crises and personal rediscovery.
• The “comedy-drama” genre where humor and heartache are intertwined.
• Films set in creative worlds, like the authentic portrayal of the New York comedy scene.
• Fans of Will Arnett and Laura Dern, who both deliver powerful, nuanced performances.

However, based on the criticisms, viewers might be less satisfied if they are seeking:

• A traditional, plot-heavy rise-to-fame story.
• Consistently big laughs throughout; the humor is often melancholic and character-based.
• A perfectly tight narrative, as some subplots are seen as distractions.

In conclusion, Is This Thing On? has been met with a wave of appreciation for its sincerity and emotional authenticity. While it may not be remembered as a groundbreaking cinematic milestone, the reviews suggest it is a fulfilling and beautifully acted film that leaves a lasting, positive impression. It’s a testament to the idea that art doesn’t have to be about genius to be valuable; sometimes, it’s just about getting through the day. For more information on its commercial performance, you can check out its box office stats, and for any accolades it might receive, keep an eye on our awards page. Don’t forget to visit the complete wiki page for Is This Thing On? on What’s After the Movie for a full overview.

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Where to Find More Reviews for Is This Thing On?

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IMDB	Is This Thing On? IMDB
TMDB	Is This Thing On? TMDB
Wikipedia	Is This Thing On? Wikipedia
Rotten Tomatoes	Is This Thing On? Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic	Is This Thing On? Metacritic
JustWatch	Is This Thing On? JustWatch
Box Office Mojo	[Is This Thing On? Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemoj o.com/title/tt28083456/?ref_=bo_se_r_1)
Letterboxd	Is This Thing On? Letterboxd