Amazing film giving insight into the trials and tribulations of making it as a stand-up comic. With a film about stand-up, you'd expect scene after scene of polished, fall-out-of-your seat comedy & laughs. This is not the case with this movie. While there are some very funny scenes, much of the stand-up by the lead character is awkward and falls flat. And that's exactly the point. The film is about obstacles & rejection, about finding your own voice, and about how difficult it is to create even just a few moments that can bring laughter to people's lives. Steve Byrne reveals the pain that lies beneath surface, the self-doubt, and the courage it takes to go after your dream night after night. Great cameos by lots of familiar faces, and a solid performance by Jimmy O. Yang. But the real revelation is from Cedric the Entertainer. Grounded and moving performance. The guy has real acting chops. Kudos to Steve Byrne for continually going after his dream.
Review of The Opening Act
