Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.Following an expensive divorce and the cancellation of his TV show, a stand-up comic is forced to go back on the road to provide for his daughter.
- Directors
- Writers
- Stars
- Becky
- (as Sarah Halford)
- Phil
- (as Philip Rosenthal)
- Directors
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Carolla really nails the mid-life crisis moments of a career gone off the rails, slowly, inexorably, unexplainably, or really never having one, as one turns the corner in life to realize it ain't gonna happen. Every man will recognise Carolla's character, sack-kicks, the humiliation and smile to themselves.
The smoking/credit card scene is worth the price of admission.
They don't make movies like this anymore—Although they just did, eh?—as it's just a decent story, with good character development.
John Candy used do flicks like this, that didn't do box-office boffo, but were just good little flicks.
I think this'll do a lot better in rotation, than it did in the theatres.
It's for a different audience than your action-oriented fan but well worth the time.
SweetDoug
Few comedy movies are funny, and even fewer American comedians are. The movie and the protagonist don't break either mould, though Carolla is likable as the lead.
I didn't like this one as much as his movie "The Hammer", which was a lot more interesting. It's a movie about a down-on-his-luck comedian travelling around doing shows with varying degrees of failure. He used to be on a TV show called "The Bro Show" and his co-star, played by Jay Mohr, is now hosting a Letterman-style TV show that is the highest rated in the US.
I think the movie needed more moments of truth. There is one monologue Carolla gives about having to compete with Youtube stars as a middle aged comedian. The movie needed more bits like that; many of the aspects of Carolla's character, like him having an adopted Asian daughter, and his weird, wig wearing manager, seem too obviously fake and forced.
There is something particularly embittered about a comedian on skid row. Being forced to find humour in a dark situation, and being funny on stage when their life off it is anything but. "Road Hard" would have done better to embrace this, rather than avoid it.
I'd love to see this material handled by the likes of Todd Solondz.
Except it's not quite. It's billed simplay as a comedy but it's more a delayed rom com.
The progression through the story is engaging. Adam Carolla (who I have never heard of, unlike some reviewers here) plays an excellent part and Diane Farr is simply brilliant as the love interest. The other actors are excellent, too, even those in bit pats and there are far too many to mention.
It may not be a laugh-out-loud movie - that depends on your frame of mind when watching it - but it is 'amusing' and it did keep me watching. It's a solid piece of work and if you enjoy a touch of rom with your com or simply like to see a little of the world of stand up then this will be worth your while.
Did you know
- TriviaCarolla funded the film by raising $1,435,723 at fundanything.com.
- GoofsAfter Bruce and Kim discuss Tina's college in the garage, Bruce turns on the table saw, but the blade doesn't move.
- Quotes
Bruce Madsen: You want me to warm up your audience?
Jack Taylor: Of course, I'd be honored. Audience warm-up guys make a lot of money, Bruce.
Bruce Madsen: You want me to be your fluffer, Jack? That's fucking humiliating! I can't believe this is how you look at me.
Jack Taylor: I don't look at you that way, Bruce, that's how the business looks at you.
Bruce Madsen: Then fuck the business.
Jack Taylor: I don't get you man. You think this business is like a "Punt, Pass, and Kick" competition where all that matters is being funnier than everybody else.
Bruce Madsen: Isn't that what it's about... being funny?
Jack Taylor: Wake the fuck up, Bruce. Funny has, like a little bit to do with it... this much. It's like the figure skating compulsories. You go around, you do a figure-eight. Yeah, that's cool, but what you're judged on in this business is the long program.
Bruce Madsen: You're using figure skating analogies, Jack? You've changed, buddy.
Jack Taylor: And you haven't, Bruce. You never wanted to put in the work, the real work of building a career. So, instead, what do you do? You hide behind the rebel flag? You're fucking Cliché Guevara, man! I'm offering you a job, Bruce. It's a good job. Take the job.
- Crazy creditsThe End Credits include multiple mid-credits scenes of different unrelated comedians doing a minute or two of stand-up material.
- How long is Road Hard?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Трудная дорога
- Filming locations
- Burbank, California, USA(Flappers Comedy Club)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,500,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $113,169
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $105,943
- Mar 8, 2015
- Gross worldwide
- $113,169
- Runtime
- 1h 38m(98 min)
- Color