Don't Think Twice

I wanted to see this movie because it incorporated some of my favorite actors. I wasn't disappointed, not only by their performances, but by the writing itself. The movie was laugh out loud funny but also poignant and touching. I recommended it on Twitter and told everyone they should go see it. It was a great date movie too -- my husband and I, who often have fairly different tastes in movies and TV -- both really enjoyed it. It was sweet enough for me and had enough humor and action for him. I also love that it was an indie flick and a labor of love.

Highly recommend!

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.

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.

"Fall and then figure out what to do on the way down." Miles (Birbiglia) has been running a improv troupe for many years and is still waiting for his big break. Everyone in the group is excited when scouts from the show Weekend Live show up one night. Everyone is riding high after the show but when Jack (Key) is the only one chosen the lives of every start to change. Reality hits everyone and they all begin to wonder what their lives are really about. This is a good movie, but not really for everyone. There is some funny comedy in this, but the movie is really more or less a character study of a group of very different people all trying for the same goal. The movie is more dramatic than I expected and feels very real, which adds to the enjoyment of this. Overall, funny and just real. Not for everyone, feels like a stage play but I did like it. I give this a B.

LJ'S QUICK MOVIE REVIEW

"Don't Think Twice", directed by Mike Birbiglia, is light-hearted comedy that follows the story of a small, six-member improv group called The Commune. The Commune is essentially a closely knit team, with each member complementing the other.

However, when Jack, an ambitious member of The Commune, gets the opportunity to join 'Weekend Live!' (a huge entertainment company), he faces a unique situation. He wants to achieve greater success, but doesn't want to leave his faithful and hardworking team behind.

The well-written script is elevated by the great organic performances put forth by Keegan-Michael Key (Jack), Gillian Jacobs, Birbiglia, and the rest of the cast. Every single character has moments of self-doubt, self-discovery, and emotional conflict.

Overall, "Don't Think Twice" is definitely a comedy worth watching because it explores the themes of envy, loyalty, and a sense of belonging through dynamic characters we can all relate to.

LJ's Grade: B