Director: Mike Birbiglia
Year Released: 2016
Rating: 2.0
Semi-popular NYC-based improv troupe "The Commune" (including Birbiglia, Keegan-Michael Key and Gillian Jacobs) all dream of being hired to work on the inexplicably popular comedy show called Weekend Live (really Saturday Night Live) ... but when one of them does land a spot (Key), the rest of the group becomes jealous of his fame. I like that Birbiglia is working in an area he knows very well - he's a superb stand-up comic - and that he has little respect for Lorne Michaels (SNL is mostly forgettable aside from a few memorable bits here and there ... their 'writers' know nothing about brevity) but much of this (except for the 'optimistic' final scene) is covered with a thick layer of depression and pessimism: this is not the movie to watch if you want to pursue a career in the arts (plus, two of the characters are only able to work on stage because of their wealthy parents). Birbiglia's specials (I recommend all of them) are self-depreciating but at least entertaining (and observant) - I didn't laugh once at any of the skits and gags here (which, ironically, always seemed scripted to me).
