All Joking Aside, It’s An Entertaining Movie

Charlene Murray (Charlie to her friends) isn’t your average twenty-one year old.  Inspired by her late father’s unrealized ambitions, she wants nothing more in life than to be a stand-up comic. Both thrilled and terrified by the fact she’s finally old enough to get into a comedy club and try her material, she heads to the Laughing Hyena, one of New York’s faded comedic hot spots, to hit her first-ever open mic night.  At the back of the club, downing whiskey is Bob Carpenter, who doesn’t stop heckling until Charlie gives up the microphone.  It doesn’t take long before he gets exactly what he wants. Charlie flees the club with her best friend Kim but later returns to the Hyena to talk to Dennis, the venue manager, only to find out Bob Carpenter is a well-known comic who hit hard times.

Impressed by old video footage of Carpenter’s performances, Charlie decides the veteran comic is going to be her mentor, whether he likes it or not, and sets about winning him over.   As the two slowly feel each other out, what develops is an unlikely friendship based on broken families, a healthy appreciation of sarcasm, and the undeniable rush of making a whole room full of people laugh.

The film undoubtedly captures the discomfort of beginning a stand-up career. Anyone who knows a comedian or visited a comedy club will relate to its authenticity and ability to capture what it’s like to perform to a small, often judgmental, and, at times, difficult audience.  Competently directed by Shannon Kohli, the cast, led by Raylene Harewood and Brian Markinson deliver James Pickering’s screenplay with ease, making this light and entertaining dramedy a very watchable 85 minutes.

The film is released On Demand via Quiver Distribution on November 13.

About Author

David Emmanuel Noel

David Emmanuel Noel is an avid blogger, film fanatic, art enthusiast, music lover, and theatergoer. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and PR consultant who has been involved in several music events and visual art exhibitions at venues such as the Kennedy Center Washington DC, Bernie Grant Arts Centre London, the Landmark Arts Building New York, and Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. He has worked closely with institutes, professional bodies, and agencies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, New York Mayor’s Office, CAMBA- the New York-based agency, the NSPCC, and several London Boroughs on projects supporting the environmental and therapeutic benefits of the arts. He is based in London and New York.

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