The Wasteland Reviewer

Is This Thing On? (2025) Written Review

What does Bradley Cooper have up his sleeve for his most recent directorial effort? A Star is Born certainly garnered plenty of praise and attention for the actor-turned-director with it becoming a major fixture of the awards season upon its release. Maestro certainly got Cooper some praise, but it did not quite reach the same universal acclaim as his first effort. Many complained about the extreme levels that Cooper went too far to embody and create a film about Lenoard Bernstein. But this time around, the subject certainly has its own dramatic elements, but the film certainly is a lot lighter compared to his previous directorial efforts. Is This Thing On? certainly comes to theaters with large expectations and hopes. 

Does Cooper deliver the goods in bringing this story to life? There is an intimacy and raw energy to this film. Matthew Libatique is one of the most talented cinematographers working in film today and his deft abilities fit Cooper’s vision so well. There is an intimacy to the emotions in this film and there are plenty of moments where two characters share a tight space and Libatique accentuates their interactions perfectly. There is a sleek and engrossing feeling to the film that never lets you go. The film is filled with vulnerable characters and this proximity to them through the camera allows that to shine so brightly on screen. The music from composer James Newberry injects a propulsive and cool vibe into the film that never shakes and does some heavy-duty work in helping craft the tension in the film. There is a strong wit for the film, but it also delivers some powerful sequences as well. Cooper’s directorial effort feels like a talented conductor bringing the most out of all these players and crew to make this funny, emotional, and raw cinematic experience come to life. 

Does Cooper and Will Arnett’s screenplay deliver a compelling and engrossing story? Admittedly, there are some tropes and cliches along the way you expect from films about a broken marriage that will eventually heal. That certainly gives the film a predictable blueprint. Where the depth stands out is the why and how of it all. This marriage feels like a true relationship that has complexities on both sides of the aisle. We understand the struggles of both Arnett’s Alex as well as Laura Dern’s Tess. Sure, the answer to all of this is “Communicate!” but we can understand where the struggle comes from. The healing elements of Alex’s journey are certainly his budding stand-up career. The audience will appreciate that Alex’s isn’t automatically great at it but it brings him solace…so he continues. The film navigates two close individuals who re-spark their relationship through healing themselves first and finding their identities again. There are also plenty of engaging characters who each have their moments and space in this grader story. There are certainly moments that feel like you are watching a film and the overall story is so empathetic that it overcomes those challenges.

How does this talented cast navigate such a last minute audible? The film is anchored by the central performance from Arnett who must navigate his fracturing marriage and his newly found passion for stand-up. The camera comes nice and tight and Arnett is read with plenty of detail in emotion in a performance that feels organic and real. You can feel the rush of complicated emotions whenever Alex gets up on stage. One specific instance is full of emotion and rage that is some of the most impressive work he has done in live action (Bojack Horseman is still Arnett’s best work). Dern is equally fantastic as she navigates complex feelings throughout the film as well. Their chemistry together is quite impressive whether through sexual encounters or arguments…you feel it. Cooper is one of the biggest supporting characters as their close acting friend. Cooper’s Balls is an idiot and complete goof (as Cooper makes fun of his own acting commitment to Maestro) but delivers some strong sequences throughout the film. Andra Day portrays his wife and shines throughout as well. Ciaran Hinds is Arnett’s father, and they have a few tender moments together with Hinds selling so impactfully. There are plenty of other familiar faces that fill their roles well with one cameo that might blow your mind (if you are a football fan). 

Is Is This Thing On? another big win for Cooper behind the camera This is a GOOD film. This might not reach the heights of A Star is Born but this is a moving and human experience. There are plenty of familiar beats that pull this film together but there are enough rich layers that deepens the experience. A strong cast with some great dynamics makes this familial drama quite impactful.