Writer-director-actor Mike Birbiglia keeps the strong indie-film streak going with this excellent, sweet slice of disappointing life. An improv troupe (Birbiglia, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher, Keegan-Michael Key and Chris Gethard) finds trouble when one of its own makes it big. Suddenly and finally, the others begin to realize they may not all make it to prime time or the big screen.
Birbiglia’s film captures the desperation that has become our 30s but does so with a light, dramedic touch. Don’t Think Twice fully utilizes the charisma of its familiar not-quite superstars. Key shows why he is on the verge of breaking out in real life and the film, but like in the story, this film succeeds on the strength of its ensemble. No one can steal this movie; everyone is excellent.
Birbiglia has adroitly fashioned an independent comic drama that shows the confident accuracy of Woody Allen coupled with the modern quirk of Whit Stillman or Noah Baumbach. Color me impressed—and entertained—with this feature filmmaking debut.
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