Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, “Is This Thing On?”, has drawn comparisons to the perform of David O. Russell, particularly his acclaimed films “Three Kings,” “American Hustle,” and “Silver Linings Playbook.” The film, a comedy-drama released on February 26, 2026, centers on a couple, Alex and Tess, navigating a marital crisis that unexpectedly leads Alex to pursue stand-up comedy.
The film opens with a depiction of marital strain, as Tess confronts her husband Alex about their separation while brushing her teeth. Alex, in turn, acknowledges the situation with a detached observation about his living arrangements. This initial scene establishes a tone of understated realism, reminiscent of Russell’s earlier work, according to a review published today.
Cooper, who likewise appears in the film, plays a friend of the couple, a self-absorbed actor seemingly reliant on his wife’s success. This performance has been noted as a potential turning point in Cooper’s career, echoing the impact of his role in “Silver Linings Playbook.” The review highlights a perceived “magical exchange of talent” between Cooper and Russell, suggesting Cooper’s directorial skills have flourished while Russell’s have waned.
The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of a relatable relationship and the authenticity of its supporting characters, including their sons and a community of comedians. The open mic scene is described as convincingly rendered, with attention to detail in both the environment and the characters. The film explores themes of therapy and self-discovery through the lens of comedic performance.
Yet, the review also points to potential shortcomings, particularly regarding the film’s handling of class dynamics. Instances of financial incongruity, such as the protagonist’s sudden acquisition of a new Volkswagen bus, are cited as jarring and potentially alienating to audiences. The review notes a disconnect between Alex’s initial financial constraints – performing for a small entry fee – and his later ability to afford luxury items.
the review suggests that the film’s dialogue loses some of its initial sharpness in the later stages, falling into more conventional tropes of the self-support genre. The narrative structure, while initially promising, becomes more predictable, drawing comparisons to films like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “It’s Complicated.”
The film features performances from Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Ciarán Hinds and Andra Day. According to IMDb, the film stars Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Bradley Cooper, though the review focuses on Arnett, Dern, and Cooper’s roles. “American Hustle,” directed by David O. Russell and released in 2013, starred Christian Bale and Amy Adams as con artists working with an FBI agent, played by Bradley Cooper, in a sting operation. The film garnered ten Oscar nominations.
The review concludes by acknowledging the challenges of following a successful role, referencing Arnett’s iconic portrayal of BoJack Horseman and questioning whether audiences can fully embrace his work outside of that character.
