“Don’t Think Twice” follows a popular improvisation comedy troupe called The Commune, consisting of Jack, played by Keegan Michael-Key, Samantha played by, Gillian Jacobs, Miles played by Mike Birbiglia, Allison played by Kate Micucci, Lindsay played by Tami Sagher and Bill played by Chris Gethard.
The group performs improv comedy at the famous Improv America theatre, until the theater announces its impending closing. When Jack and Samantha get auditions with the popular comedy series “Weekend Live,” the group’s future and friendships are thrown into turmoil.
“Don’t Think Twice” is a profoundly relevant movie, one that could only be made in 2016. The film doesn’t shy away from the grim future of live entertainment and the bleak reality of show business.
Seeing the Improv America Theatre deteriorate little by little is heartbreaking, especially after a bright and optimistic opening explaining the cultural significance of improv comedy.
“Weekend Live,” an obvious “Saturday Night Live” satire, is billed as the crème de la crème of comedy, only to be revealed as a hellhole of business.
In today’s digital physical world, this film is truly a product of its time, and for viewers invested in old-school entertainment, a truly moving experience.
It’s a film that makes viewers think about how grim the future could be, not just for live performances, but for the rose colored future everyone has picked out for themselves.
This film spotlights that the future isn’t so bright and that makes it a more daring film than the audience might think.
Miraculously, all of this reflection is done through the eyes of fun characters. The film takes its time to establish each role in the group, shown mostly through hysterical improvised comedy routines, so that by film’s end, the audience really gets to know them.
In the film, Miles is a part-time acting teacher who sleeps with half his students, Bill is dealing with a hospitalized father and Allison, affectionately nicknamed “Data,” is working on a graphic novel.
All the characters play a key role in the film and everyone has a vital part. That makes it all the more engaging when the group begins to fall apart, turning what was at first a happy-go-lucky improvised comedy into a surprisingly bittersweet drama about what fame will do to even the best of friends.
This all comes to a head in the Commune’s final show, which is a fantastic scene that must be seen to be believed.
“Don’t Think Twice” defies expectations and is better for it. Working as both a comedy and a drama while also reflecting on the times, it is one of the year’s best films and an experience you won’t soon forget.
Bradley Burgess can be reached at [email protected]