From Personal to Universal and Back Again

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Good One: A Show About Jokes
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 45m
Director(s): Eddie Schmidt
Where To Watch: premieres exclusively on Peacock on March 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: The new Peacock Original has outdone itself; GOOD ONE: A SHOW ABOUT JOKES takes us on an unforgettable tour of Mike Birbiglia’s comedic process. From the quaint neighborhoods of Providence, R.I., to the energetic streets of Washington, D.C., Birbiglia uses the trials and tribulations of daily life to create his comedy, blending humor with snippets from his own life experiences. He always focused on carefully crafting a genuine experience to which we can all relate. This show stands out not just for its insight into Birbiglia's genius but also for the rich commentary from comedy legends like Seth Meyers, Hasan Minhaj, and Atsuko Okatsuka, providing a layered understanding of the impact and nuances of stand-up comedy.

Birbiglia’s journey in GOOD ONE: A SHOW ABOUT JOKES showcases his unparalleled ability to turn the personal into the universally amusing. His skill in straddling the line between heartwarming narrative and genuine comedy has not only earned him critical applause, including a Critics Choice Award for "The Old Man and the Pool," but has also solidified his position as a source of comedic storytelling for the next generation, just as he looked up to so many when getting his feet wet.

Beyond his knack for stand-up, Birbiglia’s ventures into writing, directing, and acting—most notably in "Sleepwalk With Me"—demonstrate his versatile appeal and connect with audiences across various genres. This versatility showcases his significant reach and ability to engage with viewers beyond the comedy club. It’s one thing to be able to tell jokes on a stage that will make people laugh, but it’s another to create these moments and share them with others without knowing what the outcome will be.

GOOD ONE: A SHOW ABOUT JOKES is more than just a comedian on a mission, probing deeper into the essence of comedy and its reflective power on the human experience. It invites the audience to ponder the role of humor in shedding light on our lives, making it more than a laughter-filled venture. Birbiglia doesn’t just aim to entertain; he seeks to enlighten, using comedy to explore and express the complexities and joys of life.

While the documentary brilliantly captures the spirit of comedy, it could delve further into the stories, for such a deep dive, 45 minutes just wasn’t enough; I was left wanting more of this story, more of his reasoning for taking on the monumental tasks he has. Nevertheless, Birbiglia’s exploration of comedy, combined with the insights from his comedic contemporaries, crafts an engaging, thought-provoking, entertaining, and insightful narrative.

GOOD ONE: A SHOW ABOUT JOKES strikes a chord with anyone who believes in the power of comedy to mirror life, blending the art of laughter with profound life insights. Birbiglia’s journey from creating jokes in his notebook to bringing them to life on stage offers a unique perspective on the comedic process, encouraging viewers to find humor in their everyday experiences. This Peacock Original is a captivating watch. It provides a blend of chuckles and thoughtful moments, making it a significant addition to the conversation around comedy’s role in society.

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[photo courtesy of PEACOCK]

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