Film Review: Comedy is Humanity in Magnanimous ‘Don’t Think Twice’

CHICAGO – Comedian/writer/director Mike Birbiglia is breaking out as a filmmaker, and he adds a deft and emotional touch to a story of an improvisation comedy troupe split apart by change they didn’t expect. That sounds a lot like life, and it’s best to “Don’t Think Twice.”

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Part backstage show business story, part understanding of creative (and other types of) partnering, “Don’t Think Twice” blends the elements through the centerpiece of the improvisation stage – a particular kind of comedy presentation that relies on those stage partners and an individual’s ability to make a quick decision. Sometimes – like in life – those partners have your back, or can just as quickly and suddenly leave you behind. This is Mike Birbiglia’s second film, and it shows a progress and maturity as a director that is reaching true heights of comedy and the challenges of being human.

“The Commune” is in their 11th year as an improvisation group, a comedy troupe that formulates sketches from audience suggestions. The troupe consists of Jack (Keegan-Michael Key), Samantha (Gillian Jacobs), Miles (Mike Birbiglia), Bill (Chris Gethard), Allison (Kate Micucci) and Lindsay (Tami Sagher). They are in New York City, and the brass ring for their type of comedy is an audition for a “Saturday Night Live” type show.

The Manhattan comedy club that has been their home announces that its closing. At the same time, two of the troupe members secretly gets the “Weekend Show” audition. These transitions weigh heavy on the dynamic within the relationships in the troupe. The times, they are a-changin’, and it remains to be seen whether these long time friends came endure those changes. 

“Don’t Think Twice” continues its release in Chicago on July 29th at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport, Chicago. Featuring Mike Birbiglia, Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Tami Sagner, Chris Gethard and Kate Miccuci Written and directed by Mike Birbiglia. Rated “R”