Watch The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh is a 2020 indie drama film that tells the story of a famous comedian who is nearing the end of his career. Directed by Jeremy Berg and starring Steve Vanderzee as the main protagonist, the movie explores themes of aging, regret, and redemption, as the central character, Mickey, contemplates his past and present and tries to find meaning in his life.

The movie opens with a glimpse into Mickey's life as a stand-up comedian. He used to be the biggest star in the business, commanding packed arenas with his jokes and witty remarks. However, Mickey is now retired, living alone in a remote cabin and spending most of his time reflecting on his career and his mistakes. When a young comedian (played by Eric Stone) invites him to perform at a small comedy club, Mickey reluctantly agrees, thinking it may be his last chance to experience the rush of being on stage.

As the story unfolds, we see Mickey struggling to come to terms with his past. He regrets not spending more time with his family, especially his estranged daughter (played by Rachel Tolliver). He also feels guilty about the way he treated his former manager (Lowell Deo), who he feels was instrumental in his success but who he betrayed in a moment of weakness. Through a series of heartfelt conversations with these people, Mickey starts to make amends and find closure.

The Last Laugh is a character-driven movie that relies on strong performances to convey its message. Steve Vanderzee does an excellent job of portraying the world-weary comedian who is haunted by his past. He brings a certain gravitas to the role, instilling Mickey with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability. At times, his performance is reminiscent of legendary comedians like George Carlin, whose wit was always tinged with a sense of melancholy.

Eric Stone, who plays the young comedian, provides a nice contrast to Vanderzee's character. He is full of energy and enthusiasm, representing the new generation of comedians who are forging their own paths in the industry. However, he also has a certain naivete and idealism that make him prone to making the same mistakes as Mickey.

The movie's supporting cast is also noteworthy. Rachel Tolliver delivers a powerful performance as Mickey's estranged daughter, exuding a sense of anger and hurt that is palpable. Her scenes with Vanderzee are some of the movie's most emotional, providing a glimpse into the complicated relationship between a father and his child. Lowell Deo, who plays Mickey's former manager, brings a sense of gravitas to his role, representing the voice of reason that Mickey needs to hear.

What sets The Last Laugh apart from other movies in its genre is its willingness to tackle difficult themes head-on. The movie doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of aging and regret, and it doesn't offer easy solutions to its characters' problems. Instead, it allows them to grapple with their emotions and come to their own conclusions about what matters most in life.

The cinematography in The Last Laugh is also noteworthy. Director Jeremy Berg chooses to frame the movie's scenes in a way that accentuates the isolation and loneliness that Mickey feels. The shots of his cabin in the woods are particularly effective, emphasizing the stark contrast between his current state of mind and his former life in the limelight.

Overall, The Last Laugh is a poignant drama that delves into the complexities of human emotion. It showcases strong performances, a well-written script, and effective cinematography, all coming together to create a memorable movie-going experience. While it may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth watching for those who are looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film.

The Last Laugh is a 2020 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.