Watch The Opening Act

The Opening Act is a 2020 comedy film directed by Steve Byrne and starring Jimmy O. Yang, Alex Moffat, and Cedric the Entertainer. It follows the story of Will Chu (Jimmy O. Yang), a stand-up comedian who dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry. When he gets a chance to open for his favorite comedian Billy G (Cedric the Entertainer), he jumps at the opportunity, even if it means having to go through a series of challenging gigs and facing his fears.

The movie begins by introducing Will as a relatively unknown stand-up comedian who is trying to make a name for himself in the local comedy scene. His friend, Quinn (Alex Moffat), is a more established comedian who is somewhat jaded with the industry but still keeps him motivated. The two often attend open-mic nights together, where Will tinkers with his act and tries out new jokes.

Despite his love for comedy, Will is afraid to take risks and lacks the confidence to pursue a career in it. He spends most of his time working at a coffee shop and nursing his dreams of making it big. But when he gets a chance to open for his hero, Billy G, at a major comedy club in Los Angeles, he sees it as a sign that he needs to up his game.

The rest of the movie follows Will as he navigates the ups and downs of the comedy industry. From bombing at gigs to dealing with hecklers, Will learns that the journey to the top is not an easy one. He is also faced with the challenges of dealing with a demanding manager who doesn't have his best interests at heart and falls for a fellow comedian, who may or may not be interested in him.

One of the things that sets The Opening Act apart from other comedies is that it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a stand-up comedian. We see the rigorous training they undergo, the insecurities they face, and the sacrifices they have to make to pursue their dreams. The film also features several real-life comedians, such as Bill Burr and Whitney Cummings, who provide a sense of authenticity to the story.

The performances in the movie are excellent, particularly Jimmy O. Yang's portrayal of Will. He brings a natural likability to the character and makes it easy for the audience to root for him. Cedric the Entertainer is also fantastic as Billy G, bringing his trademark humor and charm to the role. The chemistry between Yang and Alex Moffat is another highlight of the movie, and their scenes together provide some of its funniest moments.

Overall, The Opening Act is a heartwarming and funny take on the world of stand-up comedy. It's a movie that will make you laugh and leave you feeling inspired to chase your own dreams. Whether you're a fan of comedy or not, this film is sure to entertain and delight audiences of all ages.

The Opening Act is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.