Watch This Isn't Funny

This Isn't Funny is a romantic comedy-drama movie from 2015 directed by Paul Ashton. The film follows the life of a stand-up comedian and aspiring actor named Elliot who struggles to find his place in the world after breaking up with his girlfriend. The story is set in Los Angeles and portrays the everyday challenges and insecurities that young people face while pursuing their dreams.

From the beginning of the movie, we witness Elliot's struggle with his life. He loses his job, his girlfriend and feels alienated from his family. He's trying to find himself and his place in the world, but he doesn't quite know how to achieve that. In an attempt to cope with his heartbreak, Elliot becomes a stand-up comedian and performs in small venues around LA. He dreams of becoming a full-time comedian and hopes that success in this field will help him find happiness.

One day, Elliot meets a beautiful, quirky and outgoing woman named Allison. They connect instantly, and they enter into a budding romantic relationship. However, the couple's happiness is short-lived as they face various challenges on their path to happiness. Allison has her own baggage that she carries with her, and Elliot must navigate her feelings while also dealing with his own emotional turmoil.

The film touches on a variety of topics such as mental health, heartbreak, fear of failure, and the different ways people cope with difficult situations in life. While the film is a romantic comedy, it doesn't follow the usual formula of the genre, making it refreshing to watch. The script is witty and well-paced, and the actors give heartfelt performances that make the audience root for their characters.

Paul Ashton delivers a strong performance as Elliot, portraying the character's vulnerability and his attempts to come to terms with his life. Ahmed Bharoocha is excellent as Elliot's best friend, Jake, who also happens to be his manager. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, and their banter provides quite a few laugh-out-loud moments.

One of the most noteworthy performances in the film comes from the Australian actress Gia Carides, who plays Allison’s mother, a character who's struggling with her own mental health issues. The mother-daughter relationship is thoughtfully depicted, and it adds another layer of depth to the story. Allison's mother is an artist who creates intricate installations out of recyclable materials, and her artwork serves as a metaphor for her life. She finds solace in her art and uses it to express herself when words fail her.

The film's cinematography is minimalist, with the camera following the characters rather than moving around them. This approach helps to create an intimate atmosphere, making it easier for the audience to connect with the characters. The film's color palette is also worth mentioning, with warm colors used in the comedy segments, while cooler tones are used during the more dramatic moments.

The film's soundtrack comprises of original songs and indie music by lesser-known artists, which adds an independent feel to the movie. The music is well-placed and complements the mood of the scenes.

Overall, This Isn't Funny is a charming and relatable movie that tackles some significant issues without losing its sense of humor. The film's characters are flawed and complex, making them more human and easier for the audience to relate to. The movie is funny, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking, all at the same time. It’s one of the rare romantic comedies that can make you laugh and cry, which makes this movie well worth a watch.

This Isn't Funny is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.