Don't Think Twice Movie Review
I watch nearly 200 movies a year, and some I look forward more than most. There are movies I can’t wait to watch. There are ones where I dread the very thought of devoting two hours of my life to watching. And then there are those movies that you hear are good, but you have absolutely no interest in watching (but feel obliged to anyway). Don’t Think Twice falls in the latter category, and all I can say is: thank God I felt obligated to watch it.
One of the better movies of the year, Don’t Think Twice is a comedy-drama about improv actors and the unique dynamic these people share given they are friends, colleagues, collaborators and competitors—simultaneously. From writer/director Mike Birbiglia, Don’t Think Twice explores what happens to an improve troupe when one of their members gets a huge break.
Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher, Chris Gethard and Birbiglia star in what can best be described as this year’s Obvious Child, which also tapped into the minds of performing comedians. Don’t Think Twice is heartfelt, somewhat funny and most importantly interesting, a refreshingly simple but engaging character study.
The movie’s third act isn’t quite as solid as the first two—by then, you’ve sort of figured out where things are going and most of the relationship dynamics have been laid on the table—but Don’t Think Twice is consistently entertaining from start to finish. The cast is great, the characters interesting, their reactions grounded and believable.
Don’t Think Twice is neither funny nor dramatic enough to be considered a must-see, but it’s a well-made film that is hard not to enjoy.
Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.