Freeze Frame

In the very adult comic drama "Is This Thing On?" Will Arnett plays a man who tries out standup comedy as a way to cope with his impending divorce. Strong performances by Arnett and Laura Dern propel this empathetic tale, well directed by Bradley Cooper, who also has a funny supporting role. A number of noted comics appear as cynical versions of themselves. While fictional, the movie inspired by the true story of British standup comic Jim Bishop. Arnett’s foul-mouthed comedy material isn't really all that funny but still rings true. "Is This Thing On?" should appeal to those not easily offended. What's really being said when estranged family members engage in awkward 'small talk?' Indie film darling Jim Jarmusch offers a suggestion in "Father Mother Sister Brother," three unrelated stories of family dysfunction. The strong cast includes Adam Driver, Tom Waits, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling and Cate Blanchett. Surprisingly, this restrained and subtle drama was the big winner at the 2005 Venice Film Festiva