‘Don’t Think Twice’ follows struggling comedians

What It's About: This much is a given: It's hard to sustain a career in the funny business — or any art, for that matter. Writer-director Mike Birbiglia's insight into the tough world of improvisation comedy make "Don't Think Twice" not only humorous but able to resonate with anyone who has chased their dream.

Six comic actors portray struggling comedians in an improv troupe called The Commune (Birbiglia, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key, Kate Micucci and Tami Sagher). They perform in New York City, and need to find a new home. The big dream for them all is to be cast on "Weekend Live," which is a thinly veiled "Saturday Night Live" copy, and Jack (Key) announces he has snagged an audition for the big show.

Birbiglia, whose previous "Sleepwalk with Me" displayed his comedic gifts as a feature film writer, is just a likable guy. A stand-up comedian and actor ("Trainwreck"), he has a writer's knack for sharp observations about real life.

Performances: Key ("Keanu") is the biggest star of the bunch, thanks to much TV work stemming from his early "MadTV" breakthrough, is also a naturally funny guy with sharp timing. He's Jack, who gets the big break, creating much tension and a new dynamic in the group.

Jacobs ("Community") plays Samantha, who is Jack's girlfriend and a part of the troupe. Gethard ("Inside Amy Schumer"), Micucci ("Another Period") and Sagher ("Inside Amy Schumer") work well together.

The whole group project familiarity and are appealing.

What Works: This portrait feels so fresh and real that you believe them as this struggling troupe, although they are more successful in real life than their fictional counterparts.

What Doesn't Work: If you are not a fan of comedy, this won't make you one. But who doesn't like to laugh? This is an inside look at the people who try hard to tickle our funny bones.

This story was originally published August 12, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "‘Don’t Think Twice’ follows struggling comedians."