All Joking Aside

All Joking Aside is a 2020 drama-comedy film that masterfully delves into the realm of stand-up comedy, showcasing some associated bitter truths alongside the humorous quips. Directed by Shannon Kohli, the movie features Raylene Harewood, Brian Markinson, and Richard Lett in the main roles, making for a compelling display of talents. The film is 88-minute long, effectively portraying a detailed storyline filled with wit, laughter, determination and a touch of sentimentality.

The plot centers around Charlene "Charlie" Murray (played by Raylene Harewood), a young woman deeply passionate about comedy and eager to step into the world of stand-up comedy. She represents a resilient spirit, direct demeanor, and a strong will, all of which stems from her aspiration to win over the world of humor, a domain usually dominated by men. Charlie's journey forms the crux of the story from her initial failures, relentless pursuits, amusing encounters, to ultimate resilience, shedding light on the reality behind the seemingly fun world of stand-up comedy.

Brian Markinson plays Guy, a bar owner with a tough exterior, but beneath the surface, he carries a compassionate persona. He becomes Charlie's unexpected mentor, guiding her towards her passion. His character unfolds consistently throughout the movie, taking viewers through his own backstory making it hard not to empathize with him.

Richard Lett portrays the character of Bob, an iconic comedian whose career was skyscraping, but took a sharp downturn due to unfortunate circumstances. Bob and Charlie's paths cross, leading to an unusual friendship that is a blend of mentor-apprentice and friendly rivalry. As the story progresses, Bob’s wealth of experience and well-guarded wisdom becomes pivotal in Charlie's journey towards understanding the comedy landscape.

All Joking Aside is a riveting narrative that touches on various elements - laughter, rejection, passion, resilience, friendship. It maintains an emotional undertone yet doesn't shy away from packing powerful punches of humor, contributing to the overall charm of the movie. It presents a relatable but straightforward insight into the struggles one faces while trying to figure out a career in stand-up comedy and the personal life sacrifice this career may demand.

Continuing, the film is decorated with impressive screenplay, amusing dialogues, and stand-up routines, which keep the audience engaged. Even amidst its laugh-out-loud moments, the film manages to paint a realistic picture of the stand-up world. It discloses the harsh rejections, gender-bias, and creative struggles, all of which professionals tackling this field might endure in their journey to make others laugh.

The narrative brings the hustle-bustle of New York City alive, encapsulating the fast-paced spirit, the competitiveness, and the diversity of opportunities that make this city such an appealing and challenging stage for inspiring talents.

The portrayal of these characters by the cast is both believable and engaging. Raylene Harewood as Charlie does an excellent job, appearing natural and in her element as a budding comedian, while rawly showcasing the depth of her character’s struggles. Brian Markinson subtly crafts Guy's multi-layered persona, making him likable despite his rough exterior. Richard Lett as Bob on the other hand, brilliantly brings out the complexities of his character, showing the fine balance he maintains between his past glory and present predicaments.

All Joking Aside is not just a film about stand-up comedy: it is a heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination. It effectively utilizes the backdrop of comedy to narrate a story of dreams, struggle, and the power of friendship. The film’s balanced blend of humor and emotion create a riveting watch, making it a good cinematic choice for anyone interested in relatable character-driven stories filled with warmth and inspiration. Whether you are a fan of comedy, coming-of-age themes, or simply movies that illuminate human resilience, All Joking Aside is a captivating trip well worth taking.