Michael Ian Black: Very Famous

Michael Ian Black: Very Famous is a comedic documentary film starring Michael Ian Black, a comedian, actor, and writer who rose to fame through his appearances on influential TV shows like The State and Stella, as well as his work as a commentator on VH1's I Love the 80s series. The film follows Black as he embarks on a stand-up tour across the United States, performing in small clubs and theaters in cities like Boston, Brooklyn, and San Francisco, with occasional stops in more glamorous destinations like Las Vegas and Hollywood.

The movie begins with a montage that establishes Black's reputation as a recognizable but not necessarily A-list celebrity. We see clips of him being recognized by fans on the street, signing autographs, and appearing on talk shows and podcasts where he promotes his various projects. Black narrates much of the film, offering his thoughts on fame, comedy, and the state of his career. He frequently expresses a kind of self-deprecating bemusement at his status: "I'm sort of famous-ish," he says at one point. "People who like me really like me, and then there's everybody else."

The comedy in the film derives largely from Black's on-stage performances, which are interspersed throughout the movie. He delivers his trademark deadpan one-liners and absurdist scenarios with aplomb, riffing on topics such as marriage, parenting, social media, and pop culture. His delivery is often met with laughter and applause from the audiences, and we see glimpses of his process as he tweaks jokes and adjusts his pacing to fit different crowds.

In addition to his stand-up work, the movie also shows Black engaging in other forms of entertainment industry activity. He appears on a number of podcasts and radio shows, promoting his tour and chatting with hosts about his career and various interests. Black also takes a meeting with a Hollywood producer, pitching an idea for a sitcom about his life as a middle-aged comedian with a wife and kids. The meeting is played for laughs, with the producer expressing skepticism about the marketability of the concept.

The film also takes time to explore Black's personal life, with him occasionally referencing his wife and children and showing glimpses of their home life. We see him video-chatting with his kids while on tour, and he references the challenges of balancing work and family life. However, the focus of the movie remains squarely on Black's experience as a comedian and entertainer, with little time devoted to non-showbiz concerns.

Overall, Michael Ian Black: Very Famous is an entertaining and often funny look at the life of a comedian trying to make it in a competitive and ephemeral industry. The movie never takes itself too seriously, allowing Black's irreverent humor and signature wit to shine through. At the same time, it offers a thoughtful reflection on the nature of fame and success, with Black expressing both gratitude for his opportunities and ambivalence about the toll they have taken on his personal life. Fans of his work will likely find this movie to be an enjoyable and illuminating look behind the scenes of his career, while newcomers will appreciate his unique comedic voice and offbeat sensibility.