The Last Laugh (2019)

“The Last Laugh” stars Richard Dreyfuss, Chevy Chase, Andie MacDowell, Lewis Black, Kate Micucci, and Chris Parnell.  Released on Netflix on January 11, 2019, the film is about a former stand-up comedian who comes out of retirement to do one last tour.

The film is written and directed by Greg Pritikin, who also directed “Totally Confused”, “Dummy”, and “Surviving Eden”.  2019 has got plenty of new shows and films on Netflix that’ll keep people in their homes throughout the next twelve months.  With that in mind, let’s start things off with a brand new Netflix comedy from writer/director Greg Pritikin.  I heard very little information about this film, other than the fact that Chevy Chase and Richard Dreyfuss are both starring in it, but that didn’t stop me from checking it out anyway because I couldn’t resist watching something that has the word “laugh” in its title.  

One of the main elements that kept the routine going for me were the performances, most notably Chase and Dreyfuss as Al Hart and Buddy Green, respectively.  While Chase delivered his most respectable performance in his career, Dreyfuss actually stole most of the show with his upbeat charisma and humor.  I never would’ve thought that a guy like him could be this funny, but apparently, he was able to prove me otherwise.  Speaking of which, the humor was handled very well by Greg Pritikin.  What could’ve been a mindless and cliched road trip comedy turned out to be an enjoyable and funny road trip comedy that didn’t shy away from its purpose.  The chemistry between the two main actors wasn’t exactly mind-blowing, but it had the right amount of heart to provide some tolerable feel-good moments.  As for the story itself, I don’t think this is something that’ll get some award recognition next year, but it might put a smile on someone’s face when all is said and done.  To me, it’s the type of story that makes people feel good about themselves.  It’s a movie about doing what you love despite a few obstacles that are beyond your control, such as age.  It’s well-intentioned and heartwarming for its target audience, even though Pritikin’s screenplay lacked a certain amount of dramatic depth in the film’s plot.  There were also some parts that felt a bit rushed when it comes to the narrative structure.

Overall, “The Last Laugh” isn’t exactly award-worthy when it comes to the screenplay, but as a comedy about a retired comedian, it’s a suitable routine for its intended audience.  Thanks to its likable main actors, its solid use of humor, and an enjoyable, yet flawed, story, the film made its comeback just as satisfying as Dreyfuss’ character’s comeback.  You know, maybe someday if I’m good enough, I could try to do stand-up comedy as well.  I think I’m funny enough to pull that off.

B-