The Unbookables

6
2012 1 hr 36 min Comedy , Documentary

The Unbookables is a narrative documentary about stand-up comics who have spent their careers pushing limits--on stage and off. Relegated to small venues and touring in a crappy van through the Midwest they careen between the desire to succeed and the reality that there may be nothing left to lose. Road life is far from glamorous: comics come and go and cruel pranks and hard drinking punctuate their obsidian dark comedy on stage. They succeed and fail-spectacularly. When they face being fired for going too far on stage, the conflict culminates in a showdown: compromise or double down?

  • Cast:
    Andy Andrist

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Reviews

Evengyny
2012/01/19

Thanks for the memories!

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Kidskycom
2012/01/20

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

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Bergorks
2012/01/21

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

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Scarlet
2012/01/22

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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pink_pup
2012/01/23

They're funny. They work hard and live day to day. They can't catch a break. The only thing that contradicts that narrative is there own actions, like a bunch of reform school kids on an extended holiday. Some of the comics have such animosity towards their audience the comedy borders on social sadism. A fascinating documentary. Broken people make the best subjects and this doc has them in spades. My favorite comedians were Sean Rouse and Kristine Levine. Dirty fantastic stuff.

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jcain1635
2012/01/24

However, if you aren't familiar with any of the cast, or Doug Stanhopes podcast, do some homework first. Without being formally introduced to these characters, this might leave you baffled.Let me qualify my rating. 1-3/10 = not a movie or unwatchable. 4-5/10 disliked. 6/10 liked wouldn't recommend. 7/10 would recommend, 8/10 highly recommend, 9/10 near perfect, 10/10 perfect .I gave this a 9/10 because I would recommend this to anyone, and this delivers on every level it intends to. This cast of misfit comedians are great - they are foul mouthed degenerates, but you very much get the sense that these are human beings with their own struggles, and that they have more fun then any reasonable person could allow themselves to.James Inman and Andy Andrist are highlights, but every single one of these guys got a laugh out of me one way or the other. It's also refreshing to see a genuine group of comedians treat comedy as a lifestyle and not a business venture.The editing and camera work is terrible (as expected, this is a fly on the wall style flick), and any sense of narrative just seems to be coincidental. This does work in the films favor, adding a feeling of legitimacy. These fights and events arent staged, that's for sure.in short - this movie is a train wreck, just like the people that made it, and if you know these guys, you know exactly what you're in for. Watch it with a few friends who are also fans, and pour some drinks.

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sirensongswt
2012/01/25

I loved this film. Calling this comedy edgy is an understatement. This is in your face so if you can't stand to be a little uncomfortable then leave the club or click your remote. Much the same as the theory that the great muse for music is heartbreak...the great muse for their comedy is dysfunction. What makes it funny is it is so real. I love these guys every one of them and Christine. Their brutal honesty comes though even in the worst bits. The music is also a must listen. Well done. Shitty at it's very best. In the same vein as the Aristocrats, these comics push each other, support each other even though at times they arguably hate each other. Their conflict reflects all of our struggles as humans trying to figure life out with the bunch of ass hats you are surrounded by because of work, because of culture or just because you drank too much.

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iqqt
2012/01/26

Few people realize that what makes us laugh typically has a negative base. From slapstick of 3 Stooges smacking and poking each other to any typical sitcom, where the laughs are based on misunderstanding, miscommunication and misconduct. The Unbookables are equally guilty, but their material is based on topics far more real. Monologues are based on everyday, true to life subjects that might shock, disturb, or at least cause you to keep your laughter hidden inside. War. Cancer. Incest. Beastiality. Child prostitution. Cock gagging & anal gaping. These are subjects that few would imagine as having a funny side, but they do, as evidenced by the audience laughter. It may be strained laughter accompanied by a shake of the head or hands covering the face, but it's laughter. This group of guerrilla comedians are talented, but they sacrifice big venues, big paychecks and big distribution by staying true to their material. In uncommon style, this documentary leaves the stage, and follows their life on tour as they test their patience and sanity while crammed in a retro tour van, constantly simmered in alcohol and stolen hydrocodone, quickly establishing a pecking order where the most senior of the group is constantly harassed, not so much out of disrespect as out of the need to channel stress. A unique view of life on the road of darkest comedy that is definitely not for everyone. It forces the question: Do some find this comedy has gone too far simply because they learned that even the darkest subjects truly do contain humor?

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