The Opening Act

2020, Comedy, 1h 30m

22 Reviews 100+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

With The Opening Act, writer-director Steve Byrne offers perceptive insights on the struggles faced by budding stand-up comedians -- and creative dreamers in general. Read critic reviews

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The Opening Act Videos

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The Opening Act Photos

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Movie Info

Will Chu is stuck in a thankless job while trying to pursue his true passion in life, becoming a stand-up comedian. When he gets the opportunity he’s been waiting for, the emcee slot on the road opening for his hero Billy G., the realities of life on the stage come crashing in. Between relentless hecklers, drunk comedy groupies and hard-to-impress morning radio DJs, things get off to a rough start. Even if he can learn from his idols and overcome the challenges, he’ll have to prove he has what it takes to make his dream a reality.

Cast & Crew

Jimmy O. Yang
Will O'Brien
Alex Moffat
Chris
Cedric the Entertainer
Billy G
Neal Brennan
Chip
Bill Burr
Barry
Whitney Cummings
Brooke
Jermaine Fowler
Ricky
Ken Jeong
Quinn
Russell Peters
Randy
Debby Ryan
Jen
Tom Segura
Cop
Iliza Shlesinger
Val
Steve Byrne
Director
Steve Byrne
Screenwriter
Peter Billingsley
Producer
Sefton Fincham
Producer
Vince Vaughn
Producer
Dean Buchanan
Executive Producer
Matthew B. Schmidt
Executive Producer
Michael Shader
Executive Producer
Eric Alan Edwards
Cinematography
Sandra Granovsky
Film Editing
Amy Marie Beauchamp
Original Music
Linette Forbes Shorr
Production Design
Michael Stone
Art Director
Elizabeth Kirby
Costume Design
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Critic Reviews for The Opening Act

All Critics (22) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (4)
Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Variety Full Review… Robyn Bahr Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Sheila O'Malley RogerEbert.com Full Review… Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Full Review… Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Full Review… Alan Ng Film Threat Full Review… Matthew Pejkovic Matt's Movie Reviews Full Review… Sean Collier Box Office Prophets Full Review… Joe Friar The Victoria Advocate Full Review… Nate Adams The Only Critic Full Review… Jeffrey M. Anderson Common Sense Media Full Review… Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue
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