Loosely inspired by British comedian John Bishop’s own life, Bradley Cooper directs and stars in his third film with Is This Thing On?, alongside main characters Will Arnett and Laura Dern.
Alex and Tess’ marriage has come to an end, and they must navigate their amicable split while looking after their two boys, Jude and and Felix. As a way of working through his feelings, Alex enters into and open mic stand up night and discovers his self-deprecating humour to be a hit.
Is This Thing On? was Cineworld’s latest choice for the latest Secret Screening event, and this is what viewers thought.
BOOK IS THIS THING ON? TICKETS
Fundamentally, Is This Thing On? is a realistic and reassuring depiction of the active work a marriage takes to endure life and all the bumps along the way.
An interesting depiction of navigating a wedge in a marriage. Life isn't always happy, nor marriage. Alex uses stand-up as his form of communicating his pain and worries (albeit to strangers), and it's interesting seeing how develops his routine alongside his real experiences.
— Joseph (@JCarroll1515) January 26, 2026
And while Is This Thing On? takes places across the pond, we can’t deny we love the nod to John Bishop’s, born and bred in the UK.
Good film, a realistic depiction of being in a couple, messy at times but as Arnett’s character says, sometimes it is about being ‘unhappy’ together, as in going through life’s challenges. Not a massive JB fan but it was nice to see the Liverpool FC T-shirt to show the link.
— Val (@tecchiegirl) January 26, 2026
But how did that John Bishop tie with Bradley Cooper come about? We’ve been asking the same question as you, Carl.
Good film just wondering how Bradley Cooper knew about John Bishop's story
— Carl Jackson (@CarlfromWolves) January 26, 2026
Well, turns out film producer Kris Thykier was inspired by a conversation he had with Bishop back in 2016. The conversation happened at a film premiere after party in a nightclub with Thykier intrigued to know how he got into comedy. Similar to the characters in Is This Thing On?, Bishop briefly separated from his wife Melanie before reconciling 18 months later.
No spoilers here, though, this is only a loose retelling, and you’ll have to watch Is This Thing On? for yourself to see where Alex and Tess end up.
Absolutely amazing and to think that it's a true story, didn't expect that ending though superb movie they done good so good gonna see it again.
— Colin Cushley (@Thecush1958) January 27, 2026
And you’ll be absolutely spellbound by Arnett and Dern’s performances. In fact, their chemistry is radiating off the screen. In fact, it won sceptic Adam over.
Not usually my type of film, but Will and Laura made it work with their on screen chemistry. Really enjoyed it
— Adam crook (@thrasher_1x4) January 26, 2026
Really enjoyed it. A winning pair of performances from Arnett and Dern and great writing too.
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) January 26, 2026
Of course, we can’t forget Bradley Cooper, who we all enjoyed seeing back on the big screen.
It was brilliant. The leads were great and Bradley cooper was too.
— Gee XX (@UnrepentantGee) January 26, 2026
Going to assume “funny little guy” is complimentary!
i love it when bradley cooper is a funny little guy
— petrichor (@PetrichorOnFilm) January 27, 2026
And while the subject matter is certainly heavy at points, you can expect lots of laughs along the way. They are comedians, after all.
It’s was better & funnier than I thought it was going to be
— Popcorn for One🍿/Emily (@Popcorn_For_One) January 26, 2026
Glad I decided to head out tonight for it
We love the balance of hearty, sad, and funny!
Great film, knew very little about it going in. Really funny but sad at the same time
— didcotdaz (@Bigd1974DK) January 26, 2026
We’re just glad to have left so many of you happy with the latest Secret Screening.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. i’ve been begging for this one forever!!!!! i love will arnett so much.
— •liv• missing stage/fright (@livsdumb18) January 26, 2026
I loved it. My favourite #SecretScreening to date. ❤️
— JB (@DizzyJB) January 26, 2026
Book on to the next one, coming on 2nd February!
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