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.
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The Opening ActWith The Opening Act, writer-director Steve Byrne offers perceptive insights on the struggles faced by budding stand-up comedians -- and creative dreamers in general.
Owen Gleiberman Variety Jimmy O. Yang gives a slyly appealing performance as a comic who may be too good a person to be a nightclub star. Oct 19, 2020 Full Review Robyn Bahr Hollywood Reporter Lacking tangible emotional depth, and, frankly, much laugh-out-loud humor at all, The Opening Act is surprisingly underdeveloped for an intimate story about ambition and sacrifice. Oct 16, 2020 Full Review Sheila O'Malley RogerEbert.com A very insightful insider-baseball look at the creative process. Rated: 3/4 Oct 16, 2020 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Far too lightweight of a indie. Rated: C+ Jan 17, 2021 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies Only a veteran comedian could make The Opening Act a reality. Jan 4, 2021 Full Review Alan Ng Film Threat If you're not a fan of stand-up comedy, you may not be a fan of this film. For Steve Byrne's first feature film, the adage is still true-"write what you know." Rated: 8/10 Jan 4, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews
Gillian M Wow. How have I never heard of this movie before now? Wonderful depiction of breaking in to stand up. Amazing cast! Jimmy O. Yang gave an incredible performance! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/07/23 Full Review Audience Member Self-indulgent tedious pablum. Rated 0.5/5 Stars • Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review raphael g It was fine. funny. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review a a Great cast of comedians. Jimmy OYang kills it in the lead. Totally worth the watch. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I saw The Opening Act over the weekend. really enjoyed it. It was shot well, story was engaging and loved the use of all the comics in it. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member This guy just might possibly be the worst stand up comedian I ever saw in my life 2.3. I can’t stress enough how terrible of a stand up this guy was at stand up . It inspires me to give stand up a shot . Tom segura legit made a 30 second appearance and was great Rated 2.5/5 Stars • Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/14/20 Full Review Read all reviews