Standup comedian Mike Birbiglia's self-referential one-man show serves as the basis for his slight but agreeable film in which he stars as a comic named Matt Pandamiglio. Matt starts off as a hapless would-be performer in the open-mic club where he works as a bartender, but gradually achieves some success after becoming the client of an aged but aggressive agent (the hilarious Sondra James). Unfortunately, this has a negative impact on his relationship with long-suffering live-in girlfriend Abby (Lauren Ambrose). As Matt works on personalizing his material, the jokes come more and more at Abby's expense, and since he's reluctant to even consider marriage, the pair drift apart. Matt must also deal with his gruff father's constant prodding to do something with his life, although his spacey mother is more supportive of his ambitions. Added to the mix is Matt's struggle with a dangerous sleeping disorder that literally compels him to act out his dreams, with life-threatening results. Much of the film finds Birbiglia telling Pandamiglio's story directly to the audience as he drives from gig to gig, pleading for their understanding and sympathy (while the thread dealing with Matt and Abby is presented in conventional narrative fashion). Sleepwalk With Me was obviously made on a modest budget, and like its star is a mite shambling and unkempt. But Birbiglia is a likable, amusing screen presence. Recommended, overall. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director Mike Birbiglia and writer Ira Glass, a Writers Guild Foundation Q&A with Birbiglia and Glass moderated by Joss Whedon (34 min.), a “making-of” featurette (14 min.), behind-the-scenes shorts (14 min.), outtakes (4 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an entertaining film.] (F. Swietek)
Sleepwalk With Me
MPI, 81 min., PG-13, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, Dec. 18 Volume 28, Issue 1
Sleepwalk With Me
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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