The Jimmy Show

Although Jimmy (Frank Whaley) goes to open mic comedy night at the same dingy bar year after year, he doesn't make a single patron laugh; but that's not his goal: Jimmy does standup comedy because he can't afford therapy. However, there's no moment of catharsis here where Jimmy suddenly manages to get perspective on his failed relationship with his high school sweetheart (Carla Gugino), or his sickly grandmother, or his series of dead-end jobs. While Jimmy's miserable life is intercut with moments from his equally miserable comedy routine, his increasing rage isn't translated into either dark humor or even shocking explosions of violence--things merely become increasingly bleak. The eternally fresh-faced and amiable writer-director-star Whaley--approaching 40, but able to pass for 21--doesn't seem to care much about laughter or traditional character growth here, but he does succeed in filling The Jimmy Show with an honest aura of desperation and New Jersey blue-collar blues. A strong optional purchase. (D. Fienberg)