Don't Think Twice

The members of a New York improv troupe hope opportunity is about to knock when they learn the producers of a high-profile TV show are coming to one of their performances in this likeable but lightweight comedy drama. When two of the gang of six are subsequently invited to audition for the cameras, rifts threaten to destroy long-standing friendships and reopen old wounds. In keeping with the film's subject matter, writer-director and co-star Mike Birbiglia encouraged his players to improvise several scenes; a double-edged sword, as it exposes that some are more naturally gifted comedians than others (US TV chat show regular Chris Gethard fares best as the frustrated Bill). It plays like an extended episode of Friends put together by someone who's watched a lot of Woody Allen movies - although not necessarily the right ones. But the examination of ambition, loyalty, and fear of failure provides some solid laughs along the way.