Watch Jason Stuart: Making It to the Middle

Jason Stuart: Making It to the Middle is a comedy documentary directed by Jonny McGovern and starring Jason Stuart, a comedian and actor who has been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. The film follows Stuart as he navigates the ups and downs of his career, trying to get ahead in an industry that can be notoriously difficult to break into.

The documentary is shot in a style that is part reality show, part stand-up comedy, with Stuart talking directly to the camera and also performing in front of live audiences. Through interviews with Stuart's friends, family, and colleagues, we get a sense of his journey and his struggles, as well as his successes.

The film begins with Stuart talking about his childhood, growing up as a gay Jewish kid in a mostly black neighborhood in the Bronx. He talks about how he always felt like an outsider, but also how he learned to use humor to connect with people and make them laugh. From there, we see him as a young adult, trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood. He gets a few small roles here and there, but nothing really takes off.

As Stuart gets older, he starts to focus more on stand-up comedy. Despite some early setbacks, he eventually gains a following and starts booking more gigs. One of the highlights of the documentary is a performance he gives in front of a packed house at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. Stuart is clearly nervous, but he kills it, getting huge laughs from the predominantly black audience.

Despite this success, however, Stuart still struggles to break through to the next level of fame and fortune. He talks about the difficulties of being a gay comic, trying to appeal to both LGBTQ and mainstream audiences. He also talks about the challenges of being a middle-aged man in a youth-obsessed industry. But through it all, he remains optimistic and determined, always looking for new opportunities and ways to grow as a performer.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it shows Stuart balancing his personal and professional lives. We see him interacting with his partner, Michael, and their daughter, Sarah, and it's clear that family is very important to him. At the same time, however, he's constantly on the road, performing at clubs and festivals all over the country. It's a difficult balancing act, but Stuart seems to have found a way to make it work.

Overall, Jason Stuart: Making It to the Middle is a funny, engaging, and inspiring film that will appeal to anyone who has ever pursued their dreams, no matter how daunting the odds. Stuart is a likable and relatable protagonist, and his journey is both entertaining and illuminating. Whether you're a fan of comedy, or just looking for a feel-good story about perseverance, this documentary is definitely worth checking out.

Jason Stuart: Making It to the Middle is a 2007 independent film movie with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.