Watch The Laughter Life

The Laughter Life, released in 2018, is a insightful and humorous documentary that follows a team of comedians at Brigham Young University as they prepare for their annual sketch comedy show. This is no ordinary college-level college production with plastic props and cheap costumes. Instead, the shows involve elaborate sets, catchy original songs, and witty writing that rivals much of Main Street's professional offerings.

The movie features the BYU's show, known as Divine Comedy, which has a devoted, cult-like following among the students and alumni of the school who love the unique and sometimes provocative humor. This documentary film takes the viewers behind the scenes to show what it's like to work as a member of the Divine Comedy team, from writing and rehearsing to performing on opening night in front of a packed theater.

The documentary film is directed by Juliet Werner and features interviews with the cast and crew of Divine Comedy. The movie also follows some of the performers as they navigate life outside the show, dealing with personal struggles and relationships, and the challenges that come with being a Latter-day Saint performer in a genre where religious and cultural sensitivity is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Adam Berg, the head writer and director of Divine Comedy, is a fascinating character who leads the team with equal parts drive and sensitivity. He is determined to create content that is both hilarious and uplifting, never sacrificing one for the other. He is the creative force behind the show, and his dedication is palpable as we see him labor over jokes and writing sketches well into the night. Berg is an excellent mentor to his team and manages to create an atmosphere that is both playful and professional, fostering a positive working environment.

The documentary introduces the audience to several cast members, including Whitney Call, who recently joined the cast after moving from Los Angeles, and Craig Camp, who is one of the show's veterans. Call is a relatable and engaging performer who brings a fresh perspective to the cast. Her talent is showcased throughout the film, as we follow her auditions, rehearsal, and eventual performance. Similarly, Camp's experience and humor amuse us; the audience can't help but be impressed with the ease and conviction he performs with, even when the lines didn't go his way.

The movie succeeds as a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into bringing a cult favorite like Divine Comedy to life on stage. The film's strength lies in the sheer number of people involved from sound and lighting technicians to makeup artists and stage managers, and the documentary captures the intensity of the months-long preparation.

The documentary takes a turn, however, when it delves into the personal lives of the performers. We're introduced to Jasmyn, a cast member, who is not like the others; she's the only African-American member of the team and wrestles with what that means for herself and for the show. Additionally, we meet Thor, a fan of Divine Comedy who has fallen on tough personal times, and the movie explores the impact the show has had on his life. These moments bring depth to the movie and show how much going beyond a mere dance or song can enrich people's lives.

Given the viewer's familiarity with Divine Comedy, this movie isn't just about them; it's also about that small community's collective effort, something that challenges each trust. The film concludes with an emotional and crowd-pleasing performance of the show, and we see how all the hard work pays off both for the cast and the audience.

In conclusion, The Laughter Life is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in comedy, storytelling, and what it means to bring people together. This movie is a delightful and poignant reminder of the power that laughter, art, and friendship have to shape our lives. The film is ideal for families as well as comedy fans, students or alumns alike, and anybody looking for a glimpse of what great comedy looks and feels like.

The Laughter Life is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.