A middle-aged guy going nowhere and facing divorce (co-writer Will Arnett, showing fresh dramatic range) finds, quite by chance, that New York’s underground standup comedy scene may give his miserable life some needed purpose. He starts off by relating just how screwed up his life is, and through a mystic stand-up formula that no one really understands, connects with his audience.

He gains confidence and develops a self-deprecating, emotionally honest style that gains traction, and he eventually graduates from open-mic to paid gigs. Things get interesting when his estranged wife (Laura Dern) happens to catch a performance. Sparks fly. They start to talk.

Bradley Cooper (who also directed A Star Is Born and Maestro) develops his finely observed, modest story slowly and deliberately and creates a good-natured comedy-drama that is well worth watching. Kudos to Cooper for resisting schmaltz and keeping it real and grounded. Not great cinema, but it’s not trying to be. That’s refreshing.

One of the film’s major accomplishments is to remind us that Laura Dern, at 59, has still got it. In spades. Her multi-faceted performance is a revelation, and the chemistry between her and Arnett absolutely sizzles. This one sneaks up on you and will stay a while. Date movie. For adults. (121 min)