Danielle Solzman
Joy Ride, the new comedy documentary from Bobcat Goldthwait, features two comedians reflecting on where they are in their lives.
This film doesn’t happen without Goldthwait and Dana Gould previously getting into a near-fatal car accident. The two comedy veterans are frenemies and here they are getting back on the road throughout the American South. It goes without saying that the film features a mix of reflection and stand-up performances. Every now and then, we’ll see clips from previous late night and morning show appearances. Ultimately, the film is rather short at 70 minutes but one should just sit down and enjoy the ride.
Joy Ride is not the kind of film that requires in-depth critique. There’s not really much more that I can say. Both Goldthwait and Gold reflect on where they are in their careers when they are not performing on stage. At the same time, we also see segments where they’re performing at a few comedy clubs. Going off of the end credits, they film at four comedy clubs. Neither of them are using their comedy performances to punch down at marginalized communities like transgender people, for instance. Remind you of anyone? Nobody should be using comedy to punch down at anyone in any situation. If you’ve been reading Bobcat Goldthwaite’s interviews for the film, you know where he stands. He’s on the right side of history but you already know my feelings when it comes to comedy.
At one point, they make jokes about Lewy Body Dementia and masturbating. This particular joke segues into memories of Robin Williams, including a clip from when Williams and Goldthwait appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live. In case you didn’t know, Goldthwait directed the late Robin Williams. That’s not the only TV clip in the film, of course.
It’s a short documentary but Joy Ride is the type of comedy film that more studios should be making.
DIRECTOR: Bobcat Goldthwait
FEATURING: Dana Gould, Bobcat Goldthwait
