Out of the Loop (2023)

When people think of Chicago they think about Michael Jordan, Soldier Field, crime, and deep-dish pizza. It’s not often that you would come across someone that would associate the Windy City with comedy–but the reality is that Chicago was the start for many big-time comedians. Out of the Loop sees a series of Chicago comics sit down and discuss their experiences, both good and bad, with comedy in the city.

Viewers will likely have a very specific set of expectations when watching a documentary about comedians. Within that set is the expectation that the film is funny–and I don’t think that ever comes to fruition. Sitting down with a bunch of comedians should be able to make you laugh, but the reality is that the majority of the individuals showcased throughout the course of Out of the Loop are dry, incapable of entertaining during this film. The comedians in this film are direct, and while their stories, from time to time, are interesting, I’m not sure they deliver in the way that many viewers likely hoped they would when they first turned on the film.

Now, I don’t necessarily blame the comedians for all of Out of the Loop’s flaws, because I believe that a lot of its shortcomings rest on the shoulders of the direction and the score. Director Michael Alexander needs to take it upon himself to make things more interesting, find ways to appeal to viewers, and effectively showcase a series of talented individuals. A simple question and answer session doesn’t work in this situation–and it’s Alexander's job to ensure that viewers appreciate what is being said and done.

In addition to the direction being a massive struggle throughout the course of Out of the Loop, the score is far too simple. The score does not, by any means, supplement the comedians on screen, and what it actually does is create more simplicity, dulling the film and pulling it further and further from comedy. The music is quite drab actually, and I can’t seem to understand why they would pair such wonderful comedians with such a boring score, one that goes far beyond creating balance and ultimately sullies the film. As a result of the score Out of the Loop ends up being boring as well–and it never recovers.

I typically do a fair job of curbing my expectations when watching a film, regardless of my feelings prior to turning the film on–but I struggled with that throughout the course of Out of the Loop. It’s ridiculous to curb these comedians’ personalities and comedic abilities–and I was never able to get past the fact that Out of the Loop was incapable of living up to my expectations.

As a result of a series of poor decisions, Out of the Loop seriously fails to live up to expectations, and from nearly the opening moments I found myself bored and struggling to pay attention. With individuals like Hannibal Buress and Lil Rel Howry helping to lead the charge through Out of the Loop, there’s no reason the film shouldn’t be able to appeal to viewers and entertain from beginning to end, but that ends up being the case here anyway.

Directed by Michael Alexander.

Starring Bob Odenkirk, Deon Cole, Jimmy Pardo, Lance Crouther, Chris Redd, Hannibal Buress, etc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10