The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Blistering performances.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Comedian Lewis Black presents a "history of the joke" while trying to find the greatest joke ever told. Many other notable comedians are consulted, and we are treated to more of a random, wandering expedition than any "history".The show is good if you want to see some of your favorite comedians explaining how difficult it is to break into the business of stand-up. And you will hear some pretty good jokes. However, if you're more of a lover of history than comedy, you will be disappointed: there is virtually no tale to tell. Occasional anecdotes about court jesters and such are used, but there's no linear story here and nothing providing any real direction.Most disappointing is the lack of comedians of the past. Any "history of the joke" should have Monty Python or Benny Hill or any other classic comedy show. But none of this is featured. Just people telling jokes. But if you like people telling jokes (and who doesn't) then you'll still enjoy this. Just don't buy it on DVD because the jokes here could easily be told for free.