Revisiting 'About Alex' & Honoring Joan Rivers: A Look Back and a Tribute Ahead

The Millennial 'Big Chill': About Alex

Released in 2014, 'About Alex' follows a familiar premise: old friends gather in the wake of a crisis. When Alex (Jason Ritter) attempts suicide, his college friends descend upon his house for a weekend of support. However, the reunion quickly exposes the cracks in their relationships and the diverging paths their lives have taken. While drawing clear parallels to 1983's 'The Big Chill,' which focused on Baby Boomers confronting lost idealism, 'About Alex' zeroes in on the specific anxieties of the millennial generation.

The film portrays the aimlessness and uncertainty often felt during the transition to adulthood. Characters grapple with unsatisfying jobs (Plaza's Sarah), relationships on life support (Nate Parker's Ben and Maggie Grace's Siri), and the weight of past emotional baggage (Max Greenfield's cynical Josh). It subtly explores how social media shapes connections, sometimes creating a facade of closeness that masks deep-seated issues. While some critics felt it didn't fully escape the shadow of its predecessor, 'About Alex' captures the unique blend of connection and distance characteristic of its time.

Honoring a Comedy Legend: Joan Rivers Tribute

Coinciding with the spotlight on 'About Alex' star Aubrey Plaza is the announcement of "Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute." Airing May 13th on NBC (and streaming uncensored on Peacock May 14th), the special brings together a powerhouse lineup of comedians and actors to celebrate Joan Rivers' enduring legacy, a decade after her death. Plaza joins Nikki Glaser, Bill Maher, Tracy Morgan, Sarah Silverman, and many others at Harlem's Apollo Theater for an evening of comedy and remembrance.

Melissa Rivers, Joan's daughter and an executive producer of the special, described it as "hilarious, unfiltered, and filled with people she respected (and roasted)," highlighting its role in recognizing Joan's trailblazing path, especially for women in comedy. The tribute aims to be a reminder of the joy and boundary-pushing humor she brought to the world.

What is 'About Alex' about?

It's a 2014 comedy-drama where college friends reunite after one attempts suicide. The weekend getaway forces them to confront unresolved issues, past rivalries, and how much they've changed since their idealistic college days.

How is 'About Alex' different from 'The Big Chill'?

While both films share the reunion-after-tragedy setup, 'About Alex' focuses on millennial concerns like quarter-life crises, social media's impact, and navigating uncertainty, whereas 'The Big Chill' explored Baby Boomers grappling with compromised ideals.

When is the Joan Rivers tribute special airing?

"Joan Rivers: A Dead Funny All-Star Tribute" airs on NBC on Tuesday, May 13th, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. An extended, uncensored version will be available on Peacock starting May 14th.

Who are some of the stars participating in the Joan Rivers tribute?

The lineup includes Aubrey Plaza, Nikki Glaser, Bill Maher, Tracy Morgan, Sarah Silverman, Rachel Brosnahan, Tiffany Haddish, Chelsea Handler, Neil Patrick Harris, Howie Mandel, Joel McHale, Patton Oswalt, Jean Smart, Rita Wilson, and Melissa Rivers.

What are your thoughts on films exploring generational shifts like 'About Alex'? Do you plan on watching the Joan Rivers tribute? Let us know!

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