[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ofW1igqta4&w=584&h=390]

Standup comedy is a lot like Hansel in 2001. But it’s a craft that requires years, if not decades of slogging through open mics, empty rooms, and an all-consuming dedication. It’s a very different life, a life that’s often only profiled when the glamour kicks in.

“I Don’t Belong Here” tells that story, and tells it rather well. The grittily, self-made documentary chronicles the story of NYC comic Bob Hansen, specifically his transition from being a top local comic in San Diego to adjusting to the open mic scene in New York City. If you’re thinking about a career in comedy, taking your act to a bigger city, or simply interested in learning about what it takes to tell jokes on stage, it’s a very solid watch.