Albert Brooks hasn’t directed a movie since 2005’s “Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World.”

His final solo enterprise, “2030: The Real Story of What Happened to America,” got here in e book type 12 years in the past. So seeing Brooks in Rob Reiner’s documentary is an occasion to savor earlier than the very first query is requested.

“Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” lets the outdated mates reminisce concerning the comedian’s groundbreaking work, his personal life and the way Hollywood tried, in useless, to corral his items.

Don’t count on robust questions or salacious Hollywood grime. “Life” is supposed for anybody who beloved Brooks’ comedy and desires to relive one of the crucial peculiar personalities of the twentieth century.

On that scale, it’s a roaring success.

Brooks and Reiner’s ties return to highschool when the previous was recognized by his beginning identify, Albert Einstein.

The 2 linked lengthy earlier than they discovered fame and fortune, and people early reminiscences show heat and alluring. Brooks’ recollections of his well-known father, a radio persona stricken by poor well being, recommend the guiding gentle behind his son’s comedian id.

Harry Einstein’s loss of life throughout a Friar’s membership roast is recalled with the type of bleak humor acquainted to Brooks’ greatest movies.

“Lost in America” featured a pair who misplaced all the pieces after a tragic evening at a on line casino.

We’re handled to Brooks’ appearances throughout the speak present panorama, and each time he introduced one thing recent and strange to the stage. He may strip all the way down to his underwear one second, then flip a baby’s toy right into a hilarious sketch the following.

He was daring, courageous and prepared to attempt something to make us snort. And it virtually at all times labored. One wonders if right this moment’s secure company talkers would have room for an innovator like Brooks.

“Life” options Brooks’ admirers, together with Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, David Letterman and Conan O’Brien. Different speaking heads appear added for marquee worth solely.

Why would Reiner invite disgraced anchor Brian Williams to share his ideas on Brooks? Others, like Jonah Hill and Nikki Glaser, provide glib assessments of Brooks’ work.

We do get some attention-grabbing, behind-the-scenes snippets from the artist’s profession. Studios repeatedly tried to muffle his movies, with blended outcomes. His breakout movie, 1979’s “Real Life,” practically hit theaters with out important suggestions, one thing Brooks knew in his intestine could be a horrible mistake.

That meta comedy previewed the daybreak of actuality TV and plenty of self-aware stars to return.

Years later, a studio blanched at placing out a movie with the phrase “Muslim” within the title following an Islamist assault, forcing the movie to hit theaters below an indie studio shingle.

It tanked.

Reiner’s profession decline has been each precipitous and surprising, and it’s attainable his Trump Derangement performs a task in that sorry state. The “Princess Bride” director refuses to deliver his hard-Left politics to the affair. His method is straightforward, easy and heartfelt.

That could be why Brooks permits the movie to softly invade his private life. We meet his spouse and two grown kids, and for all the comedian’s on-screen dysfunction, his household seems Norman Rockwell-esque.

Probably the most uncomfortable moments come when Brooks and Reiner focus on their moms. Each had present biz aspirations however had been restricted by maternal duties. It’s the closest the documentary involves having an edge, and it’s unattainable to not lean in and watch how the pair navigate their emotional wounds.

Brooks nonetheless works sporadically as an actor (2015’s “Concussion,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) however seems semi-retired as a comedic drive.

That’s a disgrace, however he’s left a legacy few humorists can match. It’s why “Defending My Life” is so satisfying. It’s a uncommon likelihood to relive his glory days and listen to him crack smart as soon as extra.

HiT or Miss: “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life” remembers the legendary comedian’s profession in methods that may make longtime followers grin from begin to end.