After establishing himself by directing many of the best Will Ferrell comedies such as Step Brothers and Anchorman, writer-director Adam McKay has become an Oscar-winning filmmaker with a distinct and respected cinematic voice and style thanks to the success of The Big Short and Vice.
His upcoming Netflix film, Don't Look Up will follow two low-ranking astronauts as they go on a media tour to warn the world that a comet is about to destroy the earth. Like Adam McKay's other films, Don't Look Up will feature an all-star cast full of movie stars, prestige actors, and popular musicians who all have amassed impressive acting resumes throughout their disparate careers.
Tyler Perry In Vice (2018)
Following the success of The Big Short and its examination of the housing bubble financial crisis of 2007, director Adam McKay turned his attention to American politics with Vice. The film stars Christian Bale in one of his most villainous roles as Dick Cheney and shows how the seasoned politician was able to become one of the most powerful Vice Presidents in history.
Like The Big Short, Vice uses humor, slick editing, and fourth-wall-breaking to tell a true story in a stylized way. The film is a must-watch for those who are interested in the history of the current geopolitical landscape as well as Adam McKay fans who want to see the filmmaker cement his style. Don't Look Up will see Tyler Perry reteam with Adam McKay as the actor also appeared in Vice as Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Cate Blanchett In Ocean's Eight (2018)
Spinning off from the George Clooney Ocean's trilogy, Ocean's Eight is a comedic heist film that focuses on Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean's sister, as she puts together a crew of her own in order to steal a $150 million necklace during the Met Gala.
The movie has all the classic hallmarks of a heist film and, while it may not stray too far from the familiar formula, is filled with likable characters, humor, and enough twists to make the movie work. In Ocean's Eight, Cate Blanchett plays Lou Miller, Debbie Ocean's friend and partner in crime. The movie is essential viewing as it gives prestige actresses Anne Hathaway and Blanchett the opportunity to step outside their normal roles and have fun in this heist film. Blanchett is no stranger to heist films with starring roles in 2001's Bandits and 2014's The Monuments Men.
Leonardo DiCaprio In The Departed (2005)
The Departed is a crime thriller whose story follows the mob and police department in Boston as each simultaneously plants a mole in the other. The sprawling film challenges viewers to keep track of who is each side as it builds to an explosive ending.
The film is filled with tremendous performances from iconic actors, many of which the Academy wrongfully overlooked. Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of the best performances of his career as Billy Costigan, a policeman who goes undercover in the mob and struggles to deal with the awful things he must see and do to maintain his cover.
Jonah Hill In This Is The End (2013)
2013's This is the End is an action-comedy that follows a group of famous actors who must bunker down together in a mansion after the apocalypse happens during a house party. In the film, every actor plays a heightened version of themselves, allowing for them to poke fun at their public personas.
This is the End is a unique movie that benefits from its wild premise, an all-star cast, and some truly hilarious scenes. For fans of these actors, this is a can't miss movie as it sees them laugh at themselves and includes fun callbacks to many of their past films. Jonah Hill is one of the film's standouts, playing a pretentious and self-important version of himself. In the same year, Hill also starred in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street, which netted the actor a second Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Gina Gershon In Blockers (2018)
Blockers is a comedy that follows a group of overprotective parents as they band together and go on a hijinks-filled adventure to try to stop their teenage daughters from having sex on prom night. Meanwhile, the teens wrestle with issues of sexuality, growing up, and drifting apart as their high school careers come to a close.
The film is a heartfelt and hilarious look at the coming of age experience from both a teen and parent perspective. For fans of the genre, it is a must-watch movie that explores an added layer of growing up by providing the parent's perspective as well. Gina Gershon plays a small but memorable part in the film as Cathy, the mom of Austin.
Timothée Chalamet In Beautiful Boy (2018)
Based on a true story, Beautiful Boy is an emotional drama about the relationship between a father and son as the latter battles a drug addiction. The movie takes a unique approach by balancing the perspective of both the father and son, showing both sides of the situation.
The film effectively tells its powerful and often gutwrenching story and benefits from strong performances by the leads. Timothée Chalamet gives a stirring and sympathetic performance as Nic Sheff, capturing the nuance and complexity of the role.
Mark Rylance In The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (2020)
The Netflix original movie The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a courtroom drama that tells the true story of one of the most high-profile real trials in recent American history. The movie centers around a group of Vietnam War protesters who are put on trial and accused of inciting a riot.
The terrific ensemble cast brings this timely and important story to life. The film tells a relevant and essential story about activism, the judicial system, and law enforcement. Mark Rylance plays the pivotal role of William Kunstler, the defense attorney who is tasked with organizing and representing the group of defendants.
Meryl Streep In The Prom (2020)
Based on a Broadway musical, 2020's The Prom is a star-studded comedy about a group of fading stars who try to regain relevancy by traveling to a small town to advocate for a lesbian couple's right to attend the prom.
The Prom is a light and fun film with a message of love and inclusivity. The movie features some memorable musical numbers and a talented cast of character actors and Broadway veterans such as Andrew Rannells and Tracey Ullmann. Legendary actress Meryl Streep plays Dee Dee Allen, a self-important aging star who is trying to recapture her Tony-winning glory days. Streep has a long history of playing divas, with one of her most memorable roles as the vain and murderous Madeline Ashton in 1992's Death Becomes Her.
Kid Cudi In Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020)
The long-awaited conclusion of a trilogy, Bill & Ted Face the Music is a comedy that follows the two lovable time travelers from San Dimas as they are tasked with writing a song that unites all of humanity. To help, their daughters assemble a team of some of history's greatest musicians.
While comedy sequels, especially ones that come out years later, do not have the best track record, this movie manages to recapture much of the charm and humor that made the first two films successful. With tons of humor and a message about uniting all of humanity, the film is the perfect feel-good movie for the current time. In the film, Kid Cudi plays himself and attempts to help write the song that unites humanity, demonstrating his acting ability and comedic timing.
Jennifer Lawrence In The Beaver (2011)
The Beaver is a 2011 comedic drama about a depressed man whose wife kicks him out of the house, leading him to begin channeling his communication with his family through a therapy puppet shaped like a beaver. The film also includes a subplot about the man's teenage son falling in love with a classmate whose brother has recently passed away.
The film is certainly unique and strange, and not everything in it completely works, but the novelty of the premise and some heartfelt performances make the movie worth watching. Jennifer Lawrence plays Norah, the young woman dealing with the death of her brother. Her scenes with the late Anton Yelchin are especially compelling to watch.