Pete Davidson is enjoying quite a moment. After the funnyman recently announced his departure from SNL, it's become clear that he is redirecting his creative energy to the big screen. Davidson proved his acting chops in The King of Staten Island in 2020, appeared as Blackguard in The Suicide Squad, and now has the acclaimed slasher movie Bodies Bodies Bodies set for release on August 5, 2022.
With a dozen or so movies under his belt at this stage in his acting career and at least three more in various stages of production, it's time to see how IMDb users feel about the highs and lows of Pete Davidson's filmography to date.
The Jesus Rolls (2019) - 4.4
A misguided Big Lebowski spinoff, The Jesus Rolls continues the criminal exploits of cult-favorite bowler Jesus Quintana (John Turturo) after his release from prison. The lackluster vanity project left many scratching their head, especially since very little bowling occurs. Thankfully, Davidson enters the picture in the final reel and injects some much-needed levity as Jack, an ex-con who joins Jesus following release from prison.
Despite the excellent ensemble, most IMDb detractors note the ungodly expectations that the film faced in comparison to the Coen brothers' original that could never possibly live up to. The outnumbered supporters are quick to embrace the movie's charms by accepting it isn't a Coen brothers film and judge it on its own terms as a fun character-driven crime movie that stands alone on its own entertaining merits.
What Men Want (2019) - 5.3
Pete Davidson plays a foul-mouthed office worker in the gender-bent rom-com What Men Want. Incandescent movie star Taraji P. Henson plays Ali Davis, a female sports agent in a male-dominated industry who suddenly gains the ability to hear men's inner thoughts, which she uses for her own benefit. Davidson channels his trademark smart-alec wit as Danny, a young agent in training.
What Men Want is predominantly lambasted on IMDb in comparison to the Mel Gibson original, with perhaps the most salient commentary coming from one user who accurately insinuated that what men and women both want is a good movie. Alas, aside from Henson's appealing lead performance, most feel the movie is a limp, lifeless, and lazy retread of a much more charming affair.
Trainwreck (2015) - 6.2
Judd Apatow's Trainwreck concerns Amy (Amy Schumer), a hard-partying commitment-phobe who is forced to grow up in a hurry when she meets and falls for a genuinely decent gent in Dr. Aaron Conners (Bill Hader in one of his most iconic roles). Davidson makes a hilarious cameo as Dr. Conners' stoned patient who injured himself playing Xbox and tripping on his bong.
Although the movie was a massive critical and commercial success, many on IMDb are less impressed with the ponderous nature of the story, overlong running time, and irredeemable and somewhat unlikable lead. However, several IMDb voters defend the movie's unconventional take on formulaic rom-coms that seem tailored around Schumer's specific brand of crass humor, with Apatow once again striking comedic gold.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) - 6.4
In The Angry Birds Movie 2, the brave avian heroes from the original are back and forced to team with the pigs to prevent a massive weapon from destroying their islands. Davidson adds memorable moments of levity as Jerry, a bird who spends much of his time bickering with Carl (Zach Woods). The two actors have hilarious comedic chemistry.
A superior sequel across the board, IMDb users agree with critics that Angry Birds 2 is a more satisfying and well-made movie than its predecessor, with the overwhelming sentiment on IMDb reflecting how surprisingly improved the story beats are, how rich the characterizations become, and how the movie has the absurdity to appeal to both kids and their parents at once.
Set It Up (2018) - 6.5
Directed by Claire Scanlon, Set it Up is a Netflix workplace rom-com in which Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) attempt to relieve the corporate stress of their job by secretly arranging for their bosses to date each other. Davidson plays Charlie's sardonic roommate Duncan who serves as comic relief.
Lauded on IMDb for its combustible rapport between Deutch and Powell, lighthearted touch, easy-breezy tone, surprisingly tender story beats, and its truly romantic conclusion, Set it Up proves there's still a place for old-school rom-coms devoid of the callous cynicism too often felt in movies.
I Want You Back (2022) - 6.6
Boasting a silly high-concept premise, Jason Orley's I Want You Back finds the recently scorned Emma (Jenny Slate) and Peter (Charlie Day) joining forces to sabotage their old lovers' new romances. Davidson plays Jase, a hard-partying hipster who helps Peter loosen up a bit as he pines for his ex, Anne (Gina Rodriguez).
The general consensus on IMDb reveals that I Want You Back is surprisingly much better than most people expected, with Day, Slate, and Scott Eastwood really standing out for their comedic flair. Others are quick to single out the stellar cast for elevating an otherwise tired, cliched, and formulaic rom-com to exciting new heights. Warm, fuzzy, and full of heart, I Want You Back is viewed as a cut above most generic rom-coms.
Big Time Adolescence (2019) - 6.9
Also directed by Jason Orley, Davidson gives one of his best, meatiest, and most memorable performances in the touchingly accurate coming-of-age comedy, Big Time Adolescence. The story concerns Monroe (Griffin Gluck), a staid suburban teen whose life is wildly upended when he starts hanging out with the wayward college dropout, Zeke (Davidson).
With no shortage of effusive praise for Davidson's commandingly authentic breakout turn as the funny and sadly self-destructive Zeke, IMDb users laud the movie's lasting salient messaging about the aching growing pains of adolescence, with a profound ending shocking viewers to the core like few movies Davidson has ever been in.
The Dirt (2019) - 6.9
Despite taking a critical drubbing, IMDb fans have responded far more favorably to the Netflix biopic dramedy The Dirt, which recounts the rise of the heavy metal rock band Motley Crue. Davidson plays Tom Zutaut in the film, an executive working for Elektra Records who offers the band a five-album deal in the early 1980s.
Countless fans of Motley Crue have flocked to IMDb to voice their pleasure with the rousing crowd-rocking experience, but even those who claim to never have listened to the band's music also support the highly entertaining movie regardless if viewers happen to be fans of the band or not. Several IMDb users also note the compelling characters, pitch-perfect casting, awesome performances, and how fun the nostalgic time warp is which takes some older viewers back to the rocking '80s.
The King Of Staten Island (2020) - 7.1
In his biggest role and most convincing performance to date, Davidson proved his acting talent in Judd Apatow's highly rewatchable movie, The King of Staten Island. The story tracks Scott, a brazenly irresponsible slacker forced to grow up in a hurry when his mother starts dating a fireman and encourages him to find his own way in the world. Over time, Scott evolves to take an interest in firefighting and begins making personal progress.
Given Davidson's real-life father serving as a firefighter, there's a vulnerable authenticity to the character that goes a long way in sympathizing with Scott's plight. Raw, refreshing, and revealing a side of Davidson many fans were unaware he possessed, IMDb users heap praise on the movie's realistic tone, grounded characters, accurate depiction of 20-something arrested development, and the fully-dimensional performance Davidson gives.
The Suicide Squad (2021) - 7.2
According to IMDb, the best movie Pete Davidson has been in is James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. With an equivalent 72 Metascore, critics and fans alike agree that the story of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and her wickedly villainous cohorts marauding Corto Maltese is a chaotically anarchic good time at the movies. Davidson plays Dick Hertz, aka Blackguard, a dimwitted mercenary who is treated rudely by the Suicide Squad.
Of course, considering the David Ayer debacle, most IMDb fans compare the two versions of the film, with support found on both sides of the argument. However, most agree that Gunn has a better understanding of the story and characters and aptly injects the proper high-octane energy into the tone and tableau of the beloved DC comic.