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Reality Bites
(1994)

 
Ben Stiller
Star, Director

Andy Dick

Winona Ryder, Janeane Garofalo, Anne Meara

Stiller's directorial debut made quite an impression on Generation X when it was released in 1994.

The movie features Winona Ryder, who would appear in the Frat Pack classic, Zoolander.

Co-star and Stiller pal Janeane Garofalo would appear with on the 1997 MTV Movie Awards with Stiller and Vince Vaughn in a parody of the just-released The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

Swingers
(1996)

A nearly perfect movie, worthy of five stars. The movie is funny but also heartbreaking, touching, and uplifting as well.

This is the movie that made Vaughn a star, of course, with his charismatic portrayal of fast-talking Trent. His ability to lead others is similar to his roles in Old School and Wedding Crashers. Though not officially credited, Vince created much of the movie's lingo and catch phrases.

Jon Favreau wrote the film and brings a desperate but familiar sensibility to the heartbroken guy who just wants to do the right thing with women. Livingston is low-key and relaxed, similar to his role in Office Space.

Best Men
(1997)

One of Luke's first starring roles after Bottle Rocket, and the first collaboration with then-girlfriend Drew Barrymore (see also: Home Fries, Charlie's Angels).

The film features five friends who come together for ex-con Jesse's (Wilson) wedding to Hope (Barrymore). Along the way, the plot turns into a bank robbery and hostage picture, albiet one with heart. Andy Dick plays Teddy, a henpecked friend of Jesse.

A Night at the Roxbury
(1998)

Will's first starring movie role and the first of a series of SNL-inspired spinoffs (see also Superstar and The Ladies Man).

Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan co-star as Steve and Doug Butabi. They are club hopping brothers whose father only wants them to work in his fake plant store. Steve and Doug share one dream - to open their own nightclub. This is complicated however by the fact that they can't even get into the one club that they'd give anything to be in. Things start to look up for them when one night they get into a car accident with Richard Grieco (played by himself) who gets them into the club where they meet two "hotties", Elisa Donovan as Cambi and Gigi Rice as Vivica. Molly Shannon also stars as the goody-two shoes college girl who Steve's father wants him to marry.

I always thought the soundtrack for this movie should be an album-length version of Haddaway's "What is Love", the catchy tune that's forever linked to this movie and the SNL sketches that inspired it.

There's Something About Mary
(1998)

Ted (Stiller) was a geek in high school, who was going to go to the prom with one of the most popular girls in school, Mary (Cameron Diaz). The prom date never happened, because Ted had a very unusual accident. Thirteen years later he realizes he is still in love with Mary, so he hires a private investigator (Matt Dillon) to track her down. That investigator discovers he too may be in love with Mary, so he gives Ted some false information to keep him away from her. But soon Ted finds himself back into Mary's life,

Stiller's nice-guy character falls prey to many of the same "I'm trying to do the right thing but bad things happen to me" plot devices seen in Meet the Parents. His interrogation scene at the police station is outstanding work.

Though there are few Frat Pack connections, we certainly recommend Mary as a comedic classic.

Mystery Men
(1999)

Dark comedy that is sort of a parody of superhero films, and sort of an homage. Thus, it is the "least" of both worlds. Still, there are a few laughs and Frat Pack fans will be pleased to know that Ben Stiller provides most of them.

Stiller, Azaria, and William H. Macy are the central characters and get the most screen time. Garofalo is quite good in the largest supporting role as well. Lange makes a brief appearance as the leader of a crime gang.

If you're really into comics this might rate a bit higher but we're not so we only rate it at two stars.

The Independent
(2000)

The movie is a "mockumentary" featuring Jerry Stiller who plays the "ultimate" independent film producer, Morty Fineman. Stiller is featured in nearly every scene, though Garofalo received good notices for her performance.

The highlight of the movie is seeing all the fake schlock cinema clips and titles. One of these includes Ben Stiller in a cameo.

Mission: Improbable
(2000)

The recommendation is for Mission: Improbable, a short feature shown on the MTV Movie Awards and also available on the Mission: Impossible 2 DVD.

Stiller plays stuntman "Tom Crooze" and the film features Tom Cruise and John Woo who are both outstanding. This "mockumentary" shows off Stiller's killer impression of Cruise and looks like a real DVD featurette.

The feature was directed by Joel Gallen who worked with Stiller on his Derek Zoolander featurettes for VH-1. Those featurettes would form the basis for the Zoolander movie.

View MP4 version of Mission: Improbable

 

High Fidelity
(2000)

Black is a key highlight as an employee in this emo-esque romantic comedy set in John Cusack's record store. We love the "top 5" lists, and Black's energetic performance of "Let's Get it On." This was Jack Black's breakthrough performance and he was nominated for an American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Actor.

Unfortunately, there isn't as much Jack Black as we'd like and most of Cusack's objects of affection aren't very appealing, making the plot frustrating.

Look for Tim Robbins in a hilarious cameo.

Shanghai Noon
(2000)

A 19th century Western. Chon Wang (Chan) is a clumsy Imperial Guard to the Emperor of China. When Princess Pei Pei is kidnapped from the Forbidden City, Wang feels personally responsible and insists on joining the guards sent to rescue the Princess, who has been whisked away to the United States. In Nevada and hot on the trail of the kidnappers, Wang is separated from the group and soon finds himself an unlikely partner with Roy O'Bannon (Wilson), a small time robber with delusions of grandeur.Together, the two forge onto one misadventure after another.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
(2001)

The comic 'Bluntman and Chronic' is based on real-life stoners Jay and Silent Bob, so when they get no profit from a big-screen adaptation they set out to wreck the movie. Will has a large supporting role as an inept Federal Wildlife Marshal.

The humor here's a bit different than traditional Frat Pack fare, but if you're a fan of Kevin Smith's films then you'll love this one that features cameos by a series of characters from his past films (including Jason Lee playing two different characters).

Boat Trip
(2002)

This movie isn't nearly as bad as the reviews would indicate. The chemistry between stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Roselyn Sanchez is actually pretty good and there are some nice laughs. But, clearly, this isn't the "thinking man's cruise comedy."

The highlights for us, of course, are the hilarious cameos by Will Ferrell and Old School chum Artie Lange playing travel agents that set the plot in motion. There's a nice punch line at the end of the scene and it is well-worth seeking out.

Bruce Almighty
(2003)

Bruce (Jim Carrey) is a down on his luck TV news reporter. In a fit of desperation he challenges God and vents that if only he had God's power, he could solve all his problems. God responds to his challenge and allows Bruce to take on his powers to prove himself. Bruce soon learns that being God is very challenging.

The movie is best remembered for Steve Carell's hilarious turn as sabotaged newscaster Evan Baxter. Carell has finished filming the sequel, Evan Almighty, due June 1, 2007.

Shanghai Knights
(2003)

When a Chinese rebel murders his estranged father and escapes to England, Chon Wang (Chan) and partner Roy O'Bannon (Wilson) make their way to London with revenge on their minds. Chon's sister, Lin, has the same idea, and uncovers a worldwide conspiracy to murder the royal family but almost no one will believe her.

The Break-Up
(2006)

Described as an "anti-romantic comedy." The Break Up is about art dealer Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary (Vaughn), who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and undermining's suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves.

Vince Vaughn noted: "Favreau's going to be in the movie playing my best friend. Vincent D'Onofrio plays my older brother. Cole Hauser plays my younger brother. John Michael Higgins, a very good actor in the movie, plays Jennifer's brother. Justin Long from Dodgeball is in the movie. Jason Bateman is in the movie." The film won two Frat Pack Earmuff Awards.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review of The Break-Up

Official Website

You, Me And Dupree
(2006)

For newlyweds Carl and Molly Peterson (Matt Dillon and Kate Hudson), life can't get any sweeter as they begin anew to settle down into married life. With a nice house and established careers in tow, nothing seems to get in their way. However, Carl is about find out just how much friendship means when Randy Dupree (Owen Wilson), his best friend has been displaced from his home and fired from his job because of attending their wedding. Taking his friend in, what Carl and Molly are about to experience is that the fine line between a few days and whatever else is after, can be a lot more than they bargained for. Especially when their friend overstays his welcome in far too many ways than he should. The film won the Frat Pack Earmuff Award for Best Catch Phrase.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review of You, Me and Dupree

Official Website

Little Miss Sunshine
(2006)

A black comedy/drama focusing on a road trip with a dysfunctional family. Carell gives a powerful but subdued performance and the rest of the cast are in top form.

Richard (Greg Kinnear) is a struggling motivational speaker whose nine-step plan proves to be his guiding principle in business and life. Sheryl (Toni Collette) is using every ounce of energy to keep her family from blowing apart. Teenage son Dwayne (Paul Dano) is a fan of Nietzsche and has taken a vow of silence. Daughter Olive (Abigail Breslin) is a beauty pageant addict and has recently placed second in a local under-10 contest. Uncle Frank (Steve Carell) is living with his sister's family because he recently attempted suicide after losing his lover, his job, and his reputation in a scandal. Then there's heroin-snorting grandpa (Alan Arkin), who's too controversial for a retirement community.

The film won three Frat Pack Earmuff Awards, including Best Picture.

Idiocracy
(2006)

Private Joe Bowers (Luke Wilson), the definition of "average American", is selected by the Pentagon to be the guinea pig for a top-secret hibernation program, set 1,000 years in the future. He discovers a society so incredibly dumbed-down that he's easily the most intelligent person alive.

Fox dumped the movie onto 130 screens, despite generally positive reviews. The movie is now available on DVD.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

School for Scoundrels
(2006)

Roger (Heder), a beleaguered New York City meter maid, is plagued by anxiety and low self-esteem. In order to overcome his feelings of inadequacy, Roger enrolls in a top-secret confidence-building class taught by the suavely underhanded Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton). Aided by his assistant, Lesher (Duncan), Dr. P uses unorthodox, often dangerous methods, but he guarantees results: Employ his techniques and you will unleash your inner lion. Surrounded by a band of misfit classmates, Roger's confidence grows and he makes his way to the head of the class, even finding the courage to ask out his longtime crush, Amanda. But Roger quickly discovers that star students have a way of catapulting Dr. P's competitive side into high gear. Soon enough, the teacher sets out to infiltrate and destroy Roger's personal and professional life. In order to show Amanda Dr. P's true colors, Roger must rally his new friends and find a way to beat the master at his own game.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

The Heartbreak Kid
(2007)

The story centers on a man (Stiller) who is convinced that he has finally met the right girl (Akerman) and marries too quickly. While on his honeymoon and in the process of discovering that his new bride is a nightmare, he meets the girl of his dreams (Michelle Monaghan). Corddry plays Stiller's best friend and Jerry Stiller is in the mix too.

This is Ben's return to R-Rated comedy and a return to working with his There's Something About Mary directors the Farrelly Brothers. The movie includes a significant amount of sex and physical comedy. Plotwise, it's sort of like a reverse Along Came Polly as it relates to the character that Ben plays.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

Dan in Real Life
(2007)

A widower (Carell) finds out the woman (Juliette Binoche) he fell in love with is his brother's (Dane Cook) girlfriend.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

Walk Hard
(2007)

Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show
(2008)

Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland chronicles the journey of Vaughn and the comedians as travel over 6,000 miles and perform 30 shows in 30 consecutive nights in cities across the nation. The documentary gives audiences a rare opportunity to experience Vaughn and his team as bring their unique styles and perspectives to regional audiences throughout Western, Southern and Midwestern states. Through rousing on-stage performances and behind-the-scenes interviews, the engaging grass roots documentary breaks down the true essence of each comedian's life altering experiences and the personal and professional challenges that will unite four comics, one movie star and legions of fans from Hollywood to the Heartland.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

Semi-Pro
(2008)

Will Ferrell
Star

Will Arnett , Rob Corddy, Andy Richter, Matt Walsh, David Koechner, Theodore Shapiro

Kristen Wiig

Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, the owner-player-coach of the fictional Flint, Mich., Tropics, a former benchwarmer from the NBA who returns to his ragtag team for a shot at redemption. Woody Harrelson and Andre Benjamin costar in the project scripted by Scot Armstrong ("Old School') and produced by Jimmy Miller (Talladega Nights). Arnett plays team announcer Lou Redwood. New Line executive VP Kent Alterman will make his directorial debut on the project.

Maura Tierney plays Harrelson's love interest. More importantly, David Koechner plays the ABA "Commish", Matt Walsh (Old School) is playing a referee, and Andy Richter plays Moon's assistant

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

Drillbit Taylor
(2008)

It’s a fairly straight-forward-sounding tale: two average kids arrive for their first year at high school, only for the local bully to beat them up as they arrive. Swearing bloody vengeance, they scour the local paper until they happen upon the man they hope will be their saviour: Wilson’s cheap-as-chips soldier of fortune. Sadly, he turns out to be the living embodiment of the maxim “you get what you pay for”…

Taylor goes undercover as a substitute teacher to protect the kids and falls for Mann who is a teacher at the school. Roberts (Talladega Nights, Anchorman) plays the kids' bullyish stepdad and Stephen Root (Dodgeball, Idiocracy) plays the principal at the school.

Read the Frat Pack Tribute's Review

Get Smart
(2008)

Remake of the 1960's TV series stars Carell as Maxwell Smart.

Joining Carell in will be Anne Hathaway as Agent 99, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as Agent 23, Terence Stamp as Siegried (a KAOS operative), and Alan Arkin as the Chief of CONTROL. Borat co-star Ken Davitian will play Shtarker. Heroes star Masi Oka is Bruce, Nate Torrence plays Lloyd, go-to funnyguy David Koechner is Agent Larabee, and Terry Crews portrays Agent 91.

Scheduled for release on June 20, 2008

Step Brothers
(2008)

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Will Ferrell
Star, Writer

John C. Reilly, Adam McKay (writer, director), Judd Apatow (producer), Seth Rogen (Cameo),

Two coddled guys live with their respective single parents. Their folks fall in love and marry, making the guys stepbrothers. Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller will produce. McKay has stated this film will definitely be R-rated. "We're not playing that PG-13 game anymore."

It has been widely reported that Seth Rogen has a cameo.

Scheduled for release on July 25, 2008.

Ye Olde Times
(2008)

?????

Star

Will Arnett, Tim Robbins, John C. Reilly

Missi Pyle