Comedy film groups are taking over!
Lately I’ve noticed a lot of film comedy is put out by different small groups of actors. These power players of the comedic film industry mop the floor with most comedies (lately), and because of that gained large followings for any film they release. This built-in audience allows them to push the envelope harder than they might otherwise, since they know many people will see the film if they put they’re brand on it. I see these as the major comedic groups:
Broken Lizard -With four films under they’re belt, these guys have been hitting their stride ever since Super Troopers in 2001. The group is made up of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske. Chandrasekhar directs the projects, while all of the guys contribute by both writing and acting. They’re projects have included “Puddle Cruiser“, “Super Troopers“, “Club Dread“, and “Beerfest“. Next up to be released by the group is “The Babymaker“.
Happy Madison - With a whopping 17 films made, Happy Madison is an established production company started by Adam Sandler. Fellow friends/actors like Allen Covert, Nick Swardson, Peter Dante, Jonathan Loughran, Rob Schneider, David Spade and Dana Carvey have starred in the company’s movies. Notable films they’ve made have been “Mr. Deeds“, “Anger Management“, and “50 First Dates“. Upcoming is “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan“.
Apatow Productions - With 7 films released, and 13 more on the way, Apatow has burst onto the comedy scene. Actors such as Will Ferrel, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Steve Carell, Fred Willard, and David Koechner have starred in these films. They’re movies include “Anchorman“, “40 Year Old Virgin“, and “Superbad“.
