The Hangover Effect

One of my favorite things about this summer's movies was seeing washed out stars making cameo comebacks in comically misplaced rolls. Lou Ferrigno and Mike Tyson both made strong showings with their bit parts in "I love you, man" and "The Hangover". It took the public person of two well known, but off the main stream personalities and put them in comedic situations with great results. Imagine, trying to pick a fight with Lou and getting put in a sleeper hold, or getting a high five from Mike Tyson for stealing a cop car ("yeah, we've all done some crazy s#it!" - ha ha ha!) It was comedy GOLD!

This is a trend I would like to see continue. To help facilitate this process, I am suggesting five can't miss light-hearted, summer comedies, with comedic cameos.

"Address Unknown"
Seth Rogan is working in a post office, but wants to make it as a comedian. He is trying to do the right thing, earning a living at his day job so he can pursue his dream at night. He has a lot of coworkers who want him to success, and whom he tests his jokes out on every day. The only problem is he works with some of the dullest, most unfunny people on the planet. Each day is a new frustration as the jokes his coworkers like bomb in front of an audience. But in between this hilarity, he has to deal with unruly customers at his counter. Enter Steven Seagal. While Seth tries to explain a joke to a coworker at another booth, Steven Seagal gets more and more impatient as he waits his turn in line. When he finds out that they are out of a certain stamp, a quietly enraged Seagal, promises to send Seth "straight to hell!" as he pummels him through the window. Hilarity ensues.

"Rate of Return"
Vince Vaughn plays a fast talking, NYC, investment banker. He is a good guy at heart, but he works for a firm that engages in questionable behavior, which he never challenges. Vince finds himself out of work when his firm goes bankrupt; they were taking by the same scam that they had been perpetrating on their customers. Now, out of work, Vince must confront his own shortcomings and what he could have done to prevent this situation. Vince goes to a bar to try to get some perspective, talking to whoever will listen. Enter Sean Penn, circa his David Kleinfeld look in "Carlito's Way". As Vince tells him his story, Sean listens politely. As the story of Vince's misdeeds are shared, Sean realizes he is one of the customers who had been bankrupted by Vince. He then goes old school and attacks Vince like he is the paparazzi, and, well, hilarity ensues.

Period Piece with Gweneth Paltrow
This is one that would actually not be a light hearted comedy, at least not intentionally. The movie would be the latest installment or a Jane Austin novel, or some other period piece, which would star Gweneth Paltrow. It would be a serious movie, with an all star cast, with one special actor: Warren Sapp. He would play a minor role in the movie - Gweneth's man servant or something. No explanation would be made how a very large African American, with a US accent, would be in 18th century England. Sapp would play the role straight, but still, it would be very, very funny. Everyone in the audience would be wondering "What is Warren Sapp doing in the movie? Is this supposed to be a comedy? What is he doing- is he going to tackle someone?" It would be hilarious!

"Love Intervention"
The always funny Jeanne Garafolo is a personal dating coach, who can't get her own love life right. She gives people advice on dating and relationships all day long, and goes home to an empty apartment and spends the night trying to figure out what is wrong with her own love life. Until, that is, she meets her dream man, who just happens to be her patient. She has to figure out a way to turn this patient into her special friend, in a comedic way. In between her planning, she has appointments with others looking for help. Enter Linda Florentina, circa her character from "The Last Seduction". She is repentant now and trying to figure out why she can't hold onto a good man once she finds one. Comedy ensues!


"School of Rock 2"
Jack Black revives his role from School or Rock, for a sequel. It is seven years since the last movie, and Jack is trying to make it producing other musical acts. Enter Sylvester Stallone circa his country music singing character in "Rinestone". He is still trying to make it as a country western singer, and he is auditioning for Jack, hoping that he can finally take him to the big time. I have no idea how the rest of the movie will play out, but hilarity will ensue.