Entertainment
'Delivery Man' Proves Vince Vaughn Has Taken Nice Guy Lessons From these 10 Other Amazing Comedians
Ken Scott's new comedy Delivery Man, starring comedy juggernaut Vince Vaughn, opens this weekend. The story follows David Wozniak, a low-key guy who drives a delivery truck for his family's butcher shop, who finds out he's fathered 533 children after having donated to a sperm bank more than 20 years ago.
The film has gotten mixed reviews, though the majority have been positive. Critics have lauded Vaughn's performance, many claiming it's his most subtle and thoughtful work. Wait, hang on... you mean to tell me Vince Vaughn is starring in a comedy where he's not talking a million miles a minute while yelling at people and telling dick jokes? GET OUTTA TOWN! Is Delivery Man to Vince Vaughn as Stranger Than Fiction was to Will Ferrell? It's a welcome change, however, that doesn't mean Vaughn will soon stray from his go-to lovable jerk roles.
What's perhaps more exciting about Delivery Man is Vaughn's co-stars, Chris Pratt and Bobby Moynihan. I don't know about you, but I'm thrilled to see these guys in bigger roles, and it feels like only a matter of time until they're starring in their own big comedies. And it gets better... Pratt and Moynihan are wholly likable guys on screen. Perhaps gone are the days where men in comedy have to be completely lewd, crude, and rude. Because the whole "Foul-mouthed jerk who talks about sex and poop" is, well, old. Having more sensitive men on screen is just better for everyone.
Let's take a look at the new school of funny men.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt is most certainly headed for the big leagues. His television and film career continues to grow, varying from Oscar heavy-hitters (Zero Dark Thirty and Moneyball) to animated featured (The Lego Movie). Pratt's star-making character Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation was only supposed to be a short-lived role. However Pratt's deeply lovable performance made the show's creators reconsider and make him a permanent part of Pawnee. THANK HEAVENS.
Jake Johnson
Awwww Nick Miller, Nick Miller, Nick Miller. Who'da thunk that the breakout star of a show called New Girl would be a grumpy, beardy, clad-in-plaid Chicago boy? Jake Johnson is the unlikeliest heartthrob on television, and hey, no one is complaining. His comedic timing is spot on and portrays a character who, gasp, recognizes his own man-child-ness and wants to rectify that? How refreshing!
Damon Wayans Jr.
Another New Girl-ite! Though Damon Wayans initially left the show after filming the pilot to star in the now-sadly-cancelled Happy Endings, he's back! Wayans has "Leading Man" written all over him — he's charismatic and can deliver jokes at a breakneck speed. And as recently revealed, he texted his mom while on a date with Cece because he was nervous. Yes, yes writers, keep doing things like that... and writing for guys like this.
Donald Glover
Sure, sure Donald Glover is already pretty darn famous. But heck, the guy was writing for 30 Rock at the age of 22, then went on to starring in Community, and is a bonafide hip-hop star. Hollywood needs more creatives like Glover. He injected a voice into comedy that wasn't there before. He also expresses himself freely and opens up conversations about important issues like mental health.
John Mulaney
If you haven't watched Mulaney's stand-up specials, hop on to Netflix, grab the popcorn, and get ready for your sides to ache. His new TV series Mulaney was developed for NBC, then dropped by the network. Thankfully the series was picked up by Fox. Because ya know, it's really really refreshing to watch someone so likable, and ya know, normal. John Krasinski who?
Aziz Ansari
Raise of hands if you think Aziz Ansari isn't funny. Oh, no one? That's literally no one who thinks Aziz Ansari isn't funny. His new special Buried Alive is a thought-provoking commentary on dozens of subjects including race and sexuality... and guess what...he does it without having to be offensive or shocking. HOW NICE.
Michael B. Jordan
Though Jordan is best known for his dramatic roles in Friday Night Lights and Fruitvale Station, we're super excited for his upcoming comedic role in That Awkward Moment. I want to make a bad touchdown joke here, but...too...much...perfect...smile.
Adam Pally
He co-starred with Damon Wayans Jr. in Happy Endings and oh thank heavens The Mindy Project scooped him up! Pally's comedic range is fan-freakin-tastic. From playing a semi-employed gay Jewish slacker to an uber-bro gynecologist, we have a feeling Pally is well on his way to great things. And we are so happy to have him around.
Image: Adam Pally/Happy Endings/Paramount Studios.
Matthew Gray Gubler
Gubler first grabbed our attenton in his scene-stealing role as Joseph Gordon Levitt's level-headed best friend Paul in 500 Days of Summer...or maybe you loved him as an intern in The Life Aquatic. With his big role in Criminal Minds and four films coming out in 2014, Matthew Gray Gubler is fast becoming the Comic Con fan's leading man.