As a cinephile with a keen eye for comedy and a heart for heartfelt moments, I find myself constantly amazed by Kevin Hart‘s versatility and ability to shine even in supporting roles. From his hilarious stint as Don in “Drillbit Taylor” to his memorable performance in the chaotic blender that is “Scary Movie 3,” and finally, his scene-stealing antics in “The Five-Year Engagement,” Hart has demonstrated time and again that he can elevate any project with his unique brand of humor.
In the realm of comedy, few stars tower quite like Kevin Hart. Born in Philadelphia, this electric stand-up comedian has risen to become one of the biggest and most successful figures in the industry. However, it was a simple start for him; his road to fame was paved with years of charming audiences with his energetic, humorous style long before he reached stardom.
People recognize him for playing the eccentrically-dressed immature character in movies such as “Ride Along” or providing the animated voice for the energetic Snowball in “The Secret Life of Pets”. From a specialist in blunders to more meaningful roles, Hart has demonstrated his versatility through numerous lively performances in both big-budget comedies and indie films. With such an extensive filmography, even the most devoted Hart fans can struggle to keep up with all the movies he’s been in.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice how films like “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” with Dwayne Johnson, continue to keep Kevin Hart in the limelight of pop culture discussions. However, there are roles that Hart has undertaken that might surprise you – and in this article, we revisit ten movies of Kevin Hart that you may have overlooked or never even watched.
10 Paper Soldiers (2002)
In “Paper Soldiers,” Kevin Hart plays the character Shawn, who is a greenhorn burglar working alongside other inexperienced crooks to make ends meet. Faced with financial troubles and the stress of being on parole, Shawn joins forces with an experienced criminal and embarks on a tumultuous journey through the realm of petty theft. He’s additionally grappling with a volatile neighbor, a high-maintenance girlfriend, and a string of failed burglaries.
Not Your Typical Crime Comedy
In my viewpoint, “Paper Soldiers” was Hart’s first venture into feature films, and it served as a brilliant platform for displaying his raw potential and comedic flair. The narrative takes you on a thrilling ride filled with blunders and tense situations, which gave him ample opportunity to bring out the humor. Directed by Damon Dash and David Daniel, this movie initially received mixed reviews but has since garnered a dedicated fanbase for its genuine portrayal of urban life. It features Beanie Sigel and Stacey Dash in pivotal roles, while Jay-Z graced us with a cameo as himself.
9 Fool’s Gold (2008)
In the novel “Fool’s Gold,” former spouse duo Ben “Finn” Finnegan and Tess find themselves on the same quest for a legendary treasure that once drove them apart: The Queen’s Dowry. Rumored to be hidden within a sunken Spanish galleon named Aurelia, this treasure has eluded many. When they stumble upon a pivotal clue, both Finn and Tess strive to persuade the affluent yacht owner, Nigel, to finance their search expedition. Their journey takes them through breathtaking Caribbean landscapes, perilous situations, and romantic entanglements.
Hart’s Comedic Villain Role
In a nutshell, the swashbuckling extravaganza, Fool’s Gold, brings together again the duo of Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson, offering a rollercoaster ride of action, laughter, and love. As they venture on their quest for treasure, they face off against an adversary, Bigg Bunny – a character skillfully portrayed by Kevin Hart, who manages to blend threat with humor. While the film was met with mixed reviews, it’s still worth watching if you’re in the mood for something fun and engaging.
8 Death at a Funeral (2010)
The 2007 movie titled Death at a Funeral is brimming with outlandish comedy and unforeseen surprises. The storyline centers around the turbulent funeral service for the family’s matriarch, Edward. His sons Aaron and Ryan are in a constant struggle to maintain order amidst blackmail, drug-induced hallucinations, and a missing corpse. As guests assemble, hidden truths come to light, transforming the somber occasion into an absurd catastrophe.
Hart Makes a Brief Cameo
In the skilled hands of director Neil LaBute, the film is skilfully transformed into an authentic portrayal that retains the spirit of the original while adding depth through a talented group of actors. The cast features Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Peter Dinklage, and several others.
In the movie, Kevin Hart plays Brian – a character who’s both anxious and clumsy, contributing to the film’s comedic chaos. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Roger Ebert found it entertaining and awarded it 3.5 out of 4 stars.
7 Soul Plane (2004)
Under the guidance of first-time feature director Jessy Terrero, Soul Plane might not be considered a quality movie, but it played a significant role in launching Kevin Hart’s career. He portrays Nashwan Wade, an ordinary individual who endures a turbulent flight. After suing the airline and winning a $100 million lawsuit, Wade decides to invest his winnings in establishing his own airline tailored to African American culture. The story primarily focuses on the inaugural journey of Wade’s innovative airline.
Surprisingly Fun to Watch
Despite not being a major hit in terms of critical acclaim or box office sales, the film “Soul Plane” found its niche with viewers thanks to its one-of-a-kind humor and vibrant characters. It further highlighted Kevin Hart’s talent for adding charm and vitality to any project he’s involved in. His portrayal of Nashwan is both laugh-out-loud funny and emotionally sincere, effortlessly blending absurd scenes with genuine moments of emotion. The movie offers a rollercoaster ride of satire, taking jabs at airline travel and cultural stereotypes in an entertaining manner.
6 The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Under Steve Carell’s leadership as Andy Stitzer, the movie “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” centers around a reserved middle-aged fellow named Andy, who is yet to have sexual experience. Andy spends his days at an electronics store, but his secret gets exposed during a poker game among colleagues. Intrigued and sympathetic, his co-workers decide to assist him in shedding his virginity. As Andy stumbles through initial romantic encounters and follows questionable advice from friends, he crosses paths with Trish, a single mom who could potentially be the perfect match for him.
Hart’s Hilarious Cameo
Judd Apatow’s first full-length directorial work emphasizes both friendship and personal growth. This film has garnered praise for its clever dialogue and powerful acting. The lead role, played by Carell, is supported by Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogen.
In a quick scene, comedian Kevin Hart pops up as a shopper at an electronics store, getting into a lively dispute with the character Jay, played by Malco. Though brief, his appearance underscores his knack for making an impact and brings a delightful twist to the film’s overall appeal.
5 Little Fockers (2010)
Little Fockers
Stands His Own Against De Niro and Stiller
In the same spirit of warmth and wit as its predecessors, Little Fockers garnered plenty of accolades for its comical scenes and talented cast. To elaborate, when paired alongside comedy legends like Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller, Kevin Hart steals the show in every scene he appears in as Nurse Louis. He brings a dash of humor to his role, and his brief but memorable performance includes engaging interactions with the main characters, creating moments that are hard to forget.
4 Laugh at My Pain (2011)
In contrast to his usual stand-up specials, “Laugh at My Pain” is more than just a comedy show; it’s a documentary that chronicles Kevin Hart’s 2011 comedy tour, which gained immense popularity across the nation. The film, funded by Hart himself, showcases Hart on stage at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and sharing intimate stories from his life. Additionally, this documentary offers a glimpse into the backstage activities during the tour and provides an insightful look at Hart’s journey, from his humble beginnings to achieving remarkable success as one of the most prominent comedians today.
Raw & Revelatory Side of Kevin Hart
Despite its trademark wit from Kevin Hart, the comedy special “Laugh at My Pain” showcases a more reflective aspect through its emotionally open narratives. Its lower profile compared to Hart’s other stand-up performances is due to its limited theater release, only being screened in under 300 cinemas.
Working with a production budget of just $750,000, the film surpassed all expectations by generating an impressive $7.7 million at the box office. In essence, this documentary not only showcases Hart’s comedic prowess but also offers a comprehensive and personal glimpse into a trailblazer who significantly impacted and molded the stand-up comedy scene.
3 Drillbit Taylor (2008)
The movie Drillbit Taylor revolves around three shy freshmen at high school who are being constantly tormented by a relentless bully. In an attempt to secure some protection, they hire a man named Drillbit Taylor, who pretends to be a martial arts expert despite being homeless. As he supposedly trains them, the boys develop a strong friendship with him and eventually summon the courage to confront their tormentor.
His Talent Is on Full Display
Under the guidance of director Steven Brill and co-producer Judd Apatow, Drillbit Taylor is a hilarious blend of comedy and growing-up stories, offering ample opportunities for touching moments. Although Hartley, Gentile, Dorfman, and Owen Wilson are the main attractions, Kevin Hart steals the show with his distinctive brand of humor as Don, a homeless companion of Drillbit’s. Hart’s performance adds to the laughter, and his interactions with the rest of the cast ensure that his character is integral to the film.
2 Scary Movie 3 (2003)
The movie “Scary Movie 3” is the third part of a comedy series that imitates and makes fun of scary movies and science fiction films from the early 2000s. This film follows Cindy Campbell, a news reporter, who accidentally finds a cursed video tape. Watching it results in death within seven days for anyone who views it. As she looks into this mystery, she discovers that crop circles on Tom Logan’s farm are linked to the video tape, leading to a chain of strange happenings.
Parodies Horror Movies With Wit
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself chuckling through the wildly entertaining chaos that is Scary Movie 3. This film masterfully intertwines physical comedy with outlandish plot twists, often poking fun at popular culture and films such as The Ring, Signs, and 8 Mile to induce fits of laughter. Kevin Hart breathes life into the character of CJ, a comical companion to George, played by Simon Rex, who finds himself in a riotously funny rap battle and various other humorous predicaments.
Despite not being the main actor, his performance stands out thanks to his exceptional comedic timing and the dynamic he created with his co-star Anthony Anderson. Additionally, his seamless integration of physical comedy was instrumental in making “Scary Movie 3” a hit at the box office.
1 The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
In this Judd Apatow production, Kevin Hart takes on a supporting role in the movie titled “The Five-Year Engagement“. This film chronicles the journey of Tom and Violet, a couple who got engaged just a year into their relationship, only to find that their wedding keeps getting delayed due to multiple life occurrences. As Tom moves with Violet to Michigan for her post-doctorate studies, he encounters difficulties in his career, and over time, they both begin questioning the future of their relationship.
Steals Scenes As Support, Yet Again
Featuring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt in the lead roles, The Five-Year Engagement is a heartwarming romantic comedy that delves deeply into the intricacies of love, dedication, and the compromises necessary to sustain a relationship. The film’s delightful acting and emotional narrative are complemented by an unexpectedly excellent soundtrack. In addition, Hart shines as Doug, a colleague of Violet’s, bringing humor to an otherwise introspective plotline.
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2024-08-22 06:02