The Return of the R-Rated Comedy?

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Will Ferrell may be forever Elf, but the actor became the face of R-rated comedies.

1. “Classic” instead of “Old School.”

2. “Step Brothers” movie.

3. “Anchorman” film.

4. That memorable guest appearance in “Wedding Crashers.”

5. Subsequently, a group of progressive individuals, who were not yet known as the ‘woke mob,’ criticized him.

The 2015 comedy “Get Hard” faced harsh criticism from reviewers, not due to typical reasons. Instead, they criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes and jokes based on a fear or discomfort with homosexuality. Despite the film’s co-star, Kevin Hart, being black and Will Ferrell’s character often being the target of humor, these aspects were not enough to save it from this criticism.

Recently, some jokes deemed inappropriate have come under scrutiny in the cultural spotlight. Even comedians like Amy Schumer are feeling the backlash.

The comedic film titled “Snatched” faced a similar wave of criticism, yet the fact that both Amy Schumer and Will Ferrell are known for their progressive views didn’t deter this response. The relentless critics, self-proclaimed arbiters of woke comedy, remained unyielding.

Large-scale comedy movies started losing their popularity in the cultural limelight, particularly those with an R rating that portrayed men misbehaving. This includes series like “The Hangover”.

The director of that particular franchise, Todd Phillips, decided to move away from comedy projects towards “The Joker,” likely as a response to the cultural shift associated with the rise of social awareness movements.

Trying to be humorous nowadays can be challenging within the current ‘woke’ culture. In fact, many essays have been penned about why humor no longer resonates – let me explain why, in today’s climate, comedians often shy away from potentially offensive material due to a fear of upsetting people. Navigating the opinions of 30 million Twitter users can be daunting, and it’s difficult to argue with such a large audience. As a result, many comedians choose to retreat, saying ‘I quit.’ In my experience, I believe that what unites all comedy is its lack of reverence for established norms.

After spending time away from politics, a well-known property magnate resurfaced last year. It seemed as though restrictions on free speech were gradually easing. Unexpectedly, roast comedy shows experienced a resurgence.

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself delighted to see once-canceled stars making their comeback on film sets. The buzz around town was all about upcoming comedies, promising the anarchic, R-rated humor that we had grown to cherish in the past.

According to World of Reel, discussions are underway for Adam Driver to lead the cast in “Blow Up the Chat,” a humor-filled comedy reminiscent of “The Hangover” that’s generating significant attention in Tinseltown. Having an actor of Driver’s caliber attached to your project is significant. It suggests that adult-oriented comedies could be making a resurgence.

The director, Jeff Schaffer, known for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is involved in this venture. Since “Curb Your Enthusiasm” has consistently stood firm against popular political correctness trends, having him on board may prove beneficial.

And it’s not the only sign.

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Last month, comedian Nick Swardson shared with a Denver audience that he’s currently developing an adult-oriented comedy, similar to those that used to make crowds erupt with laughter. Notably, he has strong ties in the comedy world, particularly with producer/actor Allen Covert.

That “Grandma’s Boy” alum is hellbent on bringing raucous comedies back to theaters.

Currently, one of the up-and-coming comedians, Matt Rife, known for his rebellious humor, has completed filming for “Rolling Loud.” This upcoming movie is categorized as an R-rated comedy focusing on a father and son, and it takes place at a hip-hop festival.

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Comedian Theo Von has recently wrapped up his first significant comedy venture. He’ll share the screen with David Spade, a former cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” in the upcoming film titled “Busboys.” Notably, this R-rated production was independently produced and penned, allowing them to bypass getting approval from Hollywood executives throughout the process.

A movie featuring Tim Dillon is characterized as a humorous tale unfolding in a border town, leaving one to ponder about potential mishaps.

Isn’t that the point?

We’ve recently watched two R-rated comedies that seemed to suggest a comeback to an earlier, less politically correct time. “Ricky Stanicky” struggled to gain momentum initially, but it managed to recapture some of the anarchic humor. On the other hand, “No Hard Feelings” displayed its R-rated prowess effectively, but unfortunately, the climax felt surprisingly dull.

As a fan, I’m eagerly anticipating the new wave of comedies. Will they breathe fresh life into this beloved genre? Most crucially, will moviegoers flock to the cinemas to witness these new productions? If the initial releases fail to draw crowds at the box office, it would certainly convey a powerful message.

While I can’t deny that I still find myself laughing out loud when watching “Step Brothers”, it’s clear that the golden age of R-rated comedies in Hollywood is now behind us.

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2025-05-15 19:03