Real talk (and apologies in advance): If you count “Napoleon Dynamite” as a good film (and man, that film has not aged well), then how many other good movies has Jared Hess made? For me, there’s only one: the underrated “Nacho Libre,” which features a good half score by Beck (the remainder was rejected by Paramount). Hess gets points for oddball originality (“Gentlemen Broncos”), yet I was a bit puzzled when I heard Hess was up for the “Spider-Man” gig, especially after “Don Verdean” largely fell flat earlier this year at Sundance.
READ MORE: ‘Nacho Libre’ Duo Jack Black And Jared Hess Reteam For ‘Micronations’
So Hess’ upcoming action comedy “Masterminds” boasts the biggest cast of his career —including Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis— but it looks about as comedically relevant as any of the recent Farrelly brothers films. Which is to say: not at all. But hey, I could be wrong, and a new trailer has arrived so you can judge for yourself. Here’s the official synopsis:
In this action comedy inspired by true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of other people’s money with no escape in sight. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious work crush Kelly Campbell (Kristen Wiig) who soon lures him into the scheme of a lifetime. Along with a group of half-brained criminals led by Steve Chambers (Owen Wilson) and an absurdly faulted heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes off with $17 million in cash…only problem is he foolishly hands the money over to this wild group of double crossers and has been set up to take the fall. With the bandits blowing the millions on lavish and ridiculous luxuries, they leave behind a glaring trail of evidence. Now on the lam and in over his head, David must dodge the authorities, evade a hilarious hit man, Mike McKinney (Jason Sudeikis), and try to turn the tables on the ones he trusted most.
“Masterminds” co-stars Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones (both are in the upcoming “Ghostbusters”), Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Ken Marino and Devin Ratray and is due in theaters August 19 October 9 via Relativity Media. Four new character posters have arrived, you can watch the new trailer below and let us know what you think. 7/7/15 Update: Relativity is struggling financially so in their restructuring they’ve pushed the movie back two months.
