We’re sort of due for a new generation of big-screen comedy stars. It’s been a decade or so since the Seth Rogens of the world broke out thanks to “Knocked Up,” and recent hits in that genre have mostly relied either on stars of that vintage or earlier (see Will Ferrell and co), or actors not principally, or at least exclusively, known for their comedic chops like Mark Wahlberg or Bradley Cooper.
“Joshy” won’t be the film to launch a new Frat Pack, but it’s got some of the names that might be on their way to breaking out. Hailing from “Life After Beth” director Jeff Baena, and having premiered at Sundance, it sees “Silicon Valley” lead Thomas Middleditch as the titular Joshy, whose friends throw him a party when his bachelor party should have been after he gets dumped by his fiancee.
There’s a mighty team of comedy talent in the cast, including Adam Pally (who also produced, and reteams with Middleditch after the eerily similar “Search Party”), Nick Kroll, Brett Gelman, Jenny Slate, Lauren Graham, Aubrey Plaza, and Alison Brie, plus indie helmers Alex Ross Perry and Joe Swanberg taking front-of-camera roles.
Reviews for the film, which was reportedly entirely improvised, were mixed, but we’re still keen to check it out: Lionsgate and Hulu picked it up, and are releasing it on August 12th. Watch the trailer, via First Showing, below.
