With brand new British ensemble comedy Downhill set to be released on DVD this coming Monday 16th June, we pay tribute to the best ensemble casts to have graced cinema screens over the years…
Downhill (2014)
TV commercial director James Rouse’s big-screen debut Downhill tells the story of four old school friends who reunite decades later in order to complete an epic coast to coast walk across the United Kingdom. The comically incompatible foursome are led by Gordon (Richard Lumsden) and include Keith (Karl Theobald), Simon (Jeremy Swift) and Ned Dennehy’s delightful scene-stealing troublemaker Julian. As revelations are revealed, strops are thrown and feet begin to ache, this comedy not only charms, but enlightens.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
The Monty Python comedy crew, consisting of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, were directed by Terry’s Gilliam and Jones in this first of three feature-length films (followed by Life of Brian in 1979 and 1983’s The Meaning of Life). A regular placement in many polls compiling the greatest films of all time, let alone comedies, the films is comprised of wholly new material in which King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail is parodied.
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
This heist-comedy film was co-written by John Cleese, who also took lead acting duties alongside Michael Palin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as ‘weapons-man’ Otto. The film follows London-based gangsters who haplessly plot a jewel heist, despite being a bunch of double-crossers. Naturally, where hilarious chaos ensued, this comedy wormed its way into hearts of audiences worldwide.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Introducing the cinematic universe to Spaced’s powerful three Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright, this lovingly-crafted comedic homage to George A. Romero’s Living Dead trilogy is just as loved as those films they grew up watching with Romero himself vocal of his love for Shaun of the Dead. Their Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy comprised of follow-up efforts Hot Fuzz (2007) and last year’s The World’s End, with each a solid British comedy film, but it is this film which remains the firm favourite.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Anderson assembled a cast of megawatt star power for arguably his best feature to date, focusing on the various calamities falling upon the brilliant, bizarre Tenenbaum family. Following awful news about his health, Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman) decides to reunite his estranged family under one roof- including his ex-wife Etheline (Anjelica Houston) and children Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), Chas (Ben Stiller) and Richie (Luke Wilson)… the result is typical of Anderson- utterly brilliant, whimsical, touching and hilarious.
Rat Race (2001) – Directed by Jerry Zucker and written by Andy Breckman, this comedy adventure boasts an incredible cast- John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Bates, Cuba Gooding Junior and Seth Green all make an appearance. The premise is simple- a Las Vegas casino magnate sets up a race for money, leading to all manner of calamities…
Anchorman (2004)
Featuring Will Ferrells finest creation- Ron Burgundy- this ludicrous tale of a San Diego top rated newsman struggling to stay ahead of the ambitious new female anchor (Christian Applegate) is a masterclass in comedy from start to finish. Featuring stellar performances from supporting cast members, including Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd, the film set a new standard in comedy, and remains endlessly quotable.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo wrote this box-office smash comedy about a down-an-out pastry chef whose life begins to rapidly unravel after her best friend becomes engaged, and she finds herself embroiled in a rivalry with a fellow bridesmaid. The film eschewed the widely-held belief of major studios that ‘films about women won’t sell’, and went on to break box-office records. The cast all provided standout comedy performances but Melissa Mccarthy arguably stole the show as the unhinged, but fundamentally lovable Megan.
The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)
Take a small-time E4 comedy series set in a fictional town in England, move the cast Crete… and apparently you get a recipe for blockbusting success. Writers Damon Beesley and Iain Morris are perfectly attuned to the pitfalls of adolescence, and the Inbetweeners themselves: Will (Simon Bird), Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison) are in clearly in their element. After completing their final year at school together, the four head on a party holiday where misadventures follow – as well as laughs…
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) – Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola were nominated for a Best Screenplay Oscar for this charming, suitably offbeat tale of two youngsters who flee their New England town, causing a local search party to fan out to find them. Typically of an Anderson film, the cast is a who’s who of Hollywood talent, including Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton and Bill Murray, while the New England setting proves utterly apt for this funny, romantic (and admittedly, slightly warped) love story.
Downhill is released on DVD and digital platforms on 16th June 2014
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