Tag: Will Ferrell

Oscar Predictions: Arco

The animated futuristic fantasy Arco is out in limited fashion domestically this weekend for an Oscar qualifying run before a nationwide expansion early next year. From filmmaker Ugo Bienvenu, the Neon title premiered at Cannes in May with a voice cast including Margot Ringard Oldra, Oscar Tresanini, Swann Arlaud, and Alma Jodorowsky. The English dub’s faces behind the mic include Romy Fay, Juliano Krue Valdi, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg, and Natalie Portman (who also produces).

Critics have been consistently complimentary with 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 75 Metacritic. Those numbers should be enough for this to make the Best Animated Feature quintet where I’ve had it predicted for some time. A win narrative is trickier as it is probably behind cultural phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters and the forthcoming Zootopia 2 (which has encouraging WOM and the Disney marketing muscle). My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 1 – Will Ferrell

I’m closing out 2024 on the blog by closing out my Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time series while the legendary program’s 50th season is currently underway. It’s been a hoot coming up with this list as we celebrate a half century of often brilliant comedy.

Before he was Buddy the Elf or Ron Burgundy or Ricky Bobby or a stepbrother, Will Ferrell’s seven years in what is now the middle of SNL’s run takes top honors. The Groundlings alum came to the show during a transitional period with a mostly all-new cast. He made his mark immediately with a seemingly endless parade of bizarre and uproarious sketches. This included him yelling (there is no better comedic yeller) at his kids to “get off the shed” and an uncomfortable family dinner where he sadly but boldly proclaims his ownership of a Dodge Stratus. There’s his Evil Boss terrorizing Pierce Brosnan and Chris Parnell, his doctor who flat out lost a baby, and a commercial where he humiliates his dog. Part of Ferrell’s appeal was his everyman look combined with his off-kilter instincts. It made for an irresistible combination.

Then there’s his takes on President George W. Bush, Harry Caray, Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton, crooner Robert Goulet, Attorney General Janet Reno, and Alex Trebek, constantly suffering to the insults of Darrell Hammond’s Sean Connery. The Cheerleaders with Cheri Oteri. The Roxbury guys with Chris Kattan. His boutique employee with a tiny phone that caused Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz to lose it. There’s the post 9/11 sketch with his overly patriotic employee that provided much needed humor at that time. And More Cowbell anyone?

And that’s just scratching the surface. Ferrell’s contributions are truly remarkable and I didn’t have to think too hard for this placement.

Will Ferrell

Years on the Show: 1995-2002

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 15 – Darrell Hammond

Darrell Hammond might be the best all-around impressionist in the history of SNL and that’s why he kicks off the top 15 of my personal favorite cast members. When he left in 2009, he did so as the longest tenured performer ever at 14 seasons. The record has since been surpassed by Kenan Thompson though Hammond continues to serve as the show’s announcer. Fun fact: he filled in for long-time announcer Don Pardo when that legend fell ill. No one knew the difference.

It’s worth noting that Phil Hartman has yet to appear on this list so you can safely assume that’s still coming. Yet I would argue that Hammond’s Bill Clinton and Phil Donahue managed to edge Hartman’s. Both were brilliant takes on the POTUS and daytime talk show host. It certainly didn’t stop there with Hammond embodying Al Gore (in legendary cold opens opposite Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush), John McCain, Dick Cheney, Donald Trump, Regis Philbin, Ted Koppel, and Chris Matthews to name a few.

And then, of course, there’s his filthy Sean Connery tormenting Ferrell’s Alex Trebek on “Celebrity Jeopardy”. When it comes to impersonations, Hammond is untouchable. #14 will be up soon!

Darrell Hammond

Years on the Show: 1995-2009

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 17 – Will Forte

Will Forte wasn’t known for impressions during his eight years on SNL. In fact, his most known impression was President George W. Bush and he had the unfortunate task of following up Will Ferrell’s legendary take on the 43rd POTUS. He reportedly did not enjoy doing it.

Instead Forte is notable for one particular character while also delivering a whole series of sketches that were bizarre and often fantastic. There’s also soft-spoken and creepy political candidate Tim Calhoun, clueless ESPN host Greg Stink, and Jeff Montgomery, who uses trick-or-treat as occasion to share some disturbing news with his neighbors. Some of his sketches like “Potato Chip” and “Fart Face” have become favorites among aficionados. He costarred with Andy Samberg in the first Digital Short “Lettuce”. One of his best (and frustratingly not on YouTube) is his Coach character that motivates Peyton Manning (but not the rest of the team) during a halftime speech. It’s worth seeking out. Another highlight is Forte butchering a word in a spelling bee.

And, finally, there’s MacGruber. This brilliant take on MacGyver was a fan favorite would even spawn an underrated 2010 feature that has deservedly become a cult classic. Forte isn’t underrated on this list as he earns the spot. #16 will be up soon!

Will Forte

Years on the Show: 2002-10

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 18 – Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon was a force of nature during her six-year SNL tenure from the mid 90s to early 00s (a terrific era for the show). The Ohio native did plenty of impressions including Monica Lewinsky when that was the biggest story in the nation.

Yet it was her wholly original characters that makes her one of the greats. There is, of course, the awkward Catholic student Mary Katherine Gallagher who would eventually get her own cinematic spin-off Superstar. There’s the exuberant 50-year-old (and proud of it) Sally O’Malley and cohost of “The Dog Show” on those bizarre bits with Will Ferrell. Her cohosting gig alongside Ana Gasteyer on “Delicious Dish” is legendary. A personal favorite is Jeannie Darcy, an untalented stand-up comedian that she brought back during a recent hosting stint. Shannon, on the other hand, made the best of her considerable talents. #17 will be up soon!

Molly Shannon

Years on the Show: 1995-01

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 38 – Rachel Dratch

For my #38 entry on the Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time, let’s give it up for Rachel Dratch! The Massachusetts native came up at Second City in Chicago alongside Tina Fey before being cast on the legendary sketch show.

Appearing during one of the show’s peak eras, noteworthy impressions included Calista Flockhart and Arianna Huffington. Her upbringing came into play with Boston teen Denise while her “Love-ahs” sketches with Will Ferrell were a bizarre highlight.

Yet any SNL fan knows Dratch’s signature contribution was the brilliant Debbie Downer that resulted in one of the all-time character breaking segments in history. When it comes to characters that have stayed in the consciousness of the public, it’s way up there. #37 will be up soon!

Rachel Dratch

Years on the Show: 1999-2006

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 43 – Cheri Oteri

After her costar Ana Gasteyer came in at #44 on my top 50 SNL Cast Members list, Cheri Oteri clocks in at #43. The former Groundlings performer created some wildly memorable characters in her half decade on the program including Collette Reardon and Rita DelVecchio. There’s also well-known sketches with Will Ferrell including the low intelligence hosts of Morning Latte and, of course, the Cheerleaders.

On the impression front, Oteri’s Barbara Walters was funny enough to rival Gilda Radner’s imitation. This top 50 list has already heavily featured members from the mid 90s to early 00s and that’s no accident. It’s one of the most fruitful eras of SNL and Oteri was a key part of it. #42 will be up shortly!

Cheri Oteri

Years on the Show: 1995-2000

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 44 – Ana Gasteyer

Ana Gasteyer is next up in my Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time at #44. While she wasn’t a breakout star like some others in her timeline, Gasteyer made significant contributions in a loaded cast from the mid 90s to early 00s.

On the impression front, she shined as Martha Stewart, Celine Dion, and Joy Behar. That’s in addition to classic bits alongside Will Ferrell as the desperately trying to be hip high school musical teachers and Molly Shannon as Delicious Dish NPR hosts. #43 will be up soon!

Ana Gasteyer

Years on the Show: 1996-2002

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 50 – Chris Parnell

My Top 50 countdown of SNL cast members begins with a glue guy who was present in one of the show’s finest eras. That would be Chris Parnell. Whether rapping about Jennifer Garner or Britney Spears or rapping alongside Andy Samberg in the iconic “Lazy Sunday” short or lead singing beside a cow-belling Will Ferrell, Parnell was always a welcome presence on the show.

A utility player who would also provide hilarious moments on Tina Fey’s 30 Rock, Parnell kicks off the list and #49 is coming your way shortly!

Chris Parnell

Years on the Show: 1998-2006

If you missed my prelude mentioning cast members who just missed the cut, you can find it here:

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: A Prelude

Oscar Predictions: Despicable Me 4

The Despicable Me/Minions has been a financial force over the past decade and a half, but not so much with awards voters. Despicable Me 4 is out this Wednesday from director Chris Renaud. Vocal work is provided by Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Steve Coogan, Sofia Vergara, Chloe Fineman, and Will Ferrell.

The three direct predecessors and the two spinoff Minions titles have eaxg grossed $250 million or higher domestically since 2010. Only Despicable Me 2 generated any Oscar nods. Those were in Animated Feature and Original Song (the Pharrell smash “Happy”) and Frozen beat it out in both races (the latter with its signature tune “Let It Go”).

Part 4 of the franchise has a 63% RT rating. That’s lower than part 1 (80%) and 2 (75%) and Minions: The Rise of Gru (70%) while slightly above part 3 (58%) and Minions (56%). In short, this does appear primed to enter the series back in the Oscar mix. Lucky for it, the dollars should continue to flow. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…