Photo via projector images
Formed in the United States in the late 90s, broken lizard is a distinctly styled comedy troupe known for its frequent parodies of many cinematic subgenres. The five-person company consists of Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske, all bringing their unique brand of humor. The five band members first met at Colgate University, where they began to develop their comedic skills. They founded the comedy troupe Broken Lizard after graduating and moving to New York.
Their first photo, puddle cruiser, emerged in 1996 and established the style they would employ throughout their careers: a blend of offbeat humor, sharp banter and an appreciation for the absurd. The group’s escape photo was comedy super soldiers, about a group of prankster state soldiers. The entire cast contributed to the script, which Chandrasekhar directed. The film became a surprise hit thanks to its memorable lines, quirky humor, and endearing (if dysfunctional) characters. They went out with the comedy horror dread clubwhich poked fun at slasher movies in 2004. Mixed reviews aside, it further established the band’s reputation for breaking artistic boundaries and taking creative risks.
Although Broken Lizard has not always been well received by critics, they have maintained a devoted following due to their quirky sense of humor, willingness to experiment, and true friendship on and off screen. out. Overall, the Broken Lizard works have provided audiences with a distinct humorous voice that continues to resonate and entertain, setting them apart as an outstanding comedy group in American cinema. Here is a list of their top eight movies.
8. The snapping salmon (2009)
The snapping salmon – directed by Kevin Heffernan of the Broken Lizard comedy troupe – premiered in 2009 with all the members of Broken Lizard working together on the script, as they do with all of their films. The plot follows Cleon “Slammin'” Salmon (the late Michael Clarke Duncan), a former heavyweight boxing champion, who owns a restaurant in Miami, and the story centers on a single hectic night on duty.
Waiters rush to sell, sell and cheer on quirky customers to win the prize money and dodge the punches of former boxing champion Salmon as he launches a contest to see who can win the most cash in one night. Although he does not worship super soldiers, The snapping salmon is nevertheless widely appreciated by viewers for its quirky sense of comedy, strong acting, and original take on the restaurant industry.
7. puddle cruiser (1996)
Broken Lizard debuted with puddle cruiser, a low-budget comedy-drama that follows the lives of five college friends, reflecting the real-life stories of the band members when they met at Colgate. The film, which Jay Chandrasekhar directed and the entire cast and crew wrote, is an example of the band’s early comic book style. It sets the stage for many central themes of their later work, such as friendship, absurdity and satire. The plot centers on Felix (Steve Lemme), a college student who develops feelings for Suzanne (Kayren Butler).
But when he learns that Suzanne is dating one of his rugby team mates, he is faced with a moral problem. The film puddle cruiser was partially shot at Colgate University, which helped create a real college vibe. puddle cruiser premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize at the Hamptons International Film Festival. However, the film was not widely released and remained relatively forgotten until the band rose to prominence with super soldiers.
6. The babymakers (2012)
Jay Chandrasekhar, along with the other members of Broken Lizard, directs and appears in the comedy film The babymakers as a secondary character. Although it has the comedy style of Broken Lizard, the film is not truly a Broken Lizard production as not all of the band members play significant roles and the cast did not create the script. Tommy (Paul Schneider) and Audrey (Olivia Munn) are the protagonists, and their struggle to have a child is the central conflict of the story. After several failed attempts, Tommy discovers that her sperm count is too low to conceive naturally. Following this discovery, he devises a plan to steal a deposit he made years ago from a sperm bank, resulting in a series of fun and even more desperate pranks.
Unlike typical Broken Lizard comedies, which feature a large cast, this one focuses on the main characters and their struggles with infertility. Always, The babymakers features the usual mix of crude humor and touching moments that have become the band’s trademark. The humorous style of previous Broken Lizard films is present here, thanks to director Jay Chandrasekhar. Kevin Heffernan makes a guest appearance as Tommy’s friend who aids him in his botched robbery of a sperm bank. The ridiculousness of the script and Tommy’s determination to find a solution provide comic relief.
5. dread club (2004)
The events of dread club take place at a resort town owned by Bill Paxton’s washed-up pop star character, Coconut Pete. Murders of a strange nature take place on the island, famous for its wild parties. Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske, all from the Broken Lizard ensemble, play the resort employees who, amidst growing turmoil, must figure out who committed the murder.
With its isolated setting, mysterious attacker, and collection of unintended victims, dread club is an obvious satire of the slasher genre. Broken Lizard’s signature brand of comedy takes these clichés and makes them ridiculously ridiculous. The image deftly juggles between horror and humor, keeping the audience laughing and nervous throughout. Some critics praised dread club for successfully blending horror and comedy, while others found the combination jarring. Regardless, the film has since developed a cult following among those who admire its originality of style, wit and comedy and its brilliant parody of established genres.
4. Almost (2023)
Directed by Kevin Heffernan and written by Heffernan and other members of the Broken Lizard team – including Steve Lemme, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske – Almost is a Hulu original film and a satirical take on Victor Hugo’s 1831 classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The story is set in medieval France, where Steve Lemme’s character – the hunchback Quasi, and Kevin Heffernan’s character – Duchamp, both serve as executioners. A series of events involving a papal drawing and a conflict between King Guy (Jay Chandrasekhar) and Pope Cornelius (Paul Soter) lead to Quasi’s sudden popularity and a subsequent assassination plot.
Adrianne Palicki’s Queen Catherine becomes romantically involved with Quasi, and they work together to foil the assassination plot. Among the story’s many unexpected turns are the discovery of royal blood, the formation of an unlikely alliance, and public execution. Each member of Broken Lizard plays more than one role. Paul Soter plays Pope Corneille and Lucien, Steve Lemme plays Quasi Modo and Jester, while Erik Stolhanske plays Cardinal Claude and Michel Demek. Jay Chandrasekhar plays King Guy and Blouin. Adrianne Palicki, who plays Queen Catherine, and Eugene Cordero, who plays Pascal, round out the cast.
3. Oktoberfest (2006)
Oktoberfest stars Jan (Paul Soter) and Todd (Erik Stolhanske) Wolfhouse, two brothers who travel to Germany to scatter their grandfather’s ashes at Oktoberfest. Along the way, they discover a hidden, age-old competition known as “Beerfest”, where they are quickly embarrassed by their lack of preparation and talent. Upon their return to the United States, they form a team of drinkers made up of pals with various drinking skills in preparation for the following year’s Beerfest. Landfill (Kevin Heffernan), Barry (Jay Chandrasekhar), and Fink (Steve Lemme) are the team members.
The members of Broken Lizard pointed out that the film is a fun satire of sports films and does not advocate excessive alcohol consumption despite the focus on beer and drinking games. Since its release, the picture has gained a devoted fan base and has been synonymous with other Broken Lizard hits like Super soldiers And dread club. The cast also includes notable performers, including Donald Sutherland, Will Forte and Jürgen Prochnow, known for his role as a submarine captain in The boat, a part he parodies in Oktoberfest.
2. Super Troopers 2 (2018)
Written and starring Broken Lizard comedy troupe member Jay Chandrasekhar Super Troopers 2 is a sequel to the 2001 film of the same name. The events of Super Troopers 2 take place years after the events of the original film. After a tragic incident involving actor Fred Savage, the officers involved have been removed from their duties with the Spurbury Police Department. Captain O’Hagen, the former leader of the group, organizes fishing vacations for everyone in Canada.
Upon arrival, the group learns that O’Hagen had arranged a meeting with Vermont Governor Jessman, who shares the news that a new survey indicated that the area of Canada was originally destined for the United States. She will give them all full-time jobs if they agree to re-enlist as state troopers. During their time as state troopers in Canada, they stumble upon a drug operation, get trapped by the Canadian Mounted Police, and face opposition from locals who wish to continue living in Canada.
1. super soldiers (2001)
super soldiers is a cult classic set in the made-up town of Spurbury, Vermont, right on the border with Canada. It chronicles the absurd and often hilarious activities of five state troopers as their station faces closure due to budget shortages. The members of Broken Lizard take on the role of the soldiers, who are known to play elaborate pranks on each other and the innocent drivers they arrest.
De facto chef Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar) loves syrup and claims to be high on various drugs; the stupid but good-natured rabbit (Erik Stolhanske); Hard-nosed Farva (Kevin Heffernan) – who is always trying to fit in with the rest of the team; Mac (Steve Lemme) – the joker who is always ready to “take action” and Foster (Paul Soter) – the rookie engaged in a love triangle with two police officers. The soldiers are up to their usual antics when they stumble upon a drug trafficking organization. They jump at the chance to solve the case, possibly saving their jobs.
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