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“You don’t worry about being liked. You have to be yourself.”
Vince Vaughn is well-known for his improvisational comedy, deadpan expressions, and quirky characters that leave audiences in stitches. Despite a rocky start in his career, Vaughn’s hard work and talent propelled him to success. Born in 1970 in Minneapolis, Vaughn’s breakthrough came with his role alongside Jon Favreau in Swingers, which led to a fruitful collaboration between the two. Vaughn credits his mother for instilling in him the belief that hard work can lead to success in any endeavor.
While Vaughn is a trailblazer in the comedy genre, he acknowledges the importance of self-doubt in his performances. He approaches acting with practicality, recognizing that his imagination is his greatest asset. Drawing from experiences close to his own, he expands and adds specific elements to create compelling characters.
Although some of Vaughn’s films have been criticized for their clichéd scripts and lack of coherence, his undeniable presence always brings humor and light to the screen. On his 51st birthday, let’s dive into some of Vaughn’s best films available on Netflix.
Vince Vaughn’s 7 Best Films on Netflix:
7. Swingers (Doug Liman, 1996)
Mike Peters, a struggling comedian, is heartbroken after his breakup with his long-term girlfriend, Michelle. His womanizing friend, Trent Walker, tries to help him move on by teaching him the art of wooing other women. However, this proves to be a challenging task for someone as caring and vulnerable as Mike.
Swingers launched Vaughn and Favreau’s careers into stardom. The film is charming and delightful, showcasing their incredible chemistry.
“You’re so money, and you don’t even know it.”
6. Couples Retreat (Peter Billingsley, 2009)
What do married couples do when their relationships hit a rough patch? They embark on a couple’s therapy retreat, dragging their friends along. Dave and Ronnie join their friends for a therapeutic getaway on Eden West Island. Throughout the retreat, they confront their own marital issues while indulging in thrilling activities.
Vaughn and Akerman portray Dave and Ronnie, a couple seemingly content. Reluctant at first, they discover their own stubbornness and work towards resolving their problems. Despite a stellar cast, the film suffers from a lack of coherence in the script, resulting in a dull and uninspiring comedy.
“I’m gonna be the biggest ass you’ve ever seen.”
5. Delivery Man (Ken Scott, 2013)
David Wozniak, a slacker working at his family’s butcher shop, leads a life of mediocrity. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that he has fathered over 500 children through sperm donations, and 142 of them want to know his identity. In an effort to make amends, he embarks on a journey to connect with his offspring and be a positive influence in their lives, all while navigating his own relationship.
Vaughn shines as the lovable and charming David, portraying the anxieties of fatherhood with authenticity. Despite Vaughn’s likability, the script falls short, failing to elicit laughter or empathy.
“Emma, I am Starbuck!”
4. Four Christmases (Seth Gordon, 2008)
Brad and Kate, a couple who dislikes spending the holidays with their divorced parents, find themselves trapped one Christmas. They end up celebrating four different Christmases with each of their parents, leading to surprising revelations about themselves and their future together.
While Vaughn and Witherspoon deliver their best performances, the film’s festive spirit is dampened by a lack of humor and an overabundance of Christmas stereotypes. Vaughn’s impeccable comic timing and overwhelming presence make the film somewhat tolerable.
“My childhood was like the Shawshank Redemption, except I didn’t have some old, warm, black man to share my story with!”
3. The Break-Up (Peyton Reed, 2006)
Gary Grobowski, a flawed and messy man, falls in love with the perfectionist Brooke Meyers. They move in together but soon find themselves at odds with each other’s interests, leading to their breakup. Their decision to continue living together as roommates reveals the complexities of their feelings and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves.
Vaughn and Aniston deliver heartfelt performances in this anti-romantic comedy. Though the film possesses quintessential elements of the genre, it falls short due to forced wackiness in the script. However, Vaughn’s and Aniston’s chemistry shines through.
“You push yourself and push yourself trying to achieve the impossible because you know what that moment comes, everything you’ve done has prepared you for victory!”
2. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (Rawson Marshall Thurber, 2004)
Peter LaFleur, the owner of Average Joe’s gym, faces losing it to White Goodman unless he can come up with $50,000. To save the gym, he enters a dodgeball tournament where the prize money could save his business. However, participating in the tournament proves to be no easy task, with numerous obstacles in their way.
Vaughn’s portrayal of Peter LaFleur, the passionate gym owner, is full of heart and passion. The film is a goofball comedy with brilliant performances from both Vaughn and Ben Stiller. They bring a thoroughly entertaining and idiosyncratic presence to the screen.
“You’re adopted, your parents don’t even love you.”
1. Wedding Crashers (David Dobkin, 2005)
Divorce mediators Jeremy and John have a unique hobby: crashing weddings to meet women. However, when they crash the wedding of the daughter of the US Secretary of the Treasury, they find themselves tempted to pursue romantic relationships with the bride’s sisters, Gloria and Claire. Unbeknownst to them, their initial motives are overshadowed by unexpected love and chaotic situations.
Wild and hilarious, the film showcases unforgettable moments shared by Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Vaughn’s performance as Jeremy garnered high praise for his deadpan eyes and sublimated misdirected intelligence, reminiscent of Bill Murray in Caddyshack.
“Grief is nature’s most powerful aphrodisiac.”
Ratingperson is your go-to source for all things Vince Vaughn. Explore his top films available on Netflix and celebrate the comedic genius on his 51st birthday!