Ryan Reynolds’ 2005 Comedy: A Cult Classic That Deserves a Second Look!

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2000s comedies often contain explicit, vulgar humor which some viewers may find offensive today, especially if they include stereotypes or prejudiced content. For instance, the 2005 film “Waiting…” featuring , is a case in point. The movie contains several outdated elements like certain jokes about homosexuality, the portrayal of cultural appropriation among the busboys, and an awkward scene where Dane Cook pretends to be a slave. It belongs to the type of ‘bro comedy’ that was prevalent during its time.

Contrary to its poor Rotten Tomatoes rating of 29%, the movie “Waiting…” might not be as awful as one would assume. The director/writer, Rob McKittrick, seems to have a keen understanding of working in the service industry, with ShenaniganZ representing a typical chain restaurant serving uninspiring food and employing young staff. While it may not delve as deeply into mocking the service industry as films like “Clerks” or “Office Space,” nor does it develop its characters as fully, there’s still an authentic emotion running through the film. So, if you haven’t seen “Waiting…” yet, give it a chance – it might surprise you with its depth.

Mitch Is a Ticking Time Bomb Throughout Waiting

In “Waiting…”, Ryan Reynold’s character Monty takes on the role of mentor for a new waiter, Mitch, portrayed by John Francis Daly. Instead of teaching him the practical aspects of working at ShenaniganZ, Monty shows him the secret tricks and mischief that staff members engage in. This includes showing him how to deal with difficult customers (by getting the cooks to rough up their food), introducing him to a cringe-worthy training video, and revealing his romantic interest in the hostess Natasha, played by Vanessa Lengies. He also allows Mitch to hang out with the kitchen staff, including Raddimus (Luis Guzmán), who shares stories about an absurd game they play where someone is tricked into walking into a room and seeing another person’s genitals.

While Mitch is honing his skills, viewers are introduced to several other employees at ShenaniganZ. T-Dog (Max Kasch) and Nick (Andy Milanakis, a briefly popular star on MTV in the 2000s) are the slacker busboys who prefer inhaling whipped cream to doing their jobs. Serena (Anna Faris), Dean (Justin Long), and his girlfriend Amy (Kaitlin Doubleday) are fellow waitstaff members. Calvin (Rob Benedict) is another server, with an unusual storyline involving a fear of urinating in public settings. There are also a couple of bartenders who receive little screen time and aren’t particularly noteworthy. The entire staff at ShenaniganZ is overseen by Dan (David Koechner), the overzealous, lecherous manager who constantly seeks respect for his position.

…is not always about specific events. It delves into the lives of characters as they work their shift at ShenaniganZ. For example, we learn that Dean has been offered the Assistant Manager role after four years with the company, leaving him to ponder if he wants to spend the rest of his career there. Meanwhile, it is disclosed that Serena and Monty had a past encounter, but it failed to satisfy Serena in some way.

Mitch, played by John Francis Daly, steals the limelight through his skillful portrayal of amused and disgusted expressions tailored to each scene. Throughout the movie, he remains silent due to his boastful coworkers drowning out any chance for him to speak. However, at the movie’s conclusion, after silently enduring their foolishness, Mitch unleashes a scathing critique during an after-work gathering. This climactic moment encapsulates what viewers have been thinking all along: these characters are self-centered and not nearly as captivating as they believe themselves to be. This final scene elevates the film from being just another typical 2000s comedy into one that demonstrates a touch of self-awareness and, surprisingly, humor.

The Rest of the Cast in Waiting Is Genuinely Likable as Well

Sure thing!

It’s possible that Ryan Reynolds is the reason some people decide to watch the movie Waiting… again. His character shares many similarities with Deadpool, such as his famous sarcasm and quick humor. Additionally, he plays an overconfident character with a good dose of self-deprecation, which made him a great antihero in the film Deadpool years later. It’s enjoyable to see these same traits on display in one of Reynolds’ earlier comedies.

In addition to Ryan Reynolds, the comedy film “Waiting…” also features other notable actors from the 2000s, including Justin Long, Dane Cook, and Anna Faris. Although the movie doesn’t develop its female characters fully, it offers a humorous moment featuring Serena (Anna Faris) making fun of Monty’s performance in bed. However, Justin Long delivers a standout performance as Dean, a relatable character that helps explain his rise to stardom. Dane Cook, who was at the height of his fame during this time, adds to the appeal for many millennials.

One notable actor in the ensemble is Rob Benedict, portraying Calvin. With the exception of a fleeting role in the underrated ’00s comedy, Benedict didn’t follow the same path as his fellow actors from the movie “Waiting…“. While they built successful careers in comedy, Benedict made notable guest appearances on shows like “Supernatural” and “Feliciity“, but he didn’t achieve the comedy career success of his peers. It’s unfortunate because Calvin’s scenes in “Waiting…” are unforgettable, making him a standout performer. He truly steals the show.

What makes “Waiting…” an enjoyable movie is its stellar ensemble, each delivering top-notch performances and exhibiting a palpable camaraderie. The actors convincingly portray the experiences of young adults stuck in unfulfilling service jobs, creating the impression that they are friends due to their shared workplace. This sense of friendship arising from work circumstances is quite common in the service industry.

Millennials Will Feel Nostalgic While Watching Waiting

Despite some parts of “Waiting… ” no longer feeling as fresh, it carries the same nostalgic allure as “Wet Hot American Summer.” The dated humor might not compare to the charm displayed by Ryan Reynolds’ witty banter or Justin Long’s youthful appeal. It may not be a groundbreaking or intellectually stimulating comedy, but watching such an endearing cast in their early careers makes it an enjoyable watch nonetheless.

Not only does the movie “Waiting…” evoke a sense of nostalgia for many viewers aged between twenty-five and forty-five, as they can relate to the peculiarities of the script from their experiences working in restaurants or the food service sector. For example, a character like Naomi (Alanna Ubach), who has been with ShenaniganZ for too long and frequently shows her frustration towards customers and colleagues, is easily identifiable. Despite her dissatisfaction with the job, she seems to be deeply invested and shows no signs of wanting to leave. This character type resonates strongly with viewers who have or are currently working in the food industry.

Rob McKittrick, the creator behind the movie “Waiting…“, spent three years working at a restaurant chain in downtown Orlando, Florida. He infused his real-life insights and personal struggles into the script, which adds an authentic touch to the comedy. This sense of reality enhances the film’s appeal, making it even more engaging. The movie has a palpable pulse, and films with such heartfelt passion are always worth exploring, despite their imperfections.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that the 2009 sequel, “Still Waiting…,” while bringing back several familiar faces, falls short compared to its predecessor. However, it’s worth mentioning that many of the cast members, particularly Ryan Reynolds, have moved on to bigger and more successful projects since then. Setting that aside, there are definitely worse ways to spend 94 minutes than catching a laugh or two with “Waiting…” It offers an enjoyable ride through the 2000s, boasting a charming cast and a sense of authenticity that is often lacking in big-studio productions.

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2025-05-31 02:51