Earlier this year I tried to decide how to sum up 2000-2010. What really encapsulates the "Aught" decade? Then it dawned on me. Paul Rudd. Circling the periphery for years as an actor, he's always been good. But this past 10 years he's really cemented his place in history. He put his name in with not one of the great comedy camps but both of the two main ones (Apatow and "The State" crew).
Wet Hot American Summer 2001
Paul Rudd steals the show from a lot of funny people. Whether it is pouting because he has to pick up his lunch tray that he just threw on the ground, throwing kids out of the van into the woods or playing air guitar when magical wind is blowing on him, he's amazing.
Friends (18 episodes) 2002 - 2004
One of the few people able to get into the inner circle of the tightly knit Friends crew. He may have come on during the waning years of the show, he still introduced us to "Crap Bag and Princess Consuela Banana Hammock".
Anchorman 2004
As a friend of mine pointed out, watch Paul Rudd sitting on the news desk when they find out their number one in the ratings. It will blow your mind.
The Baxter 2005
Not a great movie, but another chance to play with The State crew. And he does get "Baxter'd".
40 Year Old Virgin 2005
Boner Jams '03. Need I say more?
Diggers 2006 (written by Ken Marino)
A chance to do some serious work in a more grounded tale. Again written by a State member.
The Ten 2007
Our narrator and guide through this hit or miss comedy about the Ten Commandments.
Reno 911: Miami 2007
He gets to try out his spanish accent as a druglord in Reno's movie.
Knocked Up 2007
Another chance to ad lib with Seth Rogen in a Judd Apatow movie. "I'd gun it up to 88 miles an hour" and "I like the way you move"
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story 2007
He almost disappears into the role of John Lennon. You really don't see the acting at all. Or they just keep saying each other's names so you know who they're supposed to be. Isn't that right, John Lennon?
Forgetting Sarah Marshall 2008
Pothead surfer in beautiful Hawaii. "When life gives you lemons I say "f##k it and bail."
Role Models 2008
A starring role and a co-writer credit. This movie is just a chance to do some funny things with kids. "Love take me down to the streets"
I Love You, Man 2009
The perfect PR double feature with Role Models. Watching a grown man try to make friends is surprisingly funny. Plus, I got to see this movie and Role Models with Paul Rudd in attendance for both screenings. JLM got to ask him a question and thankfully he had an answer.
Year One 2009
More of an extended cameo, he has one of the only bright spots in this super dull "comedy".
Dinner for Schmucks 2010
?????? Only a couple more weeks and we will see if his hitting streak continues...
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