Steve Carell Movies
Possessing a sort of surreal, outlandish, and childish comic persona that is only enhanced by his deceptively straight-laced appearance, comic performer Steve Carell first gained a faithful following thanks to an enduring run as a correspondent on the popular Comedy Central news satire series The Daily Show. Though Carell had been performing on the small screen in such shows as The Dana Carvey Show and Over the Top since the early '90s, it was his grating but hilariously obnoxious reports on The Daily Show that truly made him a talent to watch.A native of Concord, MA, and an alumni of Chicago's famed Second City comedy troupe, Carell gained early experience with stints at the Windy City's Goodman and Wisdom Bridge Theaters. Following his feature debut in the 1991 comedy Curly Sue, Carell made a name for himself in television as a writer/performer on The Dana Carvey Show. In the years that followed, he would frequently alternate between film and television, and he continued to do so after joining the cast of The Daily Show in 1999. Sharp-eared television viewers would recognize Carell as the voice of crime-fighter Gary (a role that he played opposite Daily Show co-star Stephen Colbert) on Saturday Night Live's popular TV Funhouse segment "The Ambiguously Gay Duo." Following roles in such little-seen features as Tomorrow Night and Suits, Carell would return to the small screen for a key supporting role in ex-Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus' short-lived sitcom Watching Ellie.
In 2003, Carell nearly stole the show from comic megastar Jim Carrey with his role as an obnoxious television newscaster in the heavenly comedy Bruce Almighty, before once again stepping into a faux television studio to portray cerebrally challenged weather forecaster Brick Tamland in the 2004 Will Ferrell vehicle Anchorman. Carell then stepped out of the newsroom and into cubicle-land for the lead in NBC's American remake of the popular British sitcom The Office, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy Series in 2005. Carell also made a brief but indelible cameo opposite Anchorman co-star Ferrell in the big-screen adaptation of Bewitched.
Carell's Anchorman colleagues also aided him in realizing his breakout role, later that same summer: the hapless innocent title character of The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Written by Carell and co-scripted and directed by Anchorman producer Judd Apatow, the raunchy-yet-sweet comedy had an inauspicious August release, yet its bawdy, adult-oriented laughs resonated with much of the same audience that made The Wedding Crashers an R-rated success story just a few weeks prior. Like Ferrell before him, Carell suddenly found himself in the enviable position of being able to pick and choose from a number of high-priced, high-profile comedic starring roles, among them the Bruce Almighty sequel Evan Almighty, as well as Get Smart, Horton Hears a Who!, and Dinner For Schmucks. Carrel would continue to pepper his resume with low-key roles as well, however, appearing in dramedies like Dan in Real Life and Crazy, Stupid, Love. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2013
Steve Carell steps into dramatic territory with this docudrama about John du Pont, the schizophrenic millionaire who infamously shot and killed his friend and Olympic Gold Medal wrestler Dave Schultz before locking himself in his mansion as police officers negotiated his surrender for two days. Moneyball's Benett Miller directs from a script by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell
- 2013
Charlie Kaufman follows up Synecdoche, New York with this showbiz satire pitting a movie director Steve Carell against an online critic (Jack Black) who lives to tear down his work. Nicolas Cage, Kevin Kline. Elizabeth Banks, Catherine Keener, and Paul Reubens round out the starring cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Jack Black, (more)
- 2008
This 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Steve Carell and features musical guest Usher. ~ Skyler Miller, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Usher, (more)
Love and reinvention -- sometimes touching, other times cringe-worthy -- are major themes in Season 5 of the acclaimed mockumentary that perfectly captures the petty agonies and daily lunacies of corporate America. The first episode sets up story arcs that resonate throughout the season. Repressed party-committee peon Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) reveals her scheming side by blackmailing Angela (Angela Kinsey), whom Phyllis witnessed having an interpersonal encounter of the illicit kind with Dwight (Rainn Wilson) at Season 4's end. But it's the coveted party-planning power Phyllis desires, not money. She later uses her newfound authority to plan a Moroccan-themed holiday fete that she promises will not be "your grandmother's Christmas party...unless of course she's from Morocco." A not-so-humbled Ryan (B.J. Novak) returns to Dunder Mifflin as a temporary replacement for new art-school student Pam (Jenna Fischer), and later participates in an ill-conceived business venture by dunderhead boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell). A relationship develops between Michael and new human-resources associate Holly (Amy Ryan), possibly the only person in the world who doesn't think he's an idiot. Interfering with the budding romance, however, is the cold corporate machine that is Dunder Mifflin -- not to mention Michael's very pregnant (and, according to Oscar, "certifiably insane") ex-girlfriend Jan (Melora Hardin). There's also a few surprises concerning the relationship between Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam, and Idris Elba has a deliciously deadpan seven-episode arc as Michael's new boss, a no-nonsense manager who makes Jan look like a softy. ~ Dianne Zoccola, Rovi
Season 4 of the acclaimed mockumentary opens with the discovery that Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) has ascended the corporate ladder from fresh-faced intern to stylishly bearded corporate chieftain. The young gun promptly exercises his authority by charging Dunder Mifflin into the digital age, an affront to technologically dull Scranton branch boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Here are the romantic "fax" of life at the office: Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) are hot, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) are not, and Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) and Angela are giving it a shot. A giddy Jam (Jim/Pam) proudly bring their hushed and long-delayed romance to public light, even spending an unsettling night at the Schrute family farm. Dwight confesses to killing Angela's treasured cat Sprinkles, prompting Angela to terminate their romance, which leaves tight Dwight heartbroken and miserable. Angela, in turn, falls into the arms of newest staffer Andy, but only reluctantly. As for Michael, he huffs and puffs through a 5K fun run; hopes to attend a Web-site launch party in the Big Apple; faces a ballooning personal debt; goes on a wilderness survival retreat; butts heads with desk jockey Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker); and travels a bumpy-road romance with high-maintenance ex-bigwig Jan Levinson (Melora Hardin), who's mired in a messy wrongful-termination lawsuit with corporate. All this doesn't stop Michael from obsessing over a model in an office-supply catalog or clubbing for "hot hotties" with Ryan in New York. As the year winds down, slumping human-resources drone Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein) decides to quit his post and move to Costa Rica. This development prompts the arrival of a new HR worker named Holly (Amy Ryan), whose sunny presence clearly begins to brighten Michael's downcast world. ~ Dean Maurer, Rovi
As Season 3 of The Office gets underway, Pam (Jenna Fischer) remains unable to express her feelings for Jim (John Krasinski) after the pair recently shared a kiss and now Jim has taken a promotion that means transferring to Connecticut. Michael (Steve Carell) has discovered that Oscar (Oscar Nunez) is gay, and has enlisted the aid of Dwight (Rainn Wilson) in determining who else in the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin might be homosexual. Despite the fact that Pam called off her wedding to Roy (David Denman), her ex-fiancé is determined to win her back. Later, Michael holds a special meeting to encourage others who may be gay to openly express their sexuality. In a misguided effort to sincerely express that he believes there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, Michael attempts to kiss Oscar, who is clearly uncomfortable, on the lips. After that incident, Jan (Melora Hardin) attempts to get Oscar to sign a document saying he will not sue Dunder Mifflin. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
The American TV version of the award-winning British sitcom The Office opens by establishing its faux documentary format, as Michael Scott (Steve Carell), regional manager of a branch office of Dunder-Mifflin Paper, jumps through hoops to convince the filmmakers that he presides over a happy, well-running ship. This is but one of Michael's many pathetic self-delusions: he also thinks he's the epitome of "cool," he's convinced that everything he says is a laugh riot, and even worse, he actually labors under the misapprehension that he is qualified for his job. Meanwhile, Dunder Mifflin's employees inadvertently but efficiently put the lie to Michael's self-serving prevarications: sales rep Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) continually cooks up methods to undermine his hated cube-mate, the obnoxious know-it-all Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson); receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) continually deals with Michael's insensitivities and flubs; and office temp Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) acts mostly as an observer of the insanity around him. Some of the episodes in The Office's six-episode trial run carried over general plot ideas from the earlier British series, particularly the threat of wholesale downsizing that weaves through the various plots and subplots; however, only the pilot was a direct adaptation of one of the U.K. version's episodes. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, John Krasinski, (more)
It's time to clock in for Season Two of The Office, the hilarious and witty TV-mockumentary starring Steve Carell (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) in his Golden Globe Award-winning role. From sexual politics to performance reviews to email espionage, the employees at Dunder-Mifflin are there to get the job doneâ¦or not. Join earnest but clueless boss Michael Scott (Carell), Assistant to the Regional Manager Dwight (Rainn Wilson), receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer), sales rep Jim (John Krasinski), and the office temp, Ryan (B.J. Novak), as they make the daily grind a lot more laughable. Fully staffed with 22 outrageous episodes and hours of side-splitting bonus features, itâs the must-own collection that caused Time magazine to declare "Never has a lousy job been so much fun."
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, (more)
- 2005
This 2005 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Steve Carell and features musical guest Kanye West. ~ Skyler Miller, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Kanye West, (more)
- 2005
The NBC sitcom The Office was based on the British comedy series of the same name, co-created by Ricky Gervais, who in the original series had also starred as David Brent, terminally disingenuous office manager of Wernham Hogg Paper Merchants (Slough Branch). The American version top-billed Steve Carell as Michael Scott, regional manager in a branch office of the Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company. Forever trying to put a "happy face" on office conditions where he worked, Michael was cursed with two fatal flaws: he thought he was funny and cool, and worse yet, he thought he was actually competent. Michael's employees included laid-back, sarcastic sales rep Jim Halpert (John Krasinski); Jim's cubicle-mate and mortal enemy, ineffectual but power-hungry Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson); engaged receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), whom Jim secretly has a crush on; and office temp Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak), who quietly observes the office hijinks from the sidelines. Filmed in a faux documentary style, The Office began its first season (actually a six-episode trial run) on March 24, 2005. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, (more)
- 2004
After completing the final cut of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, producers were left with enough deleted material to create an entire alternate film--so they did just that. Wake Up, Ron Burgundy uses alternate takes, cleverly edited pre-existing scenes, and additional voice-over narration from the stately Bill Kurtis to establish the story, then follows a completely different plot arc that was cut from the main film. Revolving around the news team's coverage of a radical terrorist group known as the Alarm Clock, Wake Up, Ron Burgundy finds Ron (Will Ferrell), Brick (Steve Carrell), Brian (Paul Rudd), and Champ (David Koechner) arriving desperately at the home of their mentor, near cannibalism in the California wilderness, and ready to kick ass in the hideout of a terrorist group. It also features appearances by comedic actors whose characters never made it into Anchorman like Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Chris Parnell of SNL, and Justin Long of Dodgeball. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi
- Starring:
- Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, (more)
- 2002
Following in the footsteps of her former Seinfeld co-stars Michael Richards and Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus starred in her own sitcom, Watching Ellie. Created by the star's husband, Brad Hall, the weekly NBC series showcased Louis-Dreyfus as Eleanor "Ellie" Riggs, a moderately successful but slightly disaster-prone L.A. nightclub singer. In some ways, this was a traditionalist sitcom, with Ellie crossing verbal swords with her irksome ex-sweetie Edgar (Steven Carell), her new musician boyfriend, Ben (Darren Boyd), and her wacky neighbor, Ingvar (Peter Stormare). There was, however, an intriguing gimmick; in the tradition of the weekly drama series 24, each episode of Watching Ellie was played out in "real time," with a clock at the corner of the screen ticking out the allotted 22 minutes (originally, Louis-Dreyfus had demanded that there be no commercial interruptions during the action, but NBC saw things differently). The series debuted February 26, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lauren Bowles, (more)
- 1998
Comedian and TV writer Louis C.K. wrote, produced, and directed this comedy about New York photo shop owner Charles (Chuck Sklar), labeled a "mean bastard" by his mailman (J.B. Smoove). After a date with nympho Lola Vagina (Heather Morgan) goes nowhere, Charles meets elderly Florence (Martha Greenhouse). Married to a gambler (Joe Dolphin), Flo hasn't heard from her son (Greg Hahn) for two decades. After her husband is killed by a pack of wild dogs, Charles and Flo marry -- but then her son returns and she also decides to adopt a gun-wielding teen named Clean (Bruce Brown). It's all too much for Charles, who decides to head back to his photo shop. Gagwriter Louis C.K. has scripted for David Letterman, Conan O'Brien (seen here in a cameo), Dana Carvey, and Chris Rock. Filmed in black-and-white with Super-16 blown up to 35mm. Shown at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chuck Sklar, Martha Greenhouse, (more)
- 2012
- R
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Steve Carell and Keira Knightley star in this apocalyptic comedy following two neighbors who set out for one last road trip after learning that a massive asteroid will wipe out all life on Earth in just three weeks. Dodge (Carell) and Penny (Knightly) are both having a very bad day. Shell-shocked after hearing that the last hope of destroying the massive asteroid on a collision course with Earth has failed, Dodge watches helplessly as his wife bounds out of their car and vanishes into the night. Later, as the now-reluctant loner ponders what to do with his remaining time on the doomed planet, sobbing waif Penny appears at his window lamenting her breakup with self-centered boyfriend Owen. When the sun rises the following morning, the two neighbors who had barely exchanged passing glances in the hallway have forged a tenuous yet very real connection. Tensions rise, however, when Dodge learns that Penny inadvertently received an inviting love letter from the ex he's always loved, and that she failed to give it to him before all of mankind was doomed to a catastrophic fate. When Dodge announces a plan to reconnect with his ex while he still has the time, guilt-ridden Penny vows to help him accomplish his goal at all costs. But the more time this mismatched pair spend on the road together, the more their journey takes on a new meaning -- one that neither could have ever seen coming, but which both sense was the way things were meant to be. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, (more)
When a one-night stand that should have stayed that way has unexpected consequences, the reluctant odd couple attempts to transform their tentative relationship into a lasting love in this conception comedy. Twenty-four-year-old entertainment journalist Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) is on the fast track to the big time, but an alcohol-fueled hookup with responsibility-shirking slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) finds her professional priorities taking a back seat to having a baby. Now, as overgrown kid Ben attempts to assume the responsibilities of fatherhood, he makes the brave decision to stand by Alison. In order to make things work between the pair, however, there's going to have to be some compromise, and when Alison and Ben decide to take a shot at love, they quickly find that building a relationship from scratch isn't nearly as easy as making a baby. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, (more)
When a pudgy, bespectacled seven-year-old, Olive (Abigail Breslin), voices her desire to take home the coveted Little Miss Sunshine crown at an upcoming beauty pageant, her wildly dysfunctional family sets out on an interstate road trip to ensure her a clear shot at realizing her dreams in former music video directorial team Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' quirky feature debut, starring Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, and Toni Collette. Despite early career success as an outspoken motivational speaker, family patriarch Richard (Kinnear) continues to cling to his "Refuse to Lose" philosophy, much to the chagrin of his increasingly annoyed spouse, Sheryl (Collette). Add into the mix a Nietzsche-reading teenage son (Paul Dano) who has taken a vow of silence until he finds his fate as a fighter pilot; a horny, heroin-happy grandfather (Alan Arkin) with a penchant for creative profanity; and a suicidal genius (Carell) and Proust scholar still reeling about losing both his male lover and his MacArthur Foundation genius grant -- and the stage is set for a road trip in which sanity is sure to take the back seat. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, (more)
One man nervously ventures forth into the final frontier in this comedy starring comic actor Steve Carell. Andy Stitzer (Carell) is a cheerfully geeky guy who is settling into middle age with his large collection of comic books, action figures, and collectable models. Andy works in an electronics store, and seems reasonably happy with his life. However, one day his friends and co-workers David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco), and Cal (Seth Rogen) discover that Andy has a secret -- due to his rather severe jitters around women, Andy is still a virgin. Andy's pals are appalled at this state of affairs, and set out to find a woman who'd be willing to get horizontal with him. After a number of disastrous dates, everyone thinks Andy has finally struck gold when he meets Trish (Catherine Keener), an attractive single mother who takes an immediate liking to him. What the other guys don't know is that Trish has just gotten out of a bad relationship, and has informed Andy she isn't ready to be intimate with him just yet. The 40-Year-Old Virgin was the first feature film directed by Judd Apatow, who previously served as a writer and producer for the well-regarded television shows Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, and The Larry Sanders Show. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, (more)
Down-on-his-luck Las Vegas magician Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) reunites with his old partner Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) to take on hip illusionist Steve Gray (Jim Carrey) in this comedy from prolific television director Don Scardino. Partners for 30 years, illusionists Burt and Anton made the Las Vegas Strip a magical place to be. But lately Burt and Anton's ticket sales have plummeted right alongside their once-strong partnership, allowing gritty street wizard Steve Gray (Carrey) an opportunity to steal their runic thunder. Now, in order for old dogs Burt and Anton to reclaim their rightful status as the best magicians on the Strip, they must learn some dazzling new tricks, and patch up their fractured friendship in the process. Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin, and James Gandolfini co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Sad-sack divorcée Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) finds his second wind in life after meeting a handsome young ladies' man who teaches him how to become a master of the modern dating scene. A devoted family man who married his high school sweetheart, Cal had a great house and a stable job when his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), left him to be with another man. When Emily announces that she's filing for divorce, Cal finds himself awkwardly thrust into the dating scene and begins drinking his nights away at the local pub. Just when it's starting to look as if there's no hope for Cal, confirmed bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) decides to add some much-needed excitement to the sulking, newly single father's life. Before long, Cal's rough edges have all been smoothed out; he's mastered the fine art of flirting and develops a distinct sense of style that sets him apart from the pack. But just as Cal starts to turn heads, his adolescent son, Robbie, develops a big crush on his teenage babysitter, Jessica. Unfortunately for Robbie, Jessica only has eyes for Cal. Meanwhile, Cal can't help but feel like something substantial is missing from his life, and decides that the only way to set things straight is by listening to his heart. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, (more)
This action comedy tells the tale of mild-mannered married couple Phil (Steve Carell) and Claire (Tina Fey), who fear their relationship may be falling into a stale rut. During their weekly date night, they impetuously steal a dinner reservation, which leads to a case of mistaken identity. Turns out the reservation was for a pair of thieves, and now a number of unsavory characters want Phil and Claire killed. If they can survive a wacky life-threatening night, they may just rediscover the passion missing from their marriage. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film co-stars Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, and Kristen Wiig. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Tina Fey, (more)
An ambitious executive accepts an invitation from his boss to attend a dinner party where high-powered professionals make fun of unsuspecting dimwits in this remake of Francis Veber's 1998 comedy The Dinner Game. Upwardly mobile executive Tim (Paul Rudd) has just landed his company an extremely wealthy Swiss client when his boss, Lance (Bruce Greenwood), invites him to an exclusive, yet unusually mean-spirited dinner party where each of the high-powered executives brings a guest to make fun of. Recognizing that his long-awaited promotion is finally within reach, Tim begins to have second thoughts about participating in the elaborate charade when his longtime girlfriend, Julie (Stephanie Szostak), the successful curator at a local art gallery, voices intense disdain for the idea. The following day, Tim is looking for a way out of the dinner when fate throws the perfect guest right in front of his luxury car. Barry (Steve Carell) is a sweet but dim-witted IRS agent with an unusual hobby: he creates elaborate dioramas featuring stuffed mice. His latest project is "The Last Supper," and he's just put the finishing touches on a tiny mouse Jesus to set at the center of the table. Tim knows that Barry is his ticket to a big corner office on the seventh floor, but the closer the party looms, the more he realizes that his bumbling new acquaintance isn't just an idiot, but also is a magnet for chaos. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, (more)
40-Year-Old Virgin star Steve Carell steps into the telephonic shoes of television's most beloved bumbling detective in this big-screen adaptation of the hit 1960s-era comedy series created by Mel Brooks. The evil geniuses at KAOS have hatched a diabolical plot to dominate every living man, woman, and child on the planet, and their plot gets under way as they attack the headquarters of the U.S. spy agency Control. As a result of the attack, the identity of every agent working for Control has been compromised. Realizing that the only way to thwart KAOS' evil plan is to promote eager but inexperienced Control analyst Maxwell Smart (Carell) to the rank of special agent, the Chief (Alan Arkin) reluctantly teams Smart with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway) -- a veteran super-spy whose beauty is only surpassed by her lethality. With no real field experience to speak of and nothing but sheer enthusiasm and a handful of fancy spy gadgets to help him accomplish his deadly mission, Maxwell Smart his new partner, Agent 99, will be forced to faces malevolent KAOS head Siegfried (Terence Stamp) and his loyal army of minions in a decisive fight that will determine the fate of the free world. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, David Koechner, Terry Crews, and Ken Davitian co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, (more)
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