Vince Vaughn's Reunion For 22-Year-Old Cult Classic In Hulu's New Sci-Fi Was A Complete "Accident" Vince Vaughn's latest sci-fi action comedy on Hulu is set to reunite him with a former co-star in an unexpected twist. Filmmaker BenDavid Grabinski, who directed and wrote the film, revealed that the reunion with Stephen Root was entirely unintentional. The movie, titled Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, premiered at SXSW and follows Vaughn's character, Nick, and James Marsden's Mike, two gangsters navigating a time machine and their shared love interest, Eiza González's Alice. During an interview with ScreenRant's Ash Crossan at SXSW, Grabinski discussed the accidental nature of the reunion. When asked if the film intentionally included a Dodgeball reunion between Vaughn and Root, Grabinski explained that the only part of the movie written specifically for an actor was Root's role. Root, a frequent collaborator, had appeared in nearly every film Grabinski had directed, including the 2021 comedy thriller Happily and a voice role in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023). Grabinski emphasized that Root's involvement was non-negotiable, even though it caused some friction with casting decisions. The 2004 cult classic Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, in which Vaughn and Root starred, remains a beloved sports comedy. It holds a 72% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as a near-acclaimed film. While the new movie's plot doesn't hinge on the reunion, Grabinski noted that the accidental connection adds a nostalgic element. The film's premise, however, centers on the characters' survival in a time-travel scenario, with Vaughn and Root's roles as secondary characters. Critics have praised Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice for its humor and energy, though some have pointed out flaws in its jokes and presentation.#sxsw #ben_david_grabinski #vince_vaughn #eiza_gonzalez #stephen_root
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice Is Time-Travel Action At Its Zaniest The film follows a chaotic night as three friends—Jimmy Boy, his enforcer Nick, and his wife Alice—find themselves entangled in a time-travel mishap. At a raucous celebration marking Jimmy Boy’s release from prison, Nick, played by Vince Vaughn, confronts his rival Mike, portrayed by James Marsden, with icy intensity. Meanwhile, Alice, played by Eiza González, tries to engage Nick in a conversation about their plans for the evening, but he’s too preoccupied with his schemes. The tension escalates when Nick, who has traveled back in time, reveals he’s trying to prevent Mike’s murder by Sosa’s assassin. The story spirals into a wild mix of action, comedy, and absurd twists as the trio navigates their fractured relationships and the consequences of time travel. Directed by BenDavid Grabinski, the film blends sci-fi and comedy in a way that feels both chaotic and deliberate. Grabinski, known for his work on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, infuses the movie with a frenetic energy that mirrors its time-travel premise. The plot centers on two Vince Vaughns—Nick and his future self—clashing over their conflicting goals, while Mike and Alice’s dynamic adds layers of humor and tension. The film’s structure is fragmented, with scenes jumping between the present, past, and future, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the characters’ confusion. Despite its convoluted setup, the movie maintains a straightforward tone, leaning into its absurdity rather than overcomplicating the narrative. The cast delivers energetic performances that anchor the film’s wild premise. Vaughn and Marsden balance dry wit with physical comedy, while González brings a sharp edge to her role as Alice.#sxsw #james_marsden #ben_david_grabinski #vince_vaughn #eiza_gonzalez
James Marsden's Sci-Fi Comedy Scores Decent Rotten Tomatoes Rating James Marsden’s latest R-rated sci-fi action-comedy has drawn attention as it prepares for its streaming debut. Early reviews highlight the film’s blend of genres and performances, with Rotten Tomatoes now reflecting its initial critical reception. The movie, titled Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, holds a 77% Tomatometer score based on 13 critic reviews, though no audience score has been released. The film runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes and is set to stream on Hulu starting March 27, 2026. Directed by BenDavid Grabinski, it was produced by Mad Chance and 20th Century Studios. The plot follows two gangsters and the woman they love as they navigate a perilous night, with a time machine adding a sci-fi twist to the narrative. The film combines elements of action, comedy, crime, and sci-fi, creating a unique mix that has sparked varied reactions from critics. Monica Castillo of Little White Lies praised the film as “hilarious and moving, thrilling and suspenseful,” calling it a standout in straight-to-streaming action fare. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com noted its “eccentric personality” but warned it rarely feels like it’s “desperately pushing a punchline for a laugh.” Other critics echoed mixed sentiments. J Hurtado of ScreenAnarchy described it as an “emotionally fulfilling rollercoaster ride” that might leave viewers “shedding a tear at the end,” while Chris Bumbray of JoBlo’s Movie Network called it “the best action-comedy I’ve seen in years.” However, Zachary Lee of TheWrap criticized the film for feeling “disjointed and shallow,” suggesting Grabinski’s direction lacks cohesion despite its “busyness and grandeur.” Abe Friedtanzer of Awards Buzz labeled it a “brainless blockbuster” that prioritizes “senseless violence over common sense.#hulu #james_marsden #ben_david_grabinski #mad_chance #20th_century_studios
