Keep This Joke Going

This isn't going to be a long-winded entry as I'm not really not motivated to write any thought pieces on hockey today, but I did watch the trailer for the new animated comedy, If, that's scheduled for a May release in North America. Directed by John Krasinski, the movie is a live-action/animated feature that stars Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming in live-action roles while Steve Carell Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Louis Gossett Jr. all have voice roles as animated characters. It looks like it could be pretty good as the movie deals with a young girl who gains the ability to see everyone's imaginary friend, but it seems the movie set might have been way too much fun based on a running joke that John Krasinski brought back.

For those who may be wondering about the lede photo, that's a scene from the John Krasinski-directed 2016 movie, The Hollars, where both John Krasinski and Randall Park starred in the film. These two actors have a bit of history together thanks to The Office TV show where Jim (John Kasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) prank Dwight (Rainn Wilson) by hiring Steve (Randall Park) to play the role of Jim. The episode aired on October 4, 2012, so let the hilarity ensue!

The elaborate pranks that the writers of The Office dreamed up were often larger than life, but this one was funny because of how over-the-top it was. Granted, I can't imagine anyone in real-life falling for a prank like this, but the comedy of this prank gets a solid pass here.

Back to the topic du jour, it seems the joke started in The Office is still being celebrated today as seen in the teaser for Paramount's If.

Honestly, this joke has to keep going at random points in the future now. While there are some who struggle to see the comedy in this bit, Krasinski and Park have done a great job in not overusing this bit, allowing it to re-enter the public realm in place one may not expect. As they say, timing is everything, and a bit done in 2012 certainly still has legs in 2024 with the release of If.

For those asking, watch for the Krasinski-directed If, released by Paramount Pictures, in theatres on May 17, 2024. If nothing else, If should be a fun movie for kids!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!