Jonathan McCoy

Jonathan McCoy’s filmography is a weirdly fun mix if you ever bother to look him up. First off, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021) is absolutely bonkers—in the best way. It’s this sun-soaked, pastel-colored fever dream of a comedy, and McCoy’s fingerprints are all over the playful, slightly surreal vibe. The movie follows two lifelong friends who leave their small Midwestern town for the first time ever and wind up in a wild adventure involving romance, espionage, and a villain with a vendetta. It’s one of those movies where you either go along for the ride or get left behind, and McCoy’s touch keeps it breezy and self-aware without getting annoying. Now, Going in Style (2017) is a different animal: it’s a heist comedy, but with the twist that the main crew are retirees played by some absolute legends. McCoy brings a warmth to the chaos—think old-school camaraderie mixed with a bit of slapstick and just enough heart to keep you rooting for these guys even when they’re bumbling through a bank robbery. It’s not all jokes; there’s a little commentary on aging and the system, but nothing too heavy-handed. Blockers (2018), meanwhile, is this raunchy, yet surprisingly sincere teen comedy where parents go to ridiculous lengths to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night. McCoy leans into the cringe and chaos, but you can tell there’s affection for both the kids and the adults. It’s sharp, it’s awkward, it’s a little over-the-top, but that’s sort of the point. Altogether, McCoy’s movies don’t take themselves too seriously, but there’s always a little heart hiding underneath the laughs.