Flock of Dudes
Flock of Dudes is a 2016 American comedy film directed by Bob Castrone, centering on a group of immature lifelong friends whose slacker lifestyle is disrupted when one member's younger brother announces his engagement, forcing the protagonist to confront adulthood by "breaking up" with his buddies.[1][2] The film stars Chris D'Elia as Adam, a 30-something man-child living a carefree, irresponsible life with his three college friends, portrayed by Bryan Greenberg, Brett Gelman, and Eric André.[2] Supporting roles include Hilary Duff, Jamie Chung, Hannah Simone, and Skylar Astin, adding to the ensemble's comedic dynamic.[2] Written by Castrone alongside Brian Levin and Jason Zumwalt, the screenplay explores themes of male friendship, arrested development, and personal growth through absurd humor and relatable scenarios.[1] Released in limited theaters on September 30, 2016, by Starz Digital Media, the movie runs for 90 minutes and blends subtle wit with over-the-top antics.[1] It premiered earlier at film festivals, including the LA Film Festival in 2015, but received mixed reviews, earning a 36% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes for its uneven execution despite strong performances.[1] Audience reception was similarly divided, with a 47% score, praising the camaraderie but critiquing the predictable plot.[1] Produced by Kilburn Media, Flock of Dudes highlights the challenges of transitioning from youthful irresponsibility to mature independence in contemporary American culture.[2]Overview
Plot
Flock of Dudes follows Adam (Chris D'Elia), a 30-something immature man-child who shares a chaotic, party-filled lifestyle with his three lifelong best friends—Barrett (Bryan Greenberg), Mook (Eric André), and Howie (Brett Gelman)—in a rundown house they have long overstayed.[3] The group faces immediate crisis when they are evicted from their home due to years of neglect and reckless behavior, compounded by Adam discovering that his ex-girlfriend Katherine (Jamie Chung) is now dating a successful celebrity, highlighting their stagnant lives.[3][4] This revelation, stemming from an earlier breakup after Adam drunkenly botches a dinner with Katherine's parents, prompts Adam to confront their collective arrested development and declare a dramatic "breakup" with his friends, insisting they all must mature and pursue independent adult lives.[4][5] In the ensuing comedic chaos, the friends scatter to tackle responsibilities with predictably disastrous results: Adam attempts to reinvent himself as a serious writer while navigating a budding romance with his co-worker Beth (Hannah Simone) and dealing with his more successful younger brother David's engagement, which underscores the generational gap in maturity.[1][4] Barrett, Mook, and Howie fare no better in their solo ventures—ranging from awkward job hunts and family obligations to ill-fated romantic pursuits—leading to a series of reconciliations amid escalating mishaps that test the unbreakable bonds of their bromance.[3] External pressures, including David's wedding preparations, force intermittent reunions that expose the hollowness of their forced separations, as each man grapples with the fear of true independence.[1][6] Ultimately, Adam undergoes genuine personal growth, recognizing the value of balancing self-improvement with the irreplaceable support of his friends, leading to a heartfelt reformation of the group just in time for David's wedding, where they reaffirm their friendship while embracing incremental steps toward adulthood.[4][3] The resolution emphasizes the film's core tension between enduring male camaraderie and the necessity of individual evolution, culminating in a chaotic yet affirming celebration that blends humor with emotional resolution.[1][6]Cast
The principal cast of Flock of Dudes centers on a group of comedians portraying Adam's close-knit circle of friends, emphasizing improvisational humor through their performances. Chris D'Elia stars as Adam, the immature protagonist seeking personal growth amid his stagnant lifestyle.[7] Bryan Greenberg plays Barrett, one of Adam's loyal but slacker friends who embodies the group's aimless camaraderie. Eric André portrays Mook, the wild and unpredictable friend whose antics highlight the film's chaotic energy. Brett Gelman appears as Howie, the sarcastic and level-headed friend providing witty counterbalance to the ensemble.[8] Supporting roles expand the story's relational dynamics with familiar faces from comedy circuits. Skylar Astin takes on David, Adam's younger brother whose engagement prompts familial introspection. Hannah Simone is cast as Beth, Adam's co-worker and romantic interest. Hilary Duff plays Amanda, the fiancée of Adam's brother David. Jamie Chung plays Katherine, Adam's ex-girlfriend. Marc Maron appears as Richtman, Adam's boss who provides guidance to the protagonist. Jeff Ross features as a comedic side character adding roast-style humor. Blake Griffin cameos as himself, injecting sports celebrity flair into a party scene. Additional ensemble parts are filled by comedians including Kumail Nanjiani, Hannibal Buress, and Melissa Rauch, enhancing the film's buddy-comedy vibe with their recurring comedic appearances.[7][9] Comedians were selected for many roles to leverage their improvisational talents during filming.[7]| Actor | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chris D'Elia | Adam | Lead role |
| Bryan Greenberg | Barrett | Lead friend's role |
| Eric André | Mook | Lead friend's role |
| Brett Gelman | Howie | Lead friend's role |
| Skylar Astin | David | Supporting, brother |
| Hannah Simone | Beth (co-worker, romantic interest) | Supporting, romantic |
| Hilary Duff | Amanda (David's fiancée) | Supporting |
| Jamie Chung | Katherine (ex-girlfriend) | Supporting, romantic |
| Marc Maron | Richtman (boss) | Supporting |
| Jeff Ross | Gary (comedic side) | Supporting, comedic |
| Blake Griffin | Himself | Cameo |
| Kumail Nanjiani | Ro | Ensemble |
| Hannibal Buress | Pussy Pop | Ensemble |
| Melissa Rauch | Jamie (or Jen) | Ensemble |