MacGruber

MacGruber, a retired yet reckless former operative, spends his days looking for the next big mission and improvising his own rules of engagement. When the notorious Dieter Von Cunth seizes a nuclear warhead and aims at Washington DC, MacGruber is recalled to active duty. The assignment puts him in a race against time as he fumbles through improvised gadgets, awkward allies, and a string of misfires that would derail any normal operation. Along the way he must reckon with a past marked by arrogance and repeatedly shaky judgment. The mission becomes a test not just of skill, but of whether he can grow up long enough to save the day. The film leans into its crazy energy with rapid punch lines and chaotic set pieces.

Directed by Jorma Taccone, MacGruber springs from a Saturday Night Live sketch into a feature length adventure. Will Forte and John Solomon co wrote the screenplay, pairing Forte with Kristen Wiig and Powers Boothe in a satirical ensemble that leans into 1980s action tropes with modern flair.

Over time the character has built a devoted cult following among fans of SNL style humor. The 2021 Peacock series revived MacGruber in new missions and formats, showing the film's lasting appeal as a witty parody of heroic masculinity and blockbuster bravado.

Critics delivered mixed reviews, with some praising the relentless energy and willingness to lean into absurdity, while others found certain gags repetitive or overlong. The movie uses parody to lampoon action cinema while letting the lead's vanity and ego drive the humor, often subverting typical hero savior arcs with goofy charm.

Awards: The film did not receive major nominations, stepping aside from the awards circuit. It has since lived mainly in home media and fan discussions as a bold but imperfect spoof that finds energy in its cast and willingness to push the boundaries of action comedy.