Ryan Reynolds has charmed audiences with roles spanning action-packed blockbusters, witty comedies, and heartfelt dramas. From Deadpool’s irreverent humor to The Proposal’s romantic flair, his filmography reflects remarkable versatility. Yet one lesser-known gem stands out for its quirky take on restaurant culture- a project that blends Reynolds’ signature wit with workplace chaos. Dive into the details of this underrated comedy and discover how to stream it today.

Long before Deadpool solidified his status as a global superstar, Reynolds served up laughs in a raucous comedy about restaurant life.

The 2005 comedy Waiting..., stars Ryan Reynolds as Monty, a laid-back head waiter at Shenaniganz, a fictional chain restaurant. The film follows a single chaotic shift, blending slapstick humor with relatable workplace struggles. Co-starring Anna Faris and Justin Long, it captures the absurdity of food service through pranks, mishaps, and a bizarre staff ritual called 'The Pe--- Showing Game'.

Waiting... is not available on Netflix, despite its cult appeal. Fans can currently stream it on Peacock Premium or rent/purchase it via Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or YouTube. The movie grossed $18.6 million globally against its reported modest $3 million budget, cementing its status as a sleeper hit. Its unflinching portrayal of food service culture continues to resonate with audiences.

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Critics dismissed it, but servers embraced it. Unpack how Waiting… became an anthem for food service workers and why its legacy still sizzles.

Directed by Rob McKittrick, Waiting… drew inspiration from his real-life restaurant gigs in Florida. Filmed in New Orleans on a tight budget, the story follows Dean (Justin Long), a disillusioned waiter grappling with career envy after learning about a former classmate’s corporate success. His friend Monty (Ryan Reynolds), a prank-loving veteran server, trains nervous new hire Mitch (John Francis Daley). Over one hectic shift, the staff navigates burnt food, impatient customers, and absurd rituals, exposing the darkly comic reality of restaurant life.

Reynolds’ scene-stealing role as Monty showcased his comedic timing, foreshadowing his future success as both an actor and real-life business mogul. The film's authenticity earned a loyal fanbase, particularly among hospitality workers who related to its depiction of restaurant life. A 2009 sequel titled Still Waiting…, released direct-to-video without Reynolds’ involvement, failed to replicate its charm. Today, Waiting… endures as a time capsule of mid-2000s humor and a tribute to underpaid service staff.

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Ready to watch Waiting…? Check the streaming guide above and share your favorite Monty moment in the comments below!