While this year’s Academy Awards may not be the lightning rod moment that last year’s was, as, *ahem*, no one got slapped, it’s undoubtably one of the most feel-good ceremonies in recent memory, especially after both Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan capped off their comeback stories with a pair of Oscars of their own to take home.
It’s crazy how much things change. For instance, did you know the two of them starred in a completely bonkers comedy together back in 1992? Yep, Encino Man–the movie about the thawed-out caveman going to high school–now can say it boasts multiple Oscar winners, none of whom (for some reason) are Pauly Shore.
Sean Astin, better known as Sam from Lord of the Rings, who also starred in the film, was quick to point out the link on his Twitter.
Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan’s comeback stories are well told, but it’s still fantastic that both were basically out of Hollywood until they got their chance at a creative comeback, both knocking it out of the park and being embraced not only by the fans who always loved them, but winning scores of new ones as well.
Let’s bask in this amazing moment for the two for a minute.
What is Encino Man exactly?
But seriously, you have to check out Encino Man, because it’s one of the most hilariously ridiculous movies of the 90s: Encino Man.
Picture this: two high school slackers, Dave and Stoney, are digging a pool in Dave’s backyard when they stumble upon a block of ice. Inside, they find a caveman, frozen solid for thousands of years. What do they do? Naturally, they thaw him out with a hair dryer and a microwave, and before they know it, the caveman is alive and well, causing chaos in modern-day Encino, California.
The caveman, who they dub “Link”, becomes an instant sensation at school, with everyone wanting to be his friend. He’s a hit at parties, a natural at sports, and even manages to get the girl of Dave’s dreams to fall for him. But as you might expect, Link’s primitive ways clash with modern society, and he soon becomes the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
With Brendan Fraser as Link, the film is a ridiculous, over-the-top comedy that will leave you in stitches. It’s a true classic of the era, complete with slapstick humor, cheesy one-liners, and enough nostalgia to transport you back to a time when flannel shirts and neon colors ruled the world.
Here’s Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan‘s scene together:
Watch the full movie (before it gets taken down) here: