I'm burnt out on politics for the moment. So let's go with something a little frothy.
I watch a lot of movies, but I rarely watch comedies, especially recent ones, which seem to rely solely upon sex and multiple iterations of obscenities.
But I do have a few all-time favorite comedies:
#3 The Station Agent, a bittersweet film about a misanthropic dwarf and his two dysfunctional friends.
#2 Dr. Strangelove, Stanley Kubrick's dark cold-war farce, featuring Peter Seller's epic performance in multiple roles.
#1 Best in Show, featuring a brilliant ensemble cast, obviously ad-libbing their way through a story about a dog show.
These are films I've watched again and again, guffawing heartily, as though each viewing was my first time.
What are your favorite comedies?
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Jul '10
Re: Comedy
Caddyshack
Aug '11
Re: Comedy
#3. National Lampoon's Xmas Vacation - an annual event on the holidays at my house
#2 Office Space - not one second is without humor. Not one.
#1 Big Trouble - Dave Barry's creation, lost in the 9-11 shuffle (scheduled to come out on 9/15 but moved because of issues with bombs, airport security, etc.)
Also, honorable mention includes Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, The End with Burt Reynolds, Idiocracy with Luke Wilson, and the Graduate with Dustin Hoffman.
Edited on Oct 19, 2011 at 4:15pmMay '11
Re: Comedy
Spinal Tap is my all time favorite. I think I can quote every line from that movie. If you have ever played in a band or love or even remember heavy metal it's a must watch. Made by the same people who made Best In Show also a classic.
Dec '10
Re: Comedy
This may detract from my conservative credentials, but Army of Darkness, Hudson Hawk, and Happy Gilmore.
Nov '10
Re: Comedy
The Horse's Mouth (somewhat different from the book, but just as good), and What About Bob.
May '11
Re: Comedy
Army of Darkness is hilarious but was it intended to be a comedy? Evil Dead is also awesome. Bruce Campbell forever!!
Dec '10
Re: Comedy
thelonious
Army of Darkness is hilarious but was it intended to be a comedy? Evil Dead is also awesome. Bruce Campbell forever!! · Oct 19 at 4:49pm
My understanding is that the original Evil Dead was supposed to be horror but failed tragically at that goal. The second was intentionally funny, and Army of Darkness continued the trend. It may have even spawned a new genre. And, yes, we need an Ash Williams with a boom stick right about now.
Aug '11
Re: Comedy
A Hard Day's Night: The Beatles showing that they don't take themselves so seriously - at least at first.
The Three Musketeers: The Richard Lester version (who also directed "A Hard Day's Night"). I saw this movie before I read the book. When I did read the book, I discovered it was just as funny as the movie. Richard Lester captured the book beautifully!
Edited on Oct 19, 2011 at 5:50pmAug '11
Re: Comedy
This will probably destroy both my conservative cred and my man-cred. One of my favorite movies is Peter Bogdonavich's 1972 homage to screwball comedies (specifically Bringing Up Baby), What's Up Doc?
It's hilarious, has a lot of "Hey, it's that guy!" moments (Look! It's Boss Hogg!) and worth watching just for the incredibly witty dialogue. I have seen it enough times that I could probably recite the whole movie. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.
Yes, yes, it's got Barbra Streisand in a lead role.
I'm sorry.
:: downcast ::
Edited on Oct 19, 2011 at 5:18pmAug '11
Re: Comedy
Best In Show, Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Xmas Vacation, Groundhog Day, Spinal Tap, and What About Bob.
Hmm. Am I sensing a pattern here? Sort of a Second City/SNL pattern?
Aug '11
Re: Comedy
Also, I recently discovered Peter Sellers' The Party, and really enjoyed it, although it was a little too strange and/or dated for the lovely Mrs. Drew, and she didn't finish it with me.
May '10
Re: Comedy
I absolutely love What's Up Doc.
Also Tootsie and What About Bob.
I find the first two Lethal Weapons pretty great for both humor and adventure/suspense, though a bit heavy on the R-rated material.
Another one for the whole family: Three Fugitives.
Jul '10
Re: Comedy
Airplane!
EJHill, back Me up on this one.
Aug '11
Re: Comedy
May '10
Re: Comedy
Anybody who ever watched the Westminster dog show, especially in the years of Joe Garagiola's disastrous tenure as color commentator, has to rank Best In Show as one of the great comedies of all time. Fred Willard's spoof of Garagiola is awe-inspiring.
Aug '11
Re: Comedy
Fred Willard is a comedy genius. And the Brit actor who acted as his foil in Best in Show was superb.
Oct '11
Re: Comedy
Trading Places, The Blues Brothers and The Producers...the real one with Zero Mostel.
May '10
Re: Comedy
Getting ready for our daughter's wedding last June, my husband and I got some welcome comic relief watching Father of the Bride--both the Spencer Tracy and Steve Martin versions. They're both funny and sweet.
Speaking of Spencer Tracy reminds me of Katherine Hepburn, which reminds me of African Queen.
Dec '10
Re: Comedy
katievs
I absolutely love What's Up Doc.
Also Tootsie and What About Bob.
I find the first two Lethal Weapons pretty great for both humor and adventure/suspense, though a bit heavy on the R-rated material.
Another one for the whole family: Three Fugitives. · Oct 19 at 5:30pm
What About Bob was a total hoot. Most of us have known a Bob or two.
May '10
Re: Comedy
Tom Paine
Fred Willard is a comedy genius. And the Brit actor who acted as his foil in Best in Show was superb. · Oct 19 at 6:16pm
He's the one actor I've actually come close to permanently injuring myself while watching.