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Aug 09 '01
The Bottom Line If you haven't seen these, and you need a laugh, then you really ought to check them out.
A professor of mine once said that it’s harder to craft an effective comedy than it is to craft an effective drama. While I’m not completely sure about that, I’ve seen enough bad comedies in my time to know that it takes something extra special to have one stand out from the rest. This is my top-ten list of the comedies I feel are the most groundbreaking, the best written, the most well acted, and, of course, the funniest.
10. Airplane – 1980
I can only take so many of these gag comedies. Forget The Naked Gun and Hot Shots, as this was the one that started them all. The first, and still the best. Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty do a great job, but the real stars are the guys like Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, and Robert Stack. Oh, yeah, Leslie Nielsen is in there, too, playing a self-parody of his earlier serious roles.
9. National Lampoon’s Vacation – 1983
A bit marred by lackluster sequels (although Christmas Vacation is very good) and fluctuating cast, this still stands up as one of the funniest and most strangely charming comedies ever. Chevy Chase tries to play the straight man but keeps getting the short end of the stick. Seeing him lose it near the end is hilarious. I think we can all relate to the plight of the Griswolds during their cross-country vacation, and that makes it all the funnier.
8. Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – 1963
Although this pretty much reflects our general attitude towards the Cold War these days, it was pretty bold to make such a harsh satire as it was still taking place. George C. Scott is just awesome here, and Peter Sellers in three separate and completely different roles is simply amazing. Lots of subtle and some not-so-subtle jabs at the world powers. And what about those names?
7. The Jerk – 1979
Steve Martin’s first film effort marks his best. There’s something about this movie that’s impossible to describe, but the tone and unique brand of comedy set this apart from the rest. Some bit parts by guys like Jackie Mason and Carl Reiner help make the whole thing more effective. Lines like ‘I was born a poor black child' are what give this comedy its unique appeal.
6. Caddyshack – 1980
What this movie has going for it is the incredible abilities of four comic powerhouses. Chevy Chase doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his offbeat performance, Rodney Dangerfield spouts constant jokes, Bill Murray is absolutely tremendous, and Ted Knight sometimes makes us forget that he’s just acting. Throw in some of the most memorable scenes in movie history, and there you go.
5. Blazing Saddles – 1974
Mel Brooks has made a lot of movies, but a few of them stand out far above the rest. Blazing Saddles is one of those few. The comedy legends highlighting this one include Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, and many more. Cleavon Little is a natural in the starring role. Richard Pryor helped write this great comedy that put a completely new twist on the western spoof.
4. This is Spinal Tap – 1984
It doesn’t get much more original than Rob Reiner’s ‘rockumentary’ spoof. Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer live their characters and manage to produce an unequaled chemistry. Also includes well-placed cameos by other comedy figures and a number of priceless running jokes. The unique format makes for a completely groundbreaking comedy experience.
3. Young Frankenstein – 1974
Here’s another one of those few Mel Brooks movies. There are some moments in this that will make me laugh out loud no matter how many times I watch it. A great comedy cast here, with shoe-ins like Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman, plus some surprising performances by Peter Boyle and Gene Hackman. Some excellent in-jokes and plenty of throwbacks to the old Frankenstein movies. Probably Mel Brooks’ most solid work.
2. Monty Python and the Holy Grail – 1974
Did the Monty Python troupe ever envision that this movie would live to retain such a huge cult following? All the Monty Python Regulars, most playing multiple roles, all doing an awesome job. A very novel script containing numerous hysterical situations lead to this possibly being one of the most quoted movies of all time. Unfortunately, its nationality typically prevents it from receiving the mainstream attention it deserves.
1. The Blues Brothers – 1980
As I was watching the American Film Institute’s picks for the 100 best comedies, I was flabbergasted to see that The Blues Brothers was nowhere to be seen on the list. Are you kidding me? Here is a true comedy epic – innovative, well acted, fun, and with lots of good music. Dan Aykroyd and Jon Belushi expand on their Saturday Night Live characters and set them loose in a grand scale adventure. Tons of well-known personalities from both the big screen and from the music world, Overplayed bits and bent reality highlight just part of what makes this movie great. Throw in a creative use of music, infinite charm, and you’ve got what I consider to be the greatest comedy of all time.
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cactus_matt
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Location: Florida
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