Comedy movies get no respect. There is almost never a comedy on a top ten list for any year and the rare times there is, it's one that isn't particularly funny like "Sideways" or "The Kids are All Right". With that in mind, I'm making my list of best comedies of each year going to...1999. It was going to be a nice, round 2000, but 1999 was too good to leave out. Any further back and, frankly, I haven't seem enough of what's out there to consider myself an authority.*
* No, I don't really consider myself an authority from 1999-Present either, but I figure if you actually read my lists, then you value my opinion at least enough to disagree.
The break down, before I start.
It's a top 7 list, because not enough years warranted a 10.
Top 7: My top 7 comedies of that year. I am trying to stress comedy here. A movie may be more complete, often, but can get lowered due to a lack of comedic focus. And, maybe it won't. Another important factor. This is my list. It won't be objective, but it will be right**.
Honorable Mention: More than 7 good comedies come out most years. These didn't make my cut.
Bottom 5: Thanks primarily to bad parodies, there's always a few problem "comedies". Note that #1 I consider the worst, not the best of the 5.
Dishonorable Mention: Sadly, some years are filled with too much suck but not enough to break the top 5.
Incomplete List: I'm not perfect. There are movies I haven't seen. These are my best guesses of movies that could crack the list if I ever saw them.
** In my opinion.
So, this will be dominating this blog probably through the end of the year. I expect a considerable level of refinement going into them as time passes (or maybe less. Who the fuck cares?). Enjoy.
Showing posts with label Comedy Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comedy Movies. Show all posts
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Top Comedy Movies of 1999
I really was going to start in 2000, but 1999 had such a strong crop I couldn't leave it out. Seriously, I don't know if there is a stronger year that I cover.
1. Office Space
Forget The Office. This was the original "my work sucks" movie [of this generation]. Endlessly quotable. Oddly, it made careers for almost no one. How happy is Jennifer Aniston though that she latched on to this project? That's given her years of goodwill for every Rumor Has It... she's made since.
2. Dogma
Arguably Kevin Smith's biggest experiment. Featuring a strong cast that has only gotten stronger since. Brilliant commentary without feeling forced and also manged to blend action into what still would've worked fine as just a pure comedy. Maybe my favorite Chris Rock roll ever.
3. American Pie
Can we say "game changer"? Basically everyone in this cast went on to have successful movie or TV careers. It also marked the return of the R-rated teen comedy of the 80s. And, let's not forget it introduced the world to the MILF.
4. Galaxy Quest
Where the hell did this movie come from? Screenplay by David Howard who has done nothing before or since. This was a brilliant parody of Star Trek but still managed to be a full movie in it's own right. It's also refreshing that it opted not to take the Mel Brooks style, absurd, in-your-face jokes. Alan Rickman's second movie on this list this year. Just saying.
5. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
I have never been a huge fan of the series, but it's quality is undeniable. And, I'm not overstepping to say this is the best of the series. It introduced the world to Verne Troyer's "Mini Me", which I'm calling a good thing. Heather Graham is a total upgrade from Liz Hurley. Make note of this because you won't be seeing many sequels on the Top list.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You
On the surface, what we have here is a standard teen movie, and in many ways, it is. Take a closer look and you have a terrific young cast (Yeah, there's an Oscar winner in the mix) surrounded by an extremely strong adult supporting cast in the background. And yes, dead Heath Ledger helps get this into the list.
7. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
Has it really been a dozen years since this came out? South Park is now in it's 15th season, determined to outlive the Simpsons. And let's not forget the Academy Award nomination. The movie made great use of the show's style and brand of humor in moving it to the big screen. Making it a musical added that little something extra it needed.
HONORABLE MENTION
Notting Hill
The closer Hugh Grant stays to England, the funnier he is. Call it home court advantage, but this movie reaches a level that all his RomComs since have failed to reach.
Being John Malkovich
A great movie for "What the fuck?" laughs. It's not a movie that you laugh at the jokes as much as you randomly chuckle while watching as you reflect on how bizarre it is.
Big Daddy
Oh shit, Adam Sandler realized he is getting too old for the overgrown child schtick. Let's fix this by pairing him with an actual child. Phew, that was close...Still, funny in a much calmer manner than Sandler normally aims for.
Never Been Kissed
It's a shame Drew Barrymore spent her actual high school years high as shit, because her bubbly demeanor was made for a good high school comedy. Maybe a little too watered down, but this has just enough laughs to keep it from being a date night bust (Certainly more enjoyable from a man's perspective than The Notebook).
Life
Matrin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy, two stars that have spent the last 20 years going all out with their comedy and largely falling flat doing so. "Life" is not the funniest movie either man has done by a lot (ok, not Eddie's funniest), but it is a departure from either's standard fare and a breath of fresh air from both.
1. Office Space
Forget The Office. This was the original "my work sucks" movie [of this generation]. Endlessly quotable. Oddly, it made careers for almost no one. How happy is Jennifer Aniston though that she latched on to this project? That's given her years of goodwill for every Rumor Has It... she's made since.
2. Dogma
Arguably Kevin Smith's biggest experiment. Featuring a strong cast that has only gotten stronger since. Brilliant commentary without feeling forced and also manged to blend action into what still would've worked fine as just a pure comedy. Maybe my favorite Chris Rock roll ever.
3. American Pie
Can we say "game changer"? Basically everyone in this cast went on to have successful movie or TV careers. It also marked the return of the R-rated teen comedy of the 80s. And, let's not forget it introduced the world to the MILF.
4. Galaxy Quest
Where the hell did this movie come from? Screenplay by David Howard who has done nothing before or since. This was a brilliant parody of Star Trek but still managed to be a full movie in it's own right. It's also refreshing that it opted not to take the Mel Brooks style, absurd, in-your-face jokes. Alan Rickman's second movie on this list this year. Just saying.
5. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
I have never been a huge fan of the series, but it's quality is undeniable. And, I'm not overstepping to say this is the best of the series. It introduced the world to Verne Troyer's "Mini Me", which I'm calling a good thing. Heather Graham is a total upgrade from Liz Hurley. Make note of this because you won't be seeing many sequels on the Top list.
6. 10 Things I Hate About You
On the surface, what we have here is a standard teen movie, and in many ways, it is. Take a closer look and you have a terrific young cast (Yeah, there's an Oscar winner in the mix) surrounded by an extremely strong adult supporting cast in the background. And yes, dead Heath Ledger helps get this into the list.
7. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
Has it really been a dozen years since this came out? South Park is now in it's 15th season, determined to outlive the Simpsons. And let's not forget the Academy Award nomination. The movie made great use of the show's style and brand of humor in moving it to the big screen. Making it a musical added that little something extra it needed.
HONORABLE MENTION
Notting Hill
The closer Hugh Grant stays to England, the funnier he is. Call it home court advantage, but this movie reaches a level that all his RomComs since have failed to reach.
Being John Malkovich
A great movie for "What the fuck?" laughs. It's not a movie that you laugh at the jokes as much as you randomly chuckle while watching as you reflect on how bizarre it is.
Big Daddy
Oh shit, Adam Sandler realized he is getting too old for the overgrown child schtick. Let's fix this by pairing him with an actual child. Phew, that was close...Still, funny in a much calmer manner than Sandler normally aims for.
Never Been Kissed
It's a shame Drew Barrymore spent her actual high school years high as shit, because her bubbly demeanor was made for a good high school comedy. Maybe a little too watered down, but this has just enough laughs to keep it from being a date night bust (Certainly more enjoyable from a man's perspective than The Notebook).
Life
Matrin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy, two stars that have spent the last 20 years going all out with their comedy and largely falling flat doing so. "Life" is not the funniest movie either man has done by a lot (ok, not Eddie's funniest), but it is a departure from either's standard fare and a breath of fresh air from both.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 1999
1-5 Wild Wild West
Not really a comedy and not really bad enough to deserve the entirety of the top 5 list. I had a hard time finding 4 more bottom feeders from that year (not that there aren't any). WWW is an abysmal movie. I'm still not sure whether the issue here was that there were too many cooks in the kitchen, not enough, or if the concept itself was never going to work even in the right hands.
On a side note: After watching An Evening with Kevin Smith, it makes me laugh to see that Jon Peters finally got his giant spider idea into a film.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Obviously, I couldn't find five movies, so there's no overflow.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Analyze This
Good cast. Strong at the box office. It's stock has neither risen or declined over the years.Any time De Niro does comedy it is a risk with generally excellent payoff.
Election
I saw this movie years ago and knew I didn't get it at the time. All indications point toward a much better reception if I give it another chance. Besides, it takes too much effort to hate MTV Lifetime Achiement Award recipient Reese Witherspoon and Matthew "Save Ferris" Broderick.
Jawbreaker
Rose McGowan (Black hair, vintage version), Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, and Judy Greer in a dark comedy in the vien of Heathers. Maybe I'm setting myself up for disappointment, but I could be very pleased if I ever get around to watching this.
Not really a comedy and not really bad enough to deserve the entirety of the top 5 list. I had a hard time finding 4 more bottom feeders from that year (not that there aren't any). WWW is an abysmal movie. I'm still not sure whether the issue here was that there were too many cooks in the kitchen, not enough, or if the concept itself was never going to work even in the right hands.
On a side note: After watching An Evening with Kevin Smith, it makes me laugh to see that Jon Peters finally got his giant spider idea into a film.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Obviously, I couldn't find five movies, so there's no overflow.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Analyze This
Good cast. Strong at the box office. It's stock has neither risen or declined over the years.Any time De Niro does comedy it is a risk with generally excellent payoff.
Election
I saw this movie years ago and knew I didn't get it at the time. All indications point toward a much better reception if I give it another chance. Besides, it takes too much effort to hate MTV Lifetime Achiement Award recipient Reese Witherspoon and Matthew "Save Ferris" Broderick.
Jawbreaker
Rose McGowan (Black hair, vintage version), Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, and Judy Greer in a dark comedy in the vien of Heathers. Maybe I'm setting myself up for disappointment, but I could be very pleased if I ever get around to watching this.
Top Comedy Movies of 2000
Ahh, 2000. What a year.
1. Best in Show
Christopher Guest and Co. doing their thing. A true ensemble cast, filled with character actors who manage to be greater than the sum of their parts. The jokes are big but the delivery is grounded. The world is real and the characters fit in it, but not in the real world. Way to be cryptic, right?
2. Meet the Parents
Beginning in the year 2000, Ben Stiller began a quest for total world comedic domination that began with this simple but hilarious movie. The idea of "what if a Robert De Niro type is the over protective ex-CIA father of the woman you want to marry" is funny enough, but they took the idea, fleshed it out, and ran with it until you had a romantic comedy concept, stripped of the most of the pitfalls of the genre. That said, De Niro isn't quite as imposing these days.
3. Almost Famous
Not the third funniest movie of 2000, but a great movie that is generally considered a comedy (I call it a light-hearted drama, but whatever). When will Cameron Crowe make another movie that works this well? It also launched Kate Hudson into stardom and introduces the world to Zooey Deschanel on her slow climb to notoriety.
4. Scary Movie
I have never liked this movie series and my enjoyment of the Wayans Brothers' comedy stopped with the end of their TV show. That said, Scary Movie was a fresh (at the time) take on movie parodies (largely dominated by Mel Brooks for years). It was Anna Faris' coming out party as well. It's still weird that they opted to do a parody of a movie series that was already aware of it "Scary Movie-ness", but it worked well enough.
5. What Women Want
The world didn't always hate Mel Gibson. Before Jew-hating and...The Beaver, he was Mel "Fucking" Gibson. Academy Award winner, Mad Max, The guy who wasn't "getting too old for this shit". "Women" was a funny concept with a charming lead, not being asked to do that much comedic heavy lifting (except maybe when he's singing his favorite Meredith Brooks song). And, this is a rare movie in that almost no one has to delivery her funniest lines while the camera is on.
6. Miss Congeniality
The name says it all. How can you hate this movie? Humorous concept and a role Sandra Bullock pulls off with ease. It went for a lot of easy jokes, but only because that's what was asked of it.
7. I could not decide on a 7th movie. One could make a case for any of the honorable mentions, but my arbitrary criteria made it impossible to settle on one.
HONORABLE MENTION
Dude, Where's My Car?
Is this movie brilliant or absolute garbage? When watching movies that know they are bad (relish in it, in fact), it is hard to determine what is funny and what is bad. I always want to side on brilliant, but can't pull the trigger.
Charlie's Angels
At some point in the late 90s, someone decided TV shows from the 70s would make great movies. Some cases turn out better than others. This is one of the better ones. Opting to take the concept and make it their own, the producers made a movie that was funny, sexy, and exciting with just the right balance.
Me, Myself and Irene
Say what you will, but Jim Carrey commits fully to his characters. I'll say, more often than not, that works in this movie. Like most Carrey comedies, it completely relies on him to be funny since he dominates any room he is in.
Road Trip
A good R-rated teenaged quest movie, made unique primarily by Tom Green's presence, which serves as both a strength and a burden. Let's just agree he works best when not the lead.
Bring It On
PG-13 teen comedy. It is what it is. The jokes are never able to hit too hard. The story doesn't break formula. But, it gives you attractive cheerleaders dancing around. No complaints here.
Loser
I've always loved this movie more than it has a right to be loved. Not particular funny. Not particularly hip. Not even properly soundtracked (Punk girl's favorite band is Everclear. Really?). The cast is enjoyable and the story, straight of of the Billy Wilder playbook.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Good movie, but whenever the soundtrack is more popular than the movie (looking at you Garden State), I have a hard time cutting any slack.
1. Best in Show
Christopher Guest and Co. doing their thing. A true ensemble cast, filled with character actors who manage to be greater than the sum of their parts. The jokes are big but the delivery is grounded. The world is real and the characters fit in it, but not in the real world. Way to be cryptic, right?
2. Meet the Parents
Beginning in the year 2000, Ben Stiller began a quest for total world comedic domination that began with this simple but hilarious movie. The idea of "what if a Robert De Niro type is the over protective ex-CIA father of the woman you want to marry" is funny enough, but they took the idea, fleshed it out, and ran with it until you had a romantic comedy concept, stripped of the most of the pitfalls of the genre. That said, De Niro isn't quite as imposing these days.
3. Almost Famous
Not the third funniest movie of 2000, but a great movie that is generally considered a comedy (I call it a light-hearted drama, but whatever). When will Cameron Crowe make another movie that works this well? It also launched Kate Hudson into stardom and introduces the world to Zooey Deschanel on her slow climb to notoriety.
4. Scary Movie
I have never liked this movie series and my enjoyment of the Wayans Brothers' comedy stopped with the end of their TV show. That said, Scary Movie was a fresh (at the time) take on movie parodies (largely dominated by Mel Brooks for years). It was Anna Faris' coming out party as well. It's still weird that they opted to do a parody of a movie series that was already aware of it "Scary Movie-ness", but it worked well enough.
5. What Women Want
The world didn't always hate Mel Gibson. Before Jew-hating and...The Beaver, he was Mel "Fucking" Gibson. Academy Award winner, Mad Max, The guy who wasn't "getting too old for this shit". "Women" was a funny concept with a charming lead, not being asked to do that much comedic heavy lifting (except maybe when he's singing his favorite Meredith Brooks song). And, this is a rare movie in that almost no one has to delivery her funniest lines while the camera is on.
6. Miss Congeniality
The name says it all. How can you hate this movie? Humorous concept and a role Sandra Bullock pulls off with ease. It went for a lot of easy jokes, but only because that's what was asked of it.
7. I could not decide on a 7th movie. One could make a case for any of the honorable mentions, but my arbitrary criteria made it impossible to settle on one.
HONORABLE MENTION
Dude, Where's My Car?
Is this movie brilliant or absolute garbage? When watching movies that know they are bad (relish in it, in fact), it is hard to determine what is funny and what is bad. I always want to side on brilliant, but can't pull the trigger.
Charlie's Angels
At some point in the late 90s, someone decided TV shows from the 70s would make great movies. Some cases turn out better than others. This is one of the better ones. Opting to take the concept and make it their own, the producers made a movie that was funny, sexy, and exciting with just the right balance.
Me, Myself and Irene
Say what you will, but Jim Carrey commits fully to his characters. I'll say, more often than not, that works in this movie. Like most Carrey comedies, it completely relies on him to be funny since he dominates any room he is in.
Road Trip
A good R-rated teenaged quest movie, made unique primarily by Tom Green's presence, which serves as both a strength and a burden. Let's just agree he works best when not the lead.
Bring It On
PG-13 teen comedy. It is what it is. The jokes are never able to hit too hard. The story doesn't break formula. But, it gives you attractive cheerleaders dancing around. No complaints here.
Loser
I've always loved this movie more than it has a right to be loved. Not particular funny. Not particularly hip. Not even properly soundtracked (Punk girl's favorite band is Everclear. Really?). The cast is enjoyable and the story, straight of of the Billy Wilder playbook.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Good movie, but whenever the soundtrack is more popular than the movie (looking at you Garden State), I have a hard time cutting any slack.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 2000
1. Ready to Rumble
How could this movie go right? It's a train wreck start to finish. I've watched it several times, not ironically.
2. The Ladies Man
It's a shame the Blues Brothers was so good (and to a lesser extent, Wayne's World), because the SNL track record has been largely full of duds ever since.
3. The Replacements
The movie is so forgettable I almost didn't rank it here, but then I remembered it stars my good friend Keanu.
4. Shanghai Noon
I own it. I like it. It's not a good movie. Cheap jokes. Lazy humor. It's a shame because Owen Wilson is probably the best person to play off Jackie Chan I've seen. A lazy movie and no one involved in making it would fight that claim.
5. Little Nicky
Does it deserve to be on a Bottom list? Probably not. Consider this my way of recognizing the end of Adam Sandler's streak of good movies.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Didn't do enough digging to find more bad movies. I'm sure they're out there.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Chicken Run
This is one of those rare movies that I never heard any opinions of from anyone. Considering it's fairly unique nature [stateside], I'm leaving room to believe it could be a quality movie.
The Whole Nine Yards
This has the quirky appeal of something like "Analyze This". There's a relaxed humor vibe I always liked about it, but never got around to seeing in full.
How could this movie go right? It's a train wreck start to finish. I've watched it several times, not ironically.
2. The Ladies Man
It's a shame the Blues Brothers was so good (and to a lesser extent, Wayne's World), because the SNL track record has been largely full of duds ever since.
3. The Replacements
The movie is so forgettable I almost didn't rank it here, but then I remembered it stars my good friend Keanu.
4. Shanghai Noon
I own it. I like it. It's not a good movie. Cheap jokes. Lazy humor. It's a shame because Owen Wilson is probably the best person to play off Jackie Chan I've seen. A lazy movie and no one involved in making it would fight that claim.
5. Little Nicky
Does it deserve to be on a Bottom list? Probably not. Consider this my way of recognizing the end of Adam Sandler's streak of good movies.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Didn't do enough digging to find more bad movies. I'm sure they're out there.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Chicken Run
This is one of those rare movies that I never heard any opinions of from anyone. Considering it's fairly unique nature [stateside], I'm leaving room to believe it could be a quality movie.
The Whole Nine Yards
This has the quirky appeal of something like "Analyze This". There's a relaxed humor vibe I always liked about it, but never got around to seeing in full.
Top Comedy Movies of 2001
1. Shrek
And this is beating out some heavy hitters. Ten years ago, Dreamworks came out with the first major computer generated movie not from Pixar. It was a family comedy with an edge that the Disney stuff never had. Considering its effect on the animated comedy landscape in the time since, I'm giving it my top spot this year. It's also pretty funny too.
2. Ocean's Eleven
The only reason this isn't number one is because I consider it a comedic heist movie rather than a comedy about a heist. Otherwise, superb cast, solid plot, amazing subtle jokes. Seriously, I still notice new things watching it.
3. Zoolander
I've found the movie increasingly grating over the years, but a great deal of that is from over-saturation. A good collection of Frat Packers before that was really a thing, and all playing different kind of roles than say, Old School. Over the top and wonderfully so.
4. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Kevin Smith having perhaps the most fun he's ever had on a movie. This is all stupid humor, guest stars, and loose narrative. Somehow, excess causes a balance though. While not his best work, I give a lot of love when you can tell the people behind the scenes are enjoying making it.
5. Rat Race
2001 is apparently the year of the ensemble comedy. "Race" is certainly not the same caliber casting as the above entries, but it's an effective example of crazy premise demanding absurdity in all other regards.
6. Super Troopers
I can't keep a movie with such a cult following off my list. Despite the crazed love for this movie, the Broken Lizard comedy troupe hasn't been able to match the success of this one.
7. Wet Hot American Summer
Speaking of movies with cult followings... This one bombed in theaters and rightly so. It is so bad, but knows it. If you can embrace the summer camp camp, there is a good amount to enjoy here. The most amazing thing for me is looking at how good the cast is by today's measure.
HONORABLE MENTION
This is by far the most pack year for good comedies. A case could be made for any of these to be in the top 7.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Not my cup of tea (Get it? Because It's British), but a solid movie. A strong comedy from across the pond and certainly one of my favorite Hugh Grant as an asshole roles. Props to Renee Zellweger for doing Chicago between her two stints as chubby Bridget Jones.
Monsters, Inc.
Pixar's forth outing. As good as the movie is, this is one of the few years Dreamworks had a better product than Pixar.
Legally Blonde
A light, fluffy movie along the lines of anything Anna Faris does these days (eerily similar, in fact). Nothing notable about this except how easy it is to watch.
American Pie 2
Not quite as fresh as the original and inferior to it's follow-up (Wedding, that is. Not Band Camp). Solid on all accounts but too much rehashing of what worked in the first.
A Knight's Tale
If I could call this a comedy, it'd be ranked. Endlessly quotable (when I watch it) and very endearing. Bonus points for dead Heath Ledger.
Serendipity
Any other movie trying to pull this "right place, wrong time" shit would capture my ire, but the concept of the movie is flaunting that construct. As far as RomComs go, you could find worse.
Heartbreakers
Another non-challenging comedy that has a few strong sequences and many that fall flat. Ray Liotta made up a lot for the flat performances by Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Not Another Teen Movie
There was about a 2 year period when the Scary Movie generation of movie parodies appropriately walked the line between sincere satire and overly sophomoric. A lot of this movie goes too far although, compared to something like Meet the Spartans, it's The Shawshank Redemption.
Quirky. Foreign. Distict Style. Upbeat. Subtitles. That sums it up.
The Princess Diaries
Introducing to the world, for the first time: Anne Hathaway. Cute movie full of cheap family-friendly laughs.
Joe Dirt
Enough of this movie works that I can't hate it. Really makes you wonder how different David Spade's career would be if he could still do a buddy movie with Chris Farley every once in a while.
Joe Somebody
I like this movie a lot and I don't know why. It's not particularly engaging or funny. Julie Bowen is always a plus. Otherwise, I can't say why.
Two Can Play That Game
Tyler Perry. Please take note. All black cast. Comedy movie. And, I don't want to tear my brain out.
Get Over It
Remember when teen comedies were rated PG-13 and attempted to get our interest by casting Sisqo and having modern Shakespeare nested plays with catchy songs? Me neither. It's probably for the best, although this one was better done than it should've been.
And this is beating out some heavy hitters. Ten years ago, Dreamworks came out with the first major computer generated movie not from Pixar. It was a family comedy with an edge that the Disney stuff never had. Considering its effect on the animated comedy landscape in the time since, I'm giving it my top spot this year. It's also pretty funny too.
2. Ocean's Eleven
3. Zoolander
4. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
Kevin Smith having perhaps the most fun he's ever had on a movie. This is all stupid humor, guest stars, and loose narrative. Somehow, excess causes a balance though. While not his best work, I give a lot of love when you can tell the people behind the scenes are enjoying making it.
5. Rat Race
6. Super Troopers
I can't keep a movie with such a cult following off my list. Despite the crazed love for this movie, the Broken Lizard comedy troupe hasn't been able to match the success of this one.
7. Wet Hot American Summer
HONORABLE MENTION
This is by far the most pack year for good comedies. A case could be made for any of these to be in the top 7.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Not my cup of tea (Get it? Because It's British), but a solid movie. A strong comedy from across the pond and certainly one of my favorite Hugh Grant as an asshole roles. Props to Renee Zellweger for doing Chicago between her two stints as chubby Bridget Jones.
Monsters, Inc.
Pixar's forth outing. As good as the movie is, this is one of the few years Dreamworks had a better product than Pixar.
Legally Blonde
A light, fluffy movie along the lines of anything Anna Faris does these days (eerily similar, in fact). Nothing notable about this except how easy it is to watch.
American Pie 2
Not quite as fresh as the original and inferior to it's follow-up (Wedding, that is. Not Band Camp). Solid on all accounts but too much rehashing of what worked in the first.
A Knight's Tale
If I could call this a comedy, it'd be ranked. Endlessly quotable (when I watch it) and very endearing. Bonus points for dead Heath Ledger.
Serendipity
Any other movie trying to pull this "right place, wrong time" shit would capture my ire, but the concept of the movie is flaunting that construct. As far as RomComs go, you could find worse.
Heartbreakers
Another non-challenging comedy that has a few strong sequences and many that fall flat. Ray Liotta made up a lot for the flat performances by Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Not Another Teen Movie
There was about a 2 year period when the Scary Movie generation of movie parodies appropriately walked the line between sincere satire and overly sophomoric. A lot of this movie goes too far although, compared to something like Meet the Spartans, it's The Shawshank Redemption.
Quirky. Foreign. Distict Style. Upbeat. Subtitles. That sums it up.
The Princess Diaries
Introducing to the world, for the first time: Anne Hathaway. Cute movie full of cheap family-friendly laughs.
Joe Dirt
Enough of this movie works that I can't hate it. Really makes you wonder how different David Spade's career would be if he could still do a buddy movie with Chris Farley every once in a while.
Joe Somebody
I like this movie a lot and I don't know why. It's not particularly engaging or funny. Julie Bowen is always a plus. Otherwise, I can't say why.
Two Can Play That Game
Tyler Perry. Please take note. All black cast. Comedy movie. And, I don't want to tear my brain out.
Get Over It
Remember when teen comedies were rated PG-13 and attempted to get our interest by casting Sisqo and having modern Shakespeare nested plays with catchy songs? Me neither. It's probably for the best, although this one was better done than it should've been.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 2001
1. Scary Movie 2
From 1 to 2 the Wayans Brothers ran out of ideas fast, all the while running out of goodwill from audiences.
2. Dr. Dolittle 2
Eddie Murphy is funny. Why can't he pick films better?
3. Freddy Got Fingered
I am being kind only putting this at 3. This is one of the most [rightfully] panned movies of the past 20 years.
4. The Animal
It's a Rob Schneider movie and a forgettable one at that. Wasn't the female lead a contestant on Survivor?
5. Pootie Tang
I hate to rate something written by Louis C.K. so low, but it must be done.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Five's enough.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Ghost World
A weird little movie. I've heard good things. It might be a little too quirky in it's humor though.
Monkeybone
I don't know a great deal about this. Mixed reviews mostly.
Made
I still don't know how this isn't Swingers, but I liked Swingers, so that certainly puts this under considerations. [Note: I've never seen the movie so I also don't know how it is like Swingers either]
The Royal Tenenbaums
I saw it once, but wasn't paying much attention. It lost my attention. Generally not my taste, but I will wait for a second viewing before making final judgment.
From 1 to 2 the Wayans Brothers ran out of ideas fast, all the while running out of goodwill from audiences.
2. Dr. Dolittle 2
Eddie Murphy is funny. Why can't he pick films better?
3. Freddy Got Fingered
I am being kind only putting this at 3. This is one of the most [rightfully] panned movies of the past 20 years.
4. The Animal
It's a Rob Schneider movie and a forgettable one at that. Wasn't the female lead a contestant on Survivor?
5. Pootie Tang
I hate to rate something written by Louis C.K. so low, but it must be done.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Five's enough.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Ghost World
A weird little movie. I've heard good things. It might be a little too quirky in it's humor though.
Monkeybone
I don't know a great deal about this. Mixed reviews mostly.
Made
I still don't know how this isn't Swingers, but I liked Swingers, so that certainly puts this under considerations. [Note: I've never seen the movie so I also don't know how it is like Swingers either]
The Royal Tenenbaums
I saw it once, but wasn't paying much attention. It lost my attention. Generally not my taste, but I will wait for a second viewing before making final judgment.
Top Comedy Movies of 2002
1. Orange County
Here's a movie that works better than it should. There's the pretty familiar inverted fish out of water storyline here, but there's such a good collection of supporting characters with Jack Black, John Lithgow, Catherine O'Hara, Schuyler Fisk, and a lot other small performances that crowd the movie with a variety of qualities and styles. It works well is what I'm trying to say.
2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
The biggest sleeper hit of all time. In the vein of Meet the Parents, it reminded people how families can be funny. It's weird how, with all the good performances from B-list (or lower) actors, it didn't help anyone (especially Nia Vardalos) into the A-list.
3. Punch-Drunk Love
Sure, this might be more of a drama. It is still pretty funny and Adam Sandler going extremely against character is a delight. I recommend it, but not to anyone expecting Happy Gilmore.
4. About a Boy
A pithy little British comedy. It features Hugh Grant in his asshole character rather than his [as Family Guy calls it] charmingly befuddled RomCom persona. Like a lot of British comedy, there a darker edge to it, but still greatly enjoyable.
5. Death to Smoochy
Zany dark comedy with a great cast. It examines the zany underworld of kid's shows. An excellent cast including Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Catherine Keener, and Danny DeVito. Although it isn't for everyone.
6. Mr. Deeds
Pretty standard fare for an Adam Sandler comedy. Not one of his best. Still better than a lot of things out there. A traditional fish out of water story (yeah, I know I'm using that phrase a lot), Adam Sandler plays a naive guy, Winona Rider tries not to steal anything on set, Peter Gallagher playing the asshole he plays so well, and a bunch of Happy Madison regulars doing their thing.
7. National Lampoon's Van Wilder
A 21st century attempt at Animal House. This is the blessing and the curse of the movie. National Lampoon got people noticing it, but the inevitable comparison hurt it. Ryan Reynolds plays the titular character (otherwise known as the Ryan Reynolds character). It also has Tara Reid when she was still hot and Kal Penn before he stopped getting cast as racist Indian stereotypes.
HONORABLE MENTION
Jackass: The Movie
I'm eternally on the fence about these movies. I respect physical comedy as being legitimate comedy, but I really hate their brand of it. Still, it is able to make me laugh despite myself.
Scooby-Doo
Retro and stupid. A children's movie with some humor for adults. A stronger cast than it probably deserved all pulled from the late 90s teen comedy circuit.
Two Weeks Notice
It's your prototypical Grant-ian Romantic Comedy, but I give it props simply for how enjoyable Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are together, on or off camera.
The New Guy
I know people who swear by it. It's hurt in my book because I don't like Eddie Griffin. What we have here is a very standard movie. Nothing of note to hurt or help it's case. Considering how many movies fail to achieve even this, it's getting a mention.
Catch Me If You Can
Not really a comedy. I liked it though and it is an enjoyable 2 hours that I can't complain about.
I Spy
No one else would have this anywhere near a "best" list. I'm not everyone. I have always enjoyed Owen Wilson when he does his thing and Eddie Murphy embraced his tendency to play big without physically being being as he's been apt to do. Is the movie forgettable? Sure. Do I hate it? No.
2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
3. Punch-Drunk Love
4. About a Boy
5. Death to Smoochy
6. Mr. Deeds
7. National Lampoon's Van Wilder
HONORABLE MENTION
Jackass: The Movie
I'm eternally on the fence about these movies. I respect physical comedy as being legitimate comedy, but I really hate their brand of it. Still, it is able to make me laugh despite myself.
Scooby-Doo
Retro and stupid. A children's movie with some humor for adults. A stronger cast than it probably deserved all pulled from the late 90s teen comedy circuit.
Two Weeks Notice
It's your prototypical Grant-ian Romantic Comedy, but I give it props simply for how enjoyable Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant are together, on or off camera.
The New Guy
I know people who swear by it. It's hurt in my book because I don't like Eddie Griffin. What we have here is a very standard movie. Nothing of note to hurt or help it's case. Considering how many movies fail to achieve even this, it's getting a mention.
Catch Me If You Can
Not really a comedy. I liked it though and it is an enjoyable 2 hours that I can't complain about.
I Spy
No one else would have this anywhere near a "best" list. I'm not everyone. I have always enjoyed Owen Wilson when he does his thing and Eddie Murphy embraced his tendency to play big without physically being being as he's been apt to do. Is the movie forgettable? Sure. Do I hate it? No.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 2002
1. The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course
I don't care if he's dead. It doesn't make the movie any better.
2. Stealing Harvard
Tom Green really is the kiss of death.
3. The Tuxedo
Jackie Chan works well with some. Not so much with others. One guess as to which list JLH belongs on.
4. The Banger Sisters
Here we have a sort of mid-life crisis movie for women with a rock-n-roll style. If that sounds lame, you are right.
5. The Sweetest Thing
I've described Bridesmaids as "The Sweetest Thing done right", which I think is pretty accurate. There's nothing wrong with lady-centric comedy, but this lacks the polish needed to make it a strong comedy.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
The Santa Clause 2
The first was good. Part 3 was awful. This one is closer in quality to the latter.
Big Fat Liar
Yeah, it's a kid's movie. That doesn't mean it should suck.
Undercover Brother
Speaking of my distaste for Eddie Griffin. I don't understand who found this funny.
INCOMPLETE LIST
About Schmidt
When in doubt, believe in Jack. The movie always looked pretty good. I'm always afraid it will be the depressing kind of funny though.
Analyze That
As I said for Analyze This: "Good cast. Strong at the box office. It's stock has neither risen or declined of the years.Any time De Niro does comedy it is a risk with generally excellent payoff."
Adaptation
Is this a comedy? I think it is. See? I know nothing about it. That's why I have to acknowledge it as a contender.
Secretary
I almost watched this once. It was 2am on a Saturday night or something. I spent most of the time half asleep and confused: Not a good way to watch it. There was a quirky potential for it to be pretty good though.
I don't care if he's dead. It doesn't make the movie any better.
2. Stealing Harvard
Tom Green really is the kiss of death.
3. The Tuxedo
Jackie Chan works well with some. Not so much with others. One guess as to which list JLH belongs on.
4. The Banger Sisters
Here we have a sort of mid-life crisis movie for women with a rock-n-roll style. If that sounds lame, you are right.
5. The Sweetest Thing
I've described Bridesmaids as "The Sweetest Thing done right", which I think is pretty accurate. There's nothing wrong with lady-centric comedy, but this lacks the polish needed to make it a strong comedy.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
The Santa Clause 2
The first was good. Part 3 was awful. This one is closer in quality to the latter.
Big Fat Liar
Yeah, it's a kid's movie. That doesn't mean it should suck.
Undercover Brother
Speaking of my distaste for Eddie Griffin. I don't understand who found this funny.
INCOMPLETE LIST
About Schmidt
When in doubt, believe in Jack. The movie always looked pretty good. I'm always afraid it will be the depressing kind of funny though.
Analyze That
As I said for Analyze This: "Good cast. Strong at the box office. It's stock has neither risen or declined of the years.Any time De Niro does comedy it is a risk with generally excellent payoff."
Adaptation
Is this a comedy? I think it is. See? I know nothing about it. That's why I have to acknowledge it as a contender.
Secretary
I almost watched this once. It was 2am on a Saturday night or something. I spent most of the time half asleep and confused: Not a good way to watch it. There was a quirky potential for it to be pretty good though.
Top Comedy Movies of 2003
1. Old School
I'm labeling this as the beginning of the Frat Pack proper. Dynamite performance by Will Ferrell before he because a force as a lead actor. Vince Vaughn doing some of his best work. Luke Wilson is surprisingly good as a conflicted straight man for the odd characters around him. The humor may not be for everyone, but it sure is for a lot of them.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Most non-comedy movies I've snubbed in my rankings. I make an exception here because what is this movie without Johnny Depp's mostly comedic performance? Not much. That's what separates the movie from being, say, Kingdom of Heaven. And honestly, "Why is the rum gone?" alone was enough to put it on the list.
3. Finding Nemo
One of the best movies that year. One of the best Pixar movies ever. One of the best family movies of the past decade or two. Also, really funny. I notice Ellen Degeneres does something every few years just to remind people she is the funniest woman alive then keeps a lower profile until we nearly forget that and comes back again.
4. Bad Santa
This Christmas movie edges out another on my list, mostly because the list was getting too family friendly. Raunchy, wrong, and ridiculous. Billy Bob Thorton doesn't give a damn better than just about anyone and flaunts it here.
5. Elf
You have a little Will Ferrell acting silly, Zooey Deschanel when she was still being cast as that sarcastic girl, Peter Dinklage as an angry little man, and Bob Newhart, you know, in the movie. PG fare doesn't get much better.
6. Bruce Almighty
I like that Jim Carrey takes a break from drama every once and a while to remind us how great he is comically. Morgan Freeman as god is a stroke of genius. A project for Jennifer Aniston to put in the win column (she should have more of those). Also, this marks the beginning of Steve Carrell's prominent career in movies.
7. Lost in Translation
Hmm, Bill Murray can be funny and poignant. Honestly, it's been too long since I last watched this. I'm probably rating it unfairly. I remember it being good though and I'm rating it so.
8. The Room
A movie so special, I added a #8 the ranking. This is beyond ranking in actuality. It's heartbreaking, genre-bending, over the top, riveting, messy, wild, and perhaps ahead of it's time. Rightly, the successor to The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
HONORABLE MENTION
Big Fish
This isn't a very funny movie. It's shot in a way that you have to smile and makes you think it's a comedy. It is more ridiculous than anything, but sheer good-will alone gets it some consideration.
Love, Actually
I really love this movie. Not even ashamed to admit it. I went back and forth on putting it in my top 7. It missed it by virtually the flip of a coin. No movie I can think of, balances so many stars so well, with so much heart, without feeling heavy-handed. 2003 was a great year for Christmas movies.
Bringing Down the House
I never liked this much. I think it had something to do with some distinctions it made about acting "white" or "black". I don't fully remember because I watched it once, got bothered by that, and have had no desire to watch it since. Enough other people I know like it, and since I accept the possibility of my fallibility, here it is, getting some consideration.
School of Rock
Occasionally Jack Black gets it right. Problem is, never as the sole lead. This is as close as he comes.
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
I wish the best for David Spade in his endeavors. Enough worked that I didn't hate it. That's all I can say in it's favor. There was a good use of former childhood stars.
Stuck on You
Stupid as shit movie. Are Greg Kinnear and Matt Damon even the same age? It doesn't matter. Cher takes a surprisingly comedic turn, for some reason deciding to be in this. Overall it has that same Dumb and Dumber quality that makes it endearing when it shouldn't be.
Down with Love
Either a poorly made movie or a brilliant parody of a specific style of movie (possibly both).
National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze
I want to pan this movie. The acting is horrible, sure, but it has such an impressive script of intersecting stories, I must give credit where it's due.
Alex and Emma
Kate Hudson speaking in bad fake accents. Luke Wilson as an author in trouble with the mob and needs someone to dictate for him because...I still am not sure why. Flimsy at best. It's a cute movie and I enjoyed the telling of the story as different period pieces.
What a Girl Wants
This was going to be the start of a great movie career for Amanda Bynes. Who knew she'd never leave high school? Bummer.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
3. Finding Nemo
4. Bad Santa
5. Elf
6. Bruce Almighty
7. Lost in Translation
8. The Room
HONORABLE MENTION
Big Fish
This isn't a very funny movie. It's shot in a way that you have to smile and makes you think it's a comedy. It is more ridiculous than anything, but sheer good-will alone gets it some consideration.
Love, Actually
I really love this movie. Not even ashamed to admit it. I went back and forth on putting it in my top 7. It missed it by virtually the flip of a coin. No movie I can think of, balances so many stars so well, with so much heart, without feeling heavy-handed. 2003 was a great year for Christmas movies.
Bringing Down the House
I never liked this much. I think it had something to do with some distinctions it made about acting "white" or "black". I don't fully remember because I watched it once, got bothered by that, and have had no desire to watch it since. Enough other people I know like it, and since I accept the possibility of my fallibility, here it is, getting some consideration.
School of Rock
Occasionally Jack Black gets it right. Problem is, never as the sole lead. This is as close as he comes.
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
I wish the best for David Spade in his endeavors. Enough worked that I didn't hate it. That's all I can say in it's favor. There was a good use of former childhood stars.
Stuck on You
Stupid as shit movie. Are Greg Kinnear and Matt Damon even the same age? It doesn't matter. Cher takes a surprisingly comedic turn, for some reason deciding to be in this. Overall it has that same Dumb and Dumber quality that makes it endearing when it shouldn't be.
Down with Love
Either a poorly made movie or a brilliant parody of a specific style of movie (possibly both).
National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze
I want to pan this movie. The acting is horrible, sure, but it has such an impressive script of intersecting stories, I must give credit where it's due.
Alex and Emma
Kate Hudson speaking in bad fake accents. Luke Wilson as an author in trouble with the mob and needs someone to dictate for him because...I still am not sure why. Flimsy at best. It's a cute movie and I enjoyed the telling of the story as different period pieces.
What a Girl Wants
This was going to be the start of a great movie career for Amanda Bynes. Who knew she'd never leave high school? Bummer.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 2003
1. Boat Trip
Cuba Gooding Jr. on a gay cruise hoping to pick up women. That says it all, right?
2. Kangaroo Jack
I blame the previews some on this, because it made you think it was about a rapping Kangaroo. It wasn't, but it wasn't much better either.
3. Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
Kid's movies shouldn't be bad. It's not getting a pass for that. Also, why is it that Mike Meyers and Eddie Murphy haven't been able to do anything right the past decade except for Shrek?
4. Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
I'm being a little harsh. There was as much need for this sequel of Miss Congeniality 2. Wait. Wasn't Regina King in both? Oh well. The first walked a fine line that the second plunged off.
5. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Llyod
Someone missed the memo reminding the producers that the only reason the first one worked was Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
I'm not looking for more bad movies. It hurts my soul.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Scary Movie 3
All indications point toward me liking this better than the first too. Still, it's a large jump to move into the realm of liking it.
A Mighty Wind
As good as Best in Show is, I won't count out Guest and Co.'s ability to know one out of the park. Not expected that out of this though.
The Cooler
Who knows? It could be good. William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Alec Baldwin is a solid cast.
Cuba Gooding Jr. on a gay cruise hoping to pick up women. That says it all, right?
2. Kangaroo Jack
I blame the previews some on this, because it made you think it was about a rapping Kangaroo. It wasn't, but it wasn't much better either.
3. Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat
Kid's movies shouldn't be bad. It's not getting a pass for that. Also, why is it that Mike Meyers and Eddie Murphy haven't been able to do anything right the past decade except for Shrek?
4. Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde
I'm being a little harsh. There was as much need for this sequel of Miss Congeniality 2. Wait. Wasn't Regina King in both? Oh well. The first walked a fine line that the second plunged off.
5. Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Llyod
Someone missed the memo reminding the producers that the only reason the first one worked was Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
I'm not looking for more bad movies. It hurts my soul.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Scary Movie 3
All indications point toward me liking this better than the first too. Still, it's a large jump to move into the realm of liking it.
A Mighty Wind
As good as Best in Show is, I won't count out Guest and Co.'s ability to know one out of the park. Not expected that out of this though.
The Cooler
Who knows? It could be good. William H. Macy, Maria Bello, and Alec Baldwin is a solid cast.
Top Comedy Movies of 2004
1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
This movie serves as the coming out party for Apatow Productions as a major comedy player as well as launching a string of Will Ferrell as ridiculous character movies. It featured an astounding cast (Ferrell, Rudd, Applegate, Carell) with cameos and small roles for major players (Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins, Jack Black) or future stars (Seth Rogen). You can blame this and 40 Year Old Virgin a year later for virtually every good comedy since.
2. Mean Girls
All bow down before Tina Fey. She has a slam dunk career in TV and does a great job with movies too. This features Lindsay Lohan before she became the train wreck she is now, Rachel McAdams playing the bitchy girl (somehow she avoided being typecast in the role, Amanda Seyfried before she started scoring lead roles, Lizzy Caplan before she got really hot (she's always been funny, so no surprise there). Throw in some SNL vets, and, you have yourself a movie.
3. Shaun of the Dead
Every couple years, a British gem makes it's way across the pond and becomes a word-of-mouth hit (without making much money). The really remarkable thing about this is how it did the whole zombie thing before it was cool. Considering the mixed results of Hot Fuzz, it's still hard to say if Edgar Wright & Simon Pegg are just getting started or, like Orson Wells, peaked early.
4. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
I guess you could praise it a win for Asian actors considering both John Cho and Kal Penn broke out of being typecast. I just think it's a great, story in the vein of the Odyssey. Numerous small adventures are mixed together by the binding force of stoner comedy. This has the same director as Dude Where's My Car?, which shows you how this type of movie can go right or wrong without much being different in the production. The X-Factor here: NPH.
5. Saved!
I'm a sucker for a good religious satire. Jena Malone is a great choice for character ostracized from her community. Mandy Moore shows considerable range going from A Walk to Remember to Saved! and only has poor casting choices to blame for not having a higher profile acting career yet. Anytime Macaulay Culkin shows up is a treat too. The movie plays out as you expect it to, and there are certainly more jokes early than late (happens far too often). Overall, it's a very solid movie, poking on blind religious devotion without viciously attacking those who are afflicted by it.
6. Team America: World Police
"America, Fuck Yeah!" Trey Parker and Matt Stone don't appeal to everyone and projects like this are almost designed to annoy the hell out of a lot of people. You have to respect the people in the business who experiment they way they do. A parody of dramatic super-patriotic movies. Sure. With puppets. Huh? Singing Kim-Jong Il. Retarded Matt Damon. Painfully long puppet sex scene. One almost gets sensory overload. What puts it on my list: The Dicks/Pussies/Assholes speech. Brilliant!
7. 50 First Dates
I can never put an Adam Sandler movie at the top of my list, but I can't ignore them either. You start to run out of things to say. Adam Sandler playing himself. Drew Barrymore plays the role of Julie Bowen, Winona Rider, or that girl from The Wedding Singer. Throw in a mix of Happy Madison regulars and a couple SNL people. Insert variable plot device (in this case, amnesia). It's a relative formula, but dammit, it works.
Man of the Year: Ben Stiller
This is a special award going out to Mr. Stiller for working so damn hard. In 2004 alone, he had the following movies:
-Meet the Fockers
-Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
-Envy
-Starsky & Hutch
-Along Came Polly
I didn't rank any of these because I couldn't decide which one (it was between the top 2, I can say).
HONORABLE MENTION
Napoleon Dynamite
You have to love a good sleeper summer cult hit? ...No, really, that's a question. Do you have to love it? Maybe if it wasn't the most over-quoted movie this side of Borat, I'd think higher of it. The movie was great at the time, but has no shelf life. Good to see they are finally making an animated series for it...7 years later.
Shrek 2
The biggest hit of the Shrek series, it lacked the shiny newness of the first and made so much money due to goodwill from the first and Puss In Boots. Still good. Not great.
Ocean's Twelve
I love love love the first movie. This one, not so much. It relied too much on the star power and the plot twists are not nearly as clever. It is still fun to watch but a let down from the first.
Sideways
Critics say I should love this movie. More dramedy than comedy, it focuses more on dealing with a midlife crisis (only not in the traditional sense) than I care for. I accept the possibility that I don't get it.
Garden State
If your soundtrack makes more money than your movie, you have issues. A good start for Zach Braff in films. It's sad he never figured out his next step. Natalie Portman makes anything better. The movie was overall unremarkable, although very watchable.
Eurotrip
When did Michelle Trachtenberg get hot? That was the entirety of the ad campaign when it came out. That's still what people take away from it. In 1997, this movie would've been PG-13 and toned down a lot. I like that it wasn't, but I don't think the comedy itself stepped up to the R rating.
The Girl Next Door
As a comedy, this was not that remarkable. Like Eurotrip, it didn't warrant it's R rating. It held itself back a lot given the subject matter. Some movies get rated R because it's what the story needs. This kind of subject matter should've started NC-17 and edited and appealed till it got the R, otherwise, cut it down to PG-13, rely more on innuendo than nudity, and make more money.
2. Mean Girls
3. Shaun of the Dead
4. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
5. Saved!
6. Team America: World Police
7. 50 First Dates
Man of the Year: Ben Stiller
-Meet the Fockers
-Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
-Envy
-Starsky & Hutch
-Along Came Polly
I didn't rank any of these because I couldn't decide which one (it was between the top 2, I can say).
HONORABLE MENTION
Napoleon Dynamite
You have to love a good sleeper summer cult hit? ...No, really, that's a question. Do you have to love it? Maybe if it wasn't the most over-quoted movie this side of Borat, I'd think higher of it. The movie was great at the time, but has no shelf life. Good to see they are finally making an animated series for it...7 years later.
Shrek 2
The biggest hit of the Shrek series, it lacked the shiny newness of the first and made so much money due to goodwill from the first and Puss In Boots. Still good. Not great.
Ocean's Twelve
I love love love the first movie. This one, not so much. It relied too much on the star power and the plot twists are not nearly as clever. It is still fun to watch but a let down from the first.
Sideways
Critics say I should love this movie. More dramedy than comedy, it focuses more on dealing with a midlife crisis (only not in the traditional sense) than I care for. I accept the possibility that I don't get it.
Garden State
If your soundtrack makes more money than your movie, you have issues. A good start for Zach Braff in films. It's sad he never figured out his next step. Natalie Portman makes anything better. The movie was overall unremarkable, although very watchable.
Eurotrip
When did Michelle Trachtenberg get hot? That was the entirety of the ad campaign when it came out. That's still what people take away from it. In 1997, this movie would've been PG-13 and toned down a lot. I like that it wasn't, but I don't think the comedy itself stepped up to the R rating.
The Girl Next Door
As a comedy, this was not that remarkable. Like Eurotrip, it didn't warrant it's R rating. It held itself back a lot given the subject matter. Some movies get rated R because it's what the story needs. This kind of subject matter should've started NC-17 and edited and appealed till it got the R, otherwise, cut it down to PG-13, rely more on innuendo than nudity, and make more money.
Bottom Comedy Movies of 2004
1. Chasing Liberty
I saw this movie. It was called My Date with the President's Daughter. It was about as good except it was a made for TV movie for the Disney Channel.
2. Fat Albert
Hey hey hey. Trying too hard.
3. Jersey Girl
They can't all be hits for Kevin Smith. I know he doesn't really care that much, so why should I?
4. Spanglish
They kept calling this a comedy. Watching it, I don't know why.
5. Soul Plane
At least it knew it was bad. These other movies didn't.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Another year with only five movie not worth mentioning.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Without a Paddle
Good cast of actors who don't often pick good movies.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
The first one was good. The second could be.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Bill Murray movies tend to be quirky, but pretty good.
I Heart Huckabees
I think this is a comedy. The cast is really strong. Maybe the movie is too.
Club Dread
Broken Lizard has a specific but fervent fan base. Nothing I've ever heard tells me it's as good as Super Troopers, but having not seen it, I can't be sure.
D.E.B.S.
The plot sounds more like a bad porn, and the cast is chosen based on attractiveness to boot. The little I've seen looks pretty good.
I saw this movie. It was called My Date with the President's Daughter. It was about as good except it was a made for TV movie for the Disney Channel.
2. Fat Albert
Hey hey hey. Trying too hard.
3. Jersey Girl
They can't all be hits for Kevin Smith. I know he doesn't really care that much, so why should I?
4. Spanglish
They kept calling this a comedy. Watching it, I don't know why.
5. Soul Plane
At least it knew it was bad. These other movies didn't.
DISHONORABLE MENTION
Another year with only five movie not worth mentioning.
INCOMPLETE LIST
Without a Paddle
Good cast of actors who don't often pick good movies.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason
The first one was good. The second could be.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Bill Murray movies tend to be quirky, but pretty good.
I Heart Huckabees
I think this is a comedy. The cast is really strong. Maybe the movie is too.
Club Dread
Broken Lizard has a specific but fervent fan base. Nothing I've ever heard tells me it's as good as Super Troopers, but having not seen it, I can't be sure.
D.E.B.S.
The plot sounds more like a bad porn, and the cast is chosen based on attractiveness to boot. The little I've seen looks pretty good.
Top Comedy Movies of 2005
1. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
It is only a slight exaggeration to say this is the movie that brought comedy movies to where it is now. Judd Apatow and the associated actors have their hands in virtually every cookie jar these days and [along with Anchorman] it all started with this hilarious star-maker for Steve Carell. The interesting part about this movie is how it manages to have as much heart as it does despite the premise.
2. Wedding Crashers
I consider this a prequel to The Hangover, due to how massive a success it was and also sharing the wedding backdrop. One of those movies everyone has seen, it either solidified your Frat Pack love or confirmed that nothing was going to get you to love Vince Vaughn or Owen Wilson.
3. The Producers
There aren't many chances to include a Mel Brooks movie on a list of newer movies these days. A remake of his first parody project, his musical adaptation of the play hits all the right notes (get it?) with the impossible to hate Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. It also has Will Ferrell in once of his rare over-the-top roles that doesn't feel like a creation of his own. As it turns out, that is really hard to do.
4. Bad News Bears
Surprise factor plays a large part to this high rating. Seeing anything with the Disney branding with Billy-Bob Thornton doing his best Bad Santa impersonation is a pretty big success. This is kind of like Hard Ball if Hard Ball didn't suck. One of the more underrated remakes of the past decade in my humble opinion.
5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith
While satire on suburban life is old hat, satire on both suburban life and the spy genre is totes new hat and brilliantly so. The biggest shame is that most people think of how it broke up Brad and Jen.
6. Waiting...
A disgusting gross out comedy. You either can't watch it because you want to be able to eat out again or you don't want to remember your time working at a food place. Basically, it was a who's who of people not in Judd Apatow movies. I think we can all agree it's perhaps Dane Cook's greatest role ever: small and one note.
7. The Longest Yard
Say what you will, but this is the first real Happy Madison production that doesn't follow the traditional boy meets girl and weird things happen plot. In fact, we barely see the girl, and she's a bitch (Sorry Courtney, we love you). Remaking a lower profile movie, it achieved that good balance of audiences and avoiding a chorus of purists attacking it for not being the original. Good touch keeping Burt Reynolds involved.
HONORABLE MENTION
Hitch
Some people hate how Will Smith forces every project he does to work around him being "Big Willy Style". I think it works more often than it doesn't. This movie didn't aspire to anything great, so it isn't.
Kicking and Screaming
Someone finally realized that if you take the swearing out of Will Ferrell's delivery, he is perfect for a kid's movie.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I've watched this movie, but honestly, I took nothing away from it. I sat there, completely sober and as focused as I ever am with a movie, and it is largely a blank in my mind.
The Ringer
I was so ready to pan this movie. Then I watched it. The jokes are standard. The acting doesn't challenge anyone. The gem in this is the surprisingly sweet treatment of the mentally challenged characters. They were legit characters and quite funny (as characters, not punch lines).
2. Wedding Crashers
3. The Producers
4. Bad News Bears
5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith
6. Waiting...
7. The Longest Yard
HONORABLE MENTION
Hitch
Some people hate how Will Smith forces every project he does to work around him being "Big Willy Style". I think it works more often than it doesn't. This movie didn't aspire to anything great, so it isn't.
Kicking and Screaming
Someone finally realized that if you take the swearing out of Will Ferrell's delivery, he is perfect for a kid's movie.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I've watched this movie, but honestly, I took nothing away from it. I sat there, completely sober and as focused as I ever am with a movie, and it is largely a blank in my mind.
The Ringer
I was so ready to pan this movie. Then I watched it. The jokes are standard. The acting doesn't challenge anyone. The gem in this is the surprisingly sweet treatment of the mentally challenged characters. They were legit characters and quite funny (as characters, not punch lines).
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