Yesterday I posted my thoughts on who I felt were the greatest cast members in the history of Saturday Night Live, which of course got me thinking about its current cast. While they had an up and down season last year in my opinion, every cast member will be returning next season. With that in mind, I'll give you my thoughts on how the current SNL cast members stack up, so you'll be well aware of who you're most likely going to see...again.
The Current SNL Cast
14. Paul Brittain (2010 - Present) - Paul who? Exactly
13. Abby Elliot (2008 - Present) - Just did not get a lot of material on this year, and it's really been hit or miss when she does
12. Taran Killam (2010 - Present) - Doesn't do a bad job in supporting roles, but give him his own sketch (Les Jueves de Paris) and it might not go so well.
11. Jay Pharoh (2010 - Present) - Does he do anything that isn't a black celebrity impression? His impressions are brilliant, but he needs to broaden his range a lot.
10. Vanessa Bayer (2010 - Present) - The best of the newbies, the only one with a recurring sketch (The Miley Cyrus Show) along with several nice supporting roles. Easily the most visible of the new cast members this past season.
9. Nasim Pedrad (2009 - Present) - Still seen more in supporting roles, Nasim is a nice well rounded cast member that just needs to write herself better material for a hit sketch (because that girl who won't leave her parents is definitely never going to be a hit)
8. Bobby Moynihan (2008 - Present) - The guy still doesn't have a recurring sketch or hit character, but he breathes energy into every single one of his sketches and you can tell how excited he still is to be on Saturday Night Live. He looks like a great guy to hang out with, but still not the guy you'd give a movie deal.
7. Jason Sudekis (2005 - Present) - Ordinarily Sudekis would be much higher on this list, but this year he really took a step backward in his visibility on the show, most likely due to Will Forte's departure (Sudekis had partnered with him many times before) and Sudekis's focus on his movie career. It was a genuine shock that Sudekis returned for another season, but I don't think he'll stick around too much longer.
6. Kenan Thompson (2003 - Present) - Kenan has the opposite problem of Pedrad and Moynihan in that he has quite a few recurring characters, but they all have been sucked dry already. What Up With That and Scared Straight have been done, and it's time for them to go into retirement. While Kenan may drag out some sketches too long, his little bit character parts on Update or in a sketch are always a delight (Charlie Wrangle, The Rent is too Damn High)
5. Fred Armisen (2002 - Present) - The main reason that Armisen stays relevant every week on the show is because of Obama. If you think of what Armisen has been doing on the show minus Obama is hasn't been a lot this past year. Most likely he's suffering a little burnout seeing he's been on the show for quite some time. However, when he does get a sketch or two on he rarely disappoints.
4. Seth Meyers (2001 - Present) - Seth Meyers has the potential to be number 1 on this list: if he would just get a freakin' co-anchor. Update character pieces have become a little more frequent, because Meyers is simply at his best when he has someone to play off of. When Amy Poehler returned to host this season Update was awesome because the two have great chemistry, but when he's going solo the Meyer's Update is usually good, not great. It's still the most solid portion of the show most weeks, but it has the potential to be so much more.
3. Andy Samberg (2005 - Present) - The master of The Digital Shorts turned out some impressive shorts this year, three of which are now up for Emmys. Not only that, but Samberg did just about every role imaginable this year, he did impressions, big sketches, small Update pieces, and of course The Digital Shorts, and he was pretty dang good in most of them. Like all cast members he had some ups and downs, but Samberg definitely grabbed some more spotlight following Forte's departure.
2. Kristen Wiig (2005 - Present) - The star of the show for the past couple of years didn't do as much as usual this past year, probably because she was focused on her big movie Bridesmaids, which as many of you know opened to critical acclaim. Wiig has been retiring some of her old characters and sketches (take note Kenan) which has given her less to do, but she is still your best bet to turn a crappy sketch around. Wiig breathes an astonishing amount of life into each character she does, all while being really funny.
1. Bill Hader (2005 - Present) - No doubt about it, Hader was the big man on campus this year. He had Julian Assange, Charlie Sheen, and John Boehner for great impressions, as well as great turns in sketches that would have most likely failed without him. In my opinion, he was also the star of the funniest sketch of the year (Don you go rounnin my roun to re ro). Along with a number of great characters, Stefon now being the most recognizable but Herb Welch is one of my favorites, it's not suprise that Hader wants to come back and clean up some more.
Those of my thoughts on SNL's current cast, feel free to give me yours!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thoughts on Television - Greatest Saturday Night Live Cast Members
Since 1975, the best to way to launch yourself into comedic stardom has been to be a cast member on Saturday Night Live. The show has produced a staggering amount of famous alumni, spread throught the entertainment industry in television, film, stand-up and many more fields. One of the favorite things to do of longtime fans of the show is to create their "dream cast," assembled of who they feel are the greatest performers to ever grace the stage of studio 8H. As a longtime fan of the show, I also like to play this game, which is why I created the list you see below. The list is based solely on the cast member's contribution to Saturday Night Live, whether they became famous afterwards or flirted with obscurity afterwards is irrelevant. Current cast members are also being left off the list, as their contributions as a cast member will only be judged after they have left the show. The list is based solely on what they could do live from New York on Saturday Night.
Honorable Mentions
These are cast members that found themselves with just not enough to make it into the top ten, but that in no way belittles their contribution to the show. Just being among the best in a television show that produces the greatest comedic talent in the world is quite an accomplishment, I must say.
15. Molly Shannon - The first real female performer to really break out since Gilda Radner from the original cast. She started the new female revolution where the women on the show started to contribute just as the men, and soon the women began to overtake the men, though Shannon would not be present for that. Her iconic character Mary Katherin Gallagher also helped restore confidence in the show after its low ratings peak in the 94-95 season. However, Shannon was often still overshadowed by her male co-workers, specifically Will Ferrell.
14. Adam Sandler - Arguably the most unique voice to ever come on the show, Adam Sandler did Adam Sandler pieces, and he did them well. Sandler created some of the most original characters ever on the show, and while he worked his way up into becoming a major player on the show, his reputation is hurt by the fact that he and Chris Farely couldn't maintain the show during the 94-95 season and were both fired by NBC.
13. Billy Crystal - Billy was the star of Saturday Night Live from 84-85, but that was it. In one year Billy Crystal led the charge of what is considered one of SNL's best seasons, but unfortunately he was only around for one, which prevents him from moving up higher on this list. If he would've been around for another year or two, he would've solidified his reputation as one of the show's all time greatest cast members.
12. Amy Poehler - Taking over for Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler presided over a period of SNL where the girls weren't just as good as the boys, they were better. Throughout her time on the show, Poehler show us all that she didn't want to be considered the damsel in distress or the hot prize, she wanted to be the funny one. And she was.
11. Phil Hartman - One of the most versatile performers the show's had, Phil would do anything, and he did it well. It helped that he also had a golden voice to back up his tremendous acting skills. Hartman was good in everything, but he didn't have too many amazing stand out moments that would put him higher on the list. Still, every moment was a great one with Phil Hartman.
The Greats
10. Chevy Chase - SNL's original breakout star got the show off the ground, and lauched it 10,000 feet in the air. Though like Billy Crystal he was only on for one year, Chase's year on the show is much more iconic, famous for his prat falls, his bumbling impression of Gerald Ford, and his gig as Weekend Update Anchor. Chase helped make the show what it is today, which almost no other performer could do. But hey, after all, he's Chevy Chase, and we're not.
9. Chris Farley - The big man had skills. He created a bunch of the most famous recurring characters in the early 90's, and was head of the shows demographic swing to a younger generation. The guy seemed to be able to do it all, but even he couldn't keep the show afloat in the 94-95 season and was fired as a result. However his legacy lives on through all the tremendous energy and passion he would put in each sketch, so that a common way of fixing bad sketches was to just add "Farley enters."
8. Dan Akyroyd - One of the greatest writer/performers in SNL's history, Akyroyd would write some of the show's most inventive sketches while also creating a nice pile of recurring characters. His writing will always stick out more than his performing however, limiting his upward mobility on this list, but he will forever be a legend in 8H for all his contributions to making SNL a hit.
7. Gilda Radner - Everybody loved Gilda. While the later women of SNL would break out when the male talent started to dwindle a little, Gilda was among the best of the best, and still broke through the mold. Gilda helped carry the show each year during the show's five year run, and never ran out of steam. She was actually the show's only original star to have stuck around for those first five years, and it served her reputation well.
6. Mike Meyers - Meyers wasn't the kind of guy who would be in other people's sketches just so he would get on air that week. Mike Meyers just stuck to his Mike Meyers pieces, and he was never hungry for airtime. The creator of some of the most popular sketches the show's ever had, Meyers was also the star of the most successful SNL movie. It's also interesting to note that by the end of his run, Meyers had already become more famous than most of the SNL hosts.
5. Dana Carvey - During his run on the show, Dana Carvey was forced to compete with some of the show's greatest talents for airtime, and he won. Carvey was able to be on the show from top to bottom, starting with his George H.W. Bush impression. then starting the show strong with Church Chat or Garth from Wayne's World. (even though Wayne's World is Mike Meyers piece, it wouldn't be the same without Carvey) Unfortunately, while Carvey wasn't as successful outside of SNL as some of its stars have been, but his tenure on the show still remains absolutely brilliant.
4. Bill Murray - The first SNL replacement cast member, Bill Murray taught us that you not only have to equal the contributions of the person you replaced (a tall order for replacing Chevy Chase) but in order to be well like you have to surpass them. While Murray struggled at first, he finally found he way into our hearts, by telling us he was struggling. Not too long after that Murray found his spotlight on SNL as the show's first true everyman, as well as creating classic characters like the Nerds and Nick the Lounge Singer. The fact that the show could also lose two more of its stars, Belushi and Akyroyd and be able to stay alive and a hit is thanks to the amazing talents of Bill Murray.
3. Will Ferrell - While Carvey was able to be on the show from top to bottom, Will Ferrell could dominate a show. In the late 90's and early 2000's, there was no question: Will Ferrell was the star of SNL. Ferrell led the charge of restoring the show's glory after the disastrous 94-95 season, and he not only helped bring it back but made it one of the greatest times in the show's long career. Ferrell was able to walk the line perfectly between being known for characters and being known for impressions. In characters he had the Spartan Cheerleaders, A Night at the Roxbury, and his famous patriot that wore a very interesting outfit out of pride for his country. In impressions he had George W. Bush, Alex Trebek, Harry Carry, Neil Diamond and Robert Goulet. Ferrell had it all, and he had fun with it.
2. Eddie Murphy - There is no question about this, is the early 80's Eddie Murphy WAS SNL. Not just the star of it, he was it. After all the show's comedic talent moved away after the first five seasons Eddie gave us a reason to still care about SNL. He had Gumby, Buckwheat, and spent a day among white men in White Like Me. Eddie Murphy was a bundle of pure comedic genius, and he started out at only 18 years old.
1. John Belushi - Belushi was a very messed up man, but a brilliant performer. The greatness of John Belushi was that he could star in one sketch the entire night, and the rest would be Akyroyd, Radner and Murray, but all you could talk about the next day was John Belushi. He treated almost every moment of his time of the air as if it was his last, which was theoretically possibe, knowing his lifestyle. With perfect impressions and characters, Belushi lead the original cast of SNL to greatness and never looked back. An isatiable man, Belushi was as close as it comes to perfection.
Honorable Mentions
These are cast members that found themselves with just not enough to make it into the top ten, but that in no way belittles their contribution to the show. Just being among the best in a television show that produces the greatest comedic talent in the world is quite an accomplishment, I must say.
15. Molly Shannon - The first real female performer to really break out since Gilda Radner from the original cast. She started the new female revolution where the women on the show started to contribute just as the men, and soon the women began to overtake the men, though Shannon would not be present for that. Her iconic character Mary Katherin Gallagher also helped restore confidence in the show after its low ratings peak in the 94-95 season. However, Shannon was often still overshadowed by her male co-workers, specifically Will Ferrell.
14. Adam Sandler - Arguably the most unique voice to ever come on the show, Adam Sandler did Adam Sandler pieces, and he did them well. Sandler created some of the most original characters ever on the show, and while he worked his way up into becoming a major player on the show, his reputation is hurt by the fact that he and Chris Farely couldn't maintain the show during the 94-95 season and were both fired by NBC.
13. Billy Crystal - Billy was the star of Saturday Night Live from 84-85, but that was it. In one year Billy Crystal led the charge of what is considered one of SNL's best seasons, but unfortunately he was only around for one, which prevents him from moving up higher on this list. If he would've been around for another year or two, he would've solidified his reputation as one of the show's all time greatest cast members.
12. Amy Poehler - Taking over for Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler presided over a period of SNL where the girls weren't just as good as the boys, they were better. Throughout her time on the show, Poehler show us all that she didn't want to be considered the damsel in distress or the hot prize, she wanted to be the funny one. And she was.
11. Phil Hartman - One of the most versatile performers the show's had, Phil would do anything, and he did it well. It helped that he also had a golden voice to back up his tremendous acting skills. Hartman was good in everything, but he didn't have too many amazing stand out moments that would put him higher on the list. Still, every moment was a great one with Phil Hartman.
The Greats
10. Chevy Chase - SNL's original breakout star got the show off the ground, and lauched it 10,000 feet in the air. Though like Billy Crystal he was only on for one year, Chase's year on the show is much more iconic, famous for his prat falls, his bumbling impression of Gerald Ford, and his gig as Weekend Update Anchor. Chase helped make the show what it is today, which almost no other performer could do. But hey, after all, he's Chevy Chase, and we're not.
9. Chris Farley - The big man had skills. He created a bunch of the most famous recurring characters in the early 90's, and was head of the shows demographic swing to a younger generation. The guy seemed to be able to do it all, but even he couldn't keep the show afloat in the 94-95 season and was fired as a result. However his legacy lives on through all the tremendous energy and passion he would put in each sketch, so that a common way of fixing bad sketches was to just add "Farley enters."
8. Dan Akyroyd - One of the greatest writer/performers in SNL's history, Akyroyd would write some of the show's most inventive sketches while also creating a nice pile of recurring characters. His writing will always stick out more than his performing however, limiting his upward mobility on this list, but he will forever be a legend in 8H for all his contributions to making SNL a hit.
7. Gilda Radner - Everybody loved Gilda. While the later women of SNL would break out when the male talent started to dwindle a little, Gilda was among the best of the best, and still broke through the mold. Gilda helped carry the show each year during the show's five year run, and never ran out of steam. She was actually the show's only original star to have stuck around for those first five years, and it served her reputation well.
6. Mike Meyers - Meyers wasn't the kind of guy who would be in other people's sketches just so he would get on air that week. Mike Meyers just stuck to his Mike Meyers pieces, and he was never hungry for airtime. The creator of some of the most popular sketches the show's ever had, Meyers was also the star of the most successful SNL movie. It's also interesting to note that by the end of his run, Meyers had already become more famous than most of the SNL hosts.
5. Dana Carvey - During his run on the show, Dana Carvey was forced to compete with some of the show's greatest talents for airtime, and he won. Carvey was able to be on the show from top to bottom, starting with his George H.W. Bush impression. then starting the show strong with Church Chat or Garth from Wayne's World. (even though Wayne's World is Mike Meyers piece, it wouldn't be the same without Carvey) Unfortunately, while Carvey wasn't as successful outside of SNL as some of its stars have been, but his tenure on the show still remains absolutely brilliant.
4. Bill Murray - The first SNL replacement cast member, Bill Murray taught us that you not only have to equal the contributions of the person you replaced (a tall order for replacing Chevy Chase) but in order to be well like you have to surpass them. While Murray struggled at first, he finally found he way into our hearts, by telling us he was struggling. Not too long after that Murray found his spotlight on SNL as the show's first true everyman, as well as creating classic characters like the Nerds and Nick the Lounge Singer. The fact that the show could also lose two more of its stars, Belushi and Akyroyd and be able to stay alive and a hit is thanks to the amazing talents of Bill Murray.
3. Will Ferrell - While Carvey was able to be on the show from top to bottom, Will Ferrell could dominate a show. In the late 90's and early 2000's, there was no question: Will Ferrell was the star of SNL. Ferrell led the charge of restoring the show's glory after the disastrous 94-95 season, and he not only helped bring it back but made it one of the greatest times in the show's long career. Ferrell was able to walk the line perfectly between being known for characters and being known for impressions. In characters he had the Spartan Cheerleaders, A Night at the Roxbury, and his famous patriot that wore a very interesting outfit out of pride for his country. In impressions he had George W. Bush, Alex Trebek, Harry Carry, Neil Diamond and Robert Goulet. Ferrell had it all, and he had fun with it.
2. Eddie Murphy - There is no question about this, is the early 80's Eddie Murphy WAS SNL. Not just the star of it, he was it. After all the show's comedic talent moved away after the first five seasons Eddie gave us a reason to still care about SNL. He had Gumby, Buckwheat, and spent a day among white men in White Like Me. Eddie Murphy was a bundle of pure comedic genius, and he started out at only 18 years old.
1. John Belushi - Belushi was a very messed up man, but a brilliant performer. The greatness of John Belushi was that he could star in one sketch the entire night, and the rest would be Akyroyd, Radner and Murray, but all you could talk about the next day was John Belushi. He treated almost every moment of his time of the air as if it was his last, which was theoretically possibe, knowing his lifestyle. With perfect impressions and characters, Belushi lead the original cast of SNL to greatness and never looked back. An isatiable man, Belushi was as close as it comes to perfection.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thoughts on Movies - Best and Worst Comedy Films in 2011
Well, the year is already over halfway over, so while I won't go into a full detailed list of the Best and Worst of Comedy Films in 2011, I will still provide what I feel is the best and worst in this genre so far this year.
Worst Comedy Film in 2011: The Hangover Part II
Honestly, I'm a big fan of the first Hangover, but this selection was a no-brainer. Recycling the same plot in a different location, the screenwriter's thought that the best way to keep the movie fresh was to jack up the raunchiness a couple ten notches. The result is a way over the top film that doesn't realize extreme raunchiness and character development don't go hand in hand. It also grossed over $500 million worldwide....Hangover Part III here we come.
Best Comedy Film in 2011: Bridesmaids
This selection was also a no brainer. Kristen Wiig steps off of SNL and into the spotlight in a wonderfully hilarious movie that also has heart to it and real characters. While The Hangover Part II embraced stereotypes and exploited them (Leslie Chow, I'm sorry Ken Jeong, but it's true), Bridesmaids did the opposite and took what would be one joke sterotype characters and made them fleshed out and likeable (Melissa McCarthy). While Bridesmaids didn't earn as much money box office wise as The Hangover Part II did, I'm sure it'll be replayed many more times than that other shoddy sequel.
Worst Comedy Film in 2011: The Hangover Part II
Honestly, I'm a big fan of the first Hangover, but this selection was a no-brainer. Recycling the same plot in a different location, the screenwriter's thought that the best way to keep the movie fresh was to jack up the raunchiness a couple ten notches. The result is a way over the top film that doesn't realize extreme raunchiness and character development don't go hand in hand. It also grossed over $500 million worldwide....Hangover Part III here we come.
Best Comedy Film in 2011: Bridesmaids
This selection was also a no brainer. Kristen Wiig steps off of SNL and into the spotlight in a wonderfully hilarious movie that also has heart to it and real characters. While The Hangover Part II embraced stereotypes and exploited them (Leslie Chow, I'm sorry Ken Jeong, but it's true), Bridesmaids did the opposite and took what would be one joke sterotype characters and made them fleshed out and likeable (Melissa McCarthy). While Bridesmaids didn't earn as much money box office wise as The Hangover Part II did, I'm sure it'll be replayed many more times than that other shoddy sequel.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thoughts on Music - Album Review of Alpocalypse
Since the 1970's, Weird Al Yankovic has kept us entertained and chuckling with novelty parody songs spoofing popular music and artists. Here in 2011, Weird Al is still at it, with his latest album Alpocalypse. Right off the bat, this album might sadden some Weird Al fans, as five of the songs on the album have already been released in Yankovic's Grammy nominated EP Internet Leaks. The rest of the songs prove that Yankovic might not being in his glory days anymore, with almost all the songs being decent parodies, but nowhere close to providing a gut-busting laugh or causing us to sing along. The lone exception is his parody of Lady Gaga's "Born this Way," which he turns into "Perform this Way." This song proves to be the highlight of the album, as Yankovic discusses an artist with an extremely eccentric stage personality.
Final Grade: C+
Final Analysis: Not a bad album, but not really a good one either
Final Grade: C+
Final Analysis: Not a bad album, but not really a good one either
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thoughts on Music - Album Review of Turtleneck and Chain
The Saturday Night Live trio of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer have been busting out hilarious novelty songs ever since striking gold with the Digital Short "Lazy Sunday." Since then, the group has won an Emmy for their songwriting abilities, as well as earning several Emmy and Grammy nominations. Turtleneck and Chain is the group's second full length album, comprised half of songs that were already featured in an SNL Digital short as well as a few new songs. This resulting album is a roller coaster of highs and lows, with songs like "I Just Had Sex" "Jack Sparrow" and "Motherlover" arguably topping Weird Al's biggest hits. The three men also prove they are well listened music scholars, being able to perfectly imitate the genres they spoof, like classical R & B and current gangsta rap to name a few. Another thing the dudes have going for them is that all their songs are unbelievably catchy, even when the lyrical content fails to produce many laughs. On the flip side, just because all the songs are catchy doesn't mean all of them are good. Some feel directionless, with missed comedic points or too much emphasis on a single comedic idea to carry a song. However, The Lonely Island still manage to deliver a hilarious album, proving that they are worthy of being called this generations new Weird Al, because as much as some of their songs fail to deliver, they're still better than what most of their competition is doing.
Final Grade: B
Final Analysis: If you like music and you like to laugh, this album would definitely be a good one to have.
Final Grade: B
Final Analysis: If you like music and you like to laugh, this album would definitely be a good one to have.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thoughts on Movies - A Young White Guy's Top 25 Comedy Movies of All Time
Here it is, my list of what I consider to be the Top 25 Comedy Movies of all time. I tried to be honest and stray away from personal preferences (Anchorman) so this could be considered a truly validated list. However, as I have no qualifications and this list is completely subjective, this list isn't that valid anyway. I tried to create a variety of movies on this list, but I doubt I was very successful. As you will see the list will be completely unordered, because I think it would be completely narcissistic of me to claim that I can tell which laugh is better than which. When it comes to the best, I honestly think there is no way to rank them fairly and say "This is it. This is the list." Instead, I put the movies in order of their release date, so you can see the different ways movies have made us laugh all throughout the years.
The Gold Rush - 1925
You have to give Charlie Chaplain his dues as one of the first great comedy icons, and I try to honor him by including on this list the film he said he wanted to be remembered for most. Any movie that can produce laughs without even sound deserves a little credit, in my opinion.
Duck Soup - 1933
A classic Marx Brothers comedy that earns its place of this list because no one did it like the Marx's back then. No one does has done it like them since. I doubt anyone ever will.
Some Like it Hot - 1959
The classic crossdressing comedy with Marilyn Monroe has always produced laughs even though it was released over 50 years ago. With one of the best closing lines I've ever seen in a movie it stays true to the comedians number one goal: always leave them wanting more.
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - 1964
It's hard to imagine may comedians nowadays satirizing a nuclear scare. It's even harder to imagine that they would do that in the thick of the Cold War, right after the Cuban Missle Crisis almost caused human annihilation. This film has more guts than almost every comedy movie in the last 25 years combined, making it a clear classic.
The Producers - 1968
Mel Brooks first turn at writing and directing a film ended up winning him an Academy Award for his screenplay, multiple Tony awards when he turned it into a musical, as well as a Grammy Award for the cast album. Brooks was arguably at his finest early on, satirizing Hitler and Nazi Germany long before it became cool to do so with one of the most offensive and hilarious songs ever written, the classic "Springtime for Hitler."
Blazing Saddles - 1974
While The Producers may have been overall the best work Mel Brooks has ever done, Blazing Saddles was probably his funniest. Written with the help of comedy legend Richard Pryor, this movie contained a scene containing the most farts in film history, and still got three Academy Award nominations. Pure genius.
Young Frankenstein - 1974
Mel Brooks showed us once again his pure directing genius by managing to re-create the atmosphere of a 1930s to 1940s horror film, in all its black and white glory, and making it entertaining to watch. He also provided us with a genius Fred Astaire number...not by Fred Astaire.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - 1975
How could this movie not make the list? Over 35 years after its release it still manages to be one of the most quoteable and entertaining movies ever made. It doesn't hurt that it now also has a musical counterpart that won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Yes, the boys of Monty Python were clearly at their greatest here, and the Middle Ages will never be seen the same way because of it.
Annie Hall - 1977
You can tell this movie was pure gold because it managed to get an Oscar nomination for Woddy Allen...for his acting. Allen managed to add a little bit more depth to his next comedy and the results were astounding. Even if you're not an Allen fan, it's hard to knock this Academy Award winning picture.
National Lampoon's Animal House - 1978
The film that did the impossible: made John Belushi an even bigger star. The film so packed with quotes, mischief and fun that when I first saw it I wanted to drop everything and go to college a couple years early. Spawning off an entire genre of films where our laughs are traced with a little bit of disgust, this movie magic has never been able to be repeated.
Airplane! - 1980
The movie that turned a stupid comment into a somehow memorable and genius quote had a lot going for it, and still does. "Good luck, we're all counting on you," to make us laugh, that is. Luckily, this movie never disappoints.
Caddyshack - 1980
The movie that launched Bill Murray into stardom, purely on his improvised lines as Carl the groundskeeper.This wonderful Cinderella story is a pure delight and never loses its cache, even when my father quotes it daily. Very, very few movies have that kind of prestige.
National Lampoon's Vacation - 1983
Chevy Chase's shot at stardom spawned off an entire new genre of failed family vacation movies, nothing even close to what Chase and the Griswolds were first able to capture in this movie, a classic comedy that only lost some of its dignity because of its less than thrilling sequels.
Beverly Hills Cop - 1984
As I have grown up mainly with the pop culture of the 2000s, I am cursed with not being able to remember a time when Eddie Murphy was a beloved and well respected comedy icon. Luckily for him, films are timeless, and he shines wonderfully in his performance when he was a much younger, and much more well respected, comedian.
Ghostbusters - 1984
When I was much younger, around 4 or 5, and I first saw parts of Ghostbusters, I couldn't comprehend what the dialougue was, so I thought Ghostbusters was a serious action movie about people who fought ghosts. This made it all the better for me rediscovering Ghostbusters later as a genius comedy film, because it visually looked like an action film, pushing the limits of special effects of the time, but its dialougue betrayed that it was actually one of the greatest comedy movies of all time.
This is Spinal Tap - 1984
Before The Office managed to make the mockumentary style of camera work famous, this fake documentary manged to turn the laughs up to 11. The fake rock band Spinal Tap even managed to make real rockers sides ache, and both Eddie Van Halen and The Edge of U2 were reportably stunned at how accurately the film managed to portray rock life. Spinal Tap is now given serious attention as one of the most influential rock bands, silencing those mean critics who simply called their album Shark sandwhich: "shit sandwhich."
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986
Don't we all just wish we could randomly take a day off from school or work or whatever, and have the time of our lives? Ferris Bueller's legendary day inspired all of us who watched it to go out and enjoy ourselves because sometimes, one day is all you need for a great adventure.
The Princess Bride - 1987
While its medieval setting sometimes puts it in a unwinnable contest with itself and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this film is still memorable and extremely quoteable, sometimes to the point of blissful exhaustion. (My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die)
A Fish Called Wanda - 1988
Monty Python member John Cleese moves on from his sketch comedy brothers, co-writing and co-directing a new movie, and the result is to die for. Literally, it's rumored this movie caused someone to die from laughter. Enough said.
Groundhog Day - 1993
Stuck in the same day over and over again, Bill Murray provides us with some unforgettable hijinxs, and later he provides us with a beautiful message and implored us to make every day from now on count. That being said, my favorite scene is still the one where Murray and the groundhog go driving.
The Big Lebowski - 1998
It might surprise people now that an acclaimed actor like Jeff Bridges got his big start with a character known simply as "The Dude." Yet the Dude was an unforgettable character, just like the many characters that surround the Dude are pretty unforgettable, played by such actors as John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Oh, and did I mention that before their multiple Academy Awards and nominations, this is what the Coen brothers directed? I didn't....well they did.
There's Something About Mary - 1998
Brett Favre is in this movie. That should give you a hint as to how awesome this movie is. Of course, it also has Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller, in one of their best performances to date, but personally I think it's just cool that Favre happens to be there, in one of the great cameo moments in movie history.
Office Space - 1999
The ultimate office comedy, before even Ricky Gervais had concieved it. And I don't think even he could have predicted the awesomeness of the world's best stapeler joke. Plus the trashing of the copier has got to be one of the greatest action sequences ever made, full of violence, emotion and hilarity. It's certainly a better sequence than anything Transformers has done.
South Park: Bigger Longer and Uncut - 1999
Matt Stone and Trey Parker teamed up to create of the most offensive but funniest shows in existance. So what did they do with that show? Why turn it into not just a movie, an animated movie, but an animated movie musical. The result rivals even what Disney has done with the movie musical, a hilarious movie making fun of the very people who are offended by it, as it made it into the Guniess World Record Book for most swear words in a movie.
The 40 Year Old Virgin - 2004
You'd think a movie with a title like this would not exactly be among the comedy greats, but it turns out to be a genius heartfelt comedy that doesn't settle for the easy laughs and keeps its tone as a wonderfully hilarious film. Steve Carrell is in one of the roles of his career and his three supporting men, as well as Jane Lynch, aren't so bad either. Probably the comedy film that mostly defined the rest of the decade, as after directing this movie Judd Apatow firmly rooted himself as one of the primary directors/producers of comedy films in the business.
Well, that's the list folks, and as they say, always leave them wanting more....well, I probably didn't do so well there...
The Gold Rush - 1925
You have to give Charlie Chaplain his dues as one of the first great comedy icons, and I try to honor him by including on this list the film he said he wanted to be remembered for most. Any movie that can produce laughs without even sound deserves a little credit, in my opinion.
Duck Soup - 1933
A classic Marx Brothers comedy that earns its place of this list because no one did it like the Marx's back then. No one does has done it like them since. I doubt anyone ever will.
Some Like it Hot - 1959
The classic crossdressing comedy with Marilyn Monroe has always produced laughs even though it was released over 50 years ago. With one of the best closing lines I've ever seen in a movie it stays true to the comedians number one goal: always leave them wanting more.
Dr. Strangelove or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb - 1964
It's hard to imagine may comedians nowadays satirizing a nuclear scare. It's even harder to imagine that they would do that in the thick of the Cold War, right after the Cuban Missle Crisis almost caused human annihilation. This film has more guts than almost every comedy movie in the last 25 years combined, making it a clear classic.
The Producers - 1968
Mel Brooks first turn at writing and directing a film ended up winning him an Academy Award for his screenplay, multiple Tony awards when he turned it into a musical, as well as a Grammy Award for the cast album. Brooks was arguably at his finest early on, satirizing Hitler and Nazi Germany long before it became cool to do so with one of the most offensive and hilarious songs ever written, the classic "Springtime for Hitler."
Blazing Saddles - 1974
While The Producers may have been overall the best work Mel Brooks has ever done, Blazing Saddles was probably his funniest. Written with the help of comedy legend Richard Pryor, this movie contained a scene containing the most farts in film history, and still got three Academy Award nominations. Pure genius.
Young Frankenstein - 1974
Mel Brooks showed us once again his pure directing genius by managing to re-create the atmosphere of a 1930s to 1940s horror film, in all its black and white glory, and making it entertaining to watch. He also provided us with a genius Fred Astaire number...not by Fred Astaire.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - 1975
How could this movie not make the list? Over 35 years after its release it still manages to be one of the most quoteable and entertaining movies ever made. It doesn't hurt that it now also has a musical counterpart that won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Yes, the boys of Monty Python were clearly at their greatest here, and the Middle Ages will never be seen the same way because of it.
Annie Hall - 1977
You can tell this movie was pure gold because it managed to get an Oscar nomination for Woddy Allen...for his acting. Allen managed to add a little bit more depth to his next comedy and the results were astounding. Even if you're not an Allen fan, it's hard to knock this Academy Award winning picture.
National Lampoon's Animal House - 1978
The film that did the impossible: made John Belushi an even bigger star. The film so packed with quotes, mischief and fun that when I first saw it I wanted to drop everything and go to college a couple years early. Spawning off an entire genre of films where our laughs are traced with a little bit of disgust, this movie magic has never been able to be repeated.
Airplane! - 1980
The movie that turned a stupid comment into a somehow memorable and genius quote had a lot going for it, and still does. "Good luck, we're all counting on you," to make us laugh, that is. Luckily, this movie never disappoints.
Caddyshack - 1980
The movie that launched Bill Murray into stardom, purely on his improvised lines as Carl the groundskeeper.This wonderful Cinderella story is a pure delight and never loses its cache, even when my father quotes it daily. Very, very few movies have that kind of prestige.
National Lampoon's Vacation - 1983
Chevy Chase's shot at stardom spawned off an entire new genre of failed family vacation movies, nothing even close to what Chase and the Griswolds were first able to capture in this movie, a classic comedy that only lost some of its dignity because of its less than thrilling sequels.
Beverly Hills Cop - 1984
As I have grown up mainly with the pop culture of the 2000s, I am cursed with not being able to remember a time when Eddie Murphy was a beloved and well respected comedy icon. Luckily for him, films are timeless, and he shines wonderfully in his performance when he was a much younger, and much more well respected, comedian.
Ghostbusters - 1984
When I was much younger, around 4 or 5, and I first saw parts of Ghostbusters, I couldn't comprehend what the dialougue was, so I thought Ghostbusters was a serious action movie about people who fought ghosts. This made it all the better for me rediscovering Ghostbusters later as a genius comedy film, because it visually looked like an action film, pushing the limits of special effects of the time, but its dialougue betrayed that it was actually one of the greatest comedy movies of all time.
This is Spinal Tap - 1984
Before The Office managed to make the mockumentary style of camera work famous, this fake documentary manged to turn the laughs up to 11. The fake rock band Spinal Tap even managed to make real rockers sides ache, and both Eddie Van Halen and The Edge of U2 were reportably stunned at how accurately the film managed to portray rock life. Spinal Tap is now given serious attention as one of the most influential rock bands, silencing those mean critics who simply called their album Shark sandwhich: "shit sandwhich."
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986
Don't we all just wish we could randomly take a day off from school or work or whatever, and have the time of our lives? Ferris Bueller's legendary day inspired all of us who watched it to go out and enjoy ourselves because sometimes, one day is all you need for a great adventure.
The Princess Bride - 1987
While its medieval setting sometimes puts it in a unwinnable contest with itself and Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this film is still memorable and extremely quoteable, sometimes to the point of blissful exhaustion. (My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die)
A Fish Called Wanda - 1988
Monty Python member John Cleese moves on from his sketch comedy brothers, co-writing and co-directing a new movie, and the result is to die for. Literally, it's rumored this movie caused someone to die from laughter. Enough said.
Groundhog Day - 1993
Stuck in the same day over and over again, Bill Murray provides us with some unforgettable hijinxs, and later he provides us with a beautiful message and implored us to make every day from now on count. That being said, my favorite scene is still the one where Murray and the groundhog go driving.
The Big Lebowski - 1998
It might surprise people now that an acclaimed actor like Jeff Bridges got his big start with a character known simply as "The Dude." Yet the Dude was an unforgettable character, just like the many characters that surround the Dude are pretty unforgettable, played by such actors as John Goodman and Julianne Moore. Oh, and did I mention that before their multiple Academy Awards and nominations, this is what the Coen brothers directed? I didn't....well they did.
There's Something About Mary - 1998
Brett Favre is in this movie. That should give you a hint as to how awesome this movie is. Of course, it also has Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller, in one of their best performances to date, but personally I think it's just cool that Favre happens to be there, in one of the great cameo moments in movie history.
Office Space - 1999
The ultimate office comedy, before even Ricky Gervais had concieved it. And I don't think even he could have predicted the awesomeness of the world's best stapeler joke. Plus the trashing of the copier has got to be one of the greatest action sequences ever made, full of violence, emotion and hilarity. It's certainly a better sequence than anything Transformers has done.
South Park: Bigger Longer and Uncut - 1999
Matt Stone and Trey Parker teamed up to create of the most offensive but funniest shows in existance. So what did they do with that show? Why turn it into not just a movie, an animated movie, but an animated movie musical. The result rivals even what Disney has done with the movie musical, a hilarious movie making fun of the very people who are offended by it, as it made it into the Guniess World Record Book for most swear words in a movie.
The 40 Year Old Virgin - 2004
You'd think a movie with a title like this would not exactly be among the comedy greats, but it turns out to be a genius heartfelt comedy that doesn't settle for the easy laughs and keeps its tone as a wonderfully hilarious film. Steve Carrell is in one of the roles of his career and his three supporting men, as well as Jane Lynch, aren't so bad either. Probably the comedy film that mostly defined the rest of the decade, as after directing this movie Judd Apatow firmly rooted himself as one of the primary directors/producers of comedy films in the business.
Well, that's the list folks, and as they say, always leave them wanting more....well, I probably didn't do so well there...
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thoughts on Movies Preview
Well as of right now this blog is going extremely strong with approximately...0 views. Awesome. Not even my mom...who I gave this url too....sad. Oh well, I'm still going to forge ahead in the hopes that someone will read this. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for a week starting tomorrow and I will be unable to post further updates. So, in that case, when I return I will give a special treat for anyone who cares to read this: A Young White Guy's Top 25 Comedy Movies of All Time. I hope to give descriptions on the old classics as well as some more modern films that are still able to make our sides ache. I know that all 0 of you are just bursting with anticipation as to what this list will include, but you'll just have to wait until I come back. If you actually stop and read this, I owe you one, and I hope this lived up to at least your lowest expectations.
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