I've been on a comedy kick recently, so I'm interested in getting some opinions on your favorite comedies. What are your faves,and why? Mine, in no particular order:
Airplane! - ZA & Z tried, but they never again reached the comedic heights they did here (no, not even with Police Squad!). Every character is given something funny to do or say, and the fact that everything is played straight makes it even more funny. Hilarious no matter how many times I've watched it. Avoid the sequel.
Tootsie - this is maybe the most organically funny movie I've ever seen. I'm still staggered to this day how naturally funny Dustin Hoffman is - prior to this movie, I'd have had no idea. Kudos to Bill Murray, whom everyone forgets is in this flick (by everyone, I mean me). Every scene between Sydney Pollack and Hoffman is pure gold. And Jessica Lange was never hotter. YOWZA. But Dabney Coleman still stole the show, as he does for me in everything he's in. I never understood why he didn't become a bigger name - he and Alan Rickman are the greatest bad guys in history.
A Fish Called Wanda - do I even need to say it? A tour-de-force from everyone involved, but good God Almighty, how funny is Kevin Kline here? The scenes between him and Michael Palin are fantastic. And, to top it off, I just recently found out that this was directed by Charles Crichton, the director of my favorite Ealing Studios move The Lavender Hill Mob (which stars a VERY pre-Star Wars Alec Guiness and was so forgettably remade a few years back). There's a sweetness here, too, which provides a wonderful counterpoint to the antics. The same ensamble tried again with Fierce Creatures, but didn't even come close to the gem they achieved here.
All of Me - Steve Martin's best physical comedy, ever. And Lily Tomlin has always been my favorite comedienne. She projects an almost regal demeanor in her serious scenes which provides a great contrast to the comedic zaniness she's capable of. And it's got one of my favorite one-liners of all time in it. Hate to spoil it if you've not seen it, but if you have, the setup is "I faked all my orgasms!" Steve's response is effing brilliant.
Young Frankenstein - this is Mel Brooks's best stuff. Teri Garr was never funnier, nor was Gene Wilder. But I loved, loved, loved Marty Feldman here. I'll on occasion call something strange or unusual "Abby-something" to this day. He died far too young. Did anyone see the movie he and Wilder made about Sherlock Holmes's brother? I've heard mixed reviews, but I'm curious about it still.
Coming to America - given his recent output, it's easy to forget how talented Eddie Murphy once was. Even Arsenio Hall was funny here, which can only be the result of the direct intervention of a supreme being. Man, what happened, Eddie? Pluto Nash? Daddy Day Camp? NORBIT? I liked him in Dreamgirls - maybe more dramatic roles are the way to go now.
That's all I've got at the moment. More later, if I think of any.
Airplane! - ZA & Z tried, but they never again reached the comedic heights they did here (no, not even with Police Squad!). Every character is given something funny to do or say, and the fact that everything is played straight makes it even more funny. Hilarious no matter how many times I've watched it. Avoid the sequel.
Tootsie - this is maybe the most organically funny movie I've ever seen. I'm still staggered to this day how naturally funny Dustin Hoffman is - prior to this movie, I'd have had no idea. Kudos to Bill Murray, whom everyone forgets is in this flick (by everyone, I mean me). Every scene between Sydney Pollack and Hoffman is pure gold. And Jessica Lange was never hotter. YOWZA. But Dabney Coleman still stole the show, as he does for me in everything he's in. I never understood why he didn't become a bigger name - he and Alan Rickman are the greatest bad guys in history.
A Fish Called Wanda - do I even need to say it? A tour-de-force from everyone involved, but good God Almighty, how funny is Kevin Kline here? The scenes between him and Michael Palin are fantastic. And, to top it off, I just recently found out that this was directed by Charles Crichton, the director of my favorite Ealing Studios move The Lavender Hill Mob (which stars a VERY pre-Star Wars Alec Guiness and was so forgettably remade a few years back). There's a sweetness here, too, which provides a wonderful counterpoint to the antics. The same ensamble tried again with Fierce Creatures, but didn't even come close to the gem they achieved here.
All of Me - Steve Martin's best physical comedy, ever. And Lily Tomlin has always been my favorite comedienne. She projects an almost regal demeanor in her serious scenes which provides a great contrast to the comedic zaniness she's capable of. And it's got one of my favorite one-liners of all time in it. Hate to spoil it if you've not seen it, but if you have, the setup is "I faked all my orgasms!" Steve's response is effing brilliant.
Young Frankenstein - this is Mel Brooks's best stuff. Teri Garr was never funnier, nor was Gene Wilder. But I loved, loved, loved Marty Feldman here. I'll on occasion call something strange or unusual "Abby-something" to this day. He died far too young. Did anyone see the movie he and Wilder made about Sherlock Holmes's brother? I've heard mixed reviews, but I'm curious about it still.
Coming to America - given his recent output, it's easy to forget how talented Eddie Murphy once was. Even Arsenio Hall was funny here, which can only be the result of the direct intervention of a supreme being. Man, what happened, Eddie? Pluto Nash? Daddy Day Camp? NORBIT? I liked him in Dreamgirls - maybe more dramatic roles are the way to go now.
That's all I've got at the moment. More later, if I think of any.
).
I've got that on the list for my next "Guys' Movie Day Marathon".
(BTW: From the same director as What's Up, Doc...Peter Bogdonovich, FWIW.)
