Shouldn't Comedy Be Funny?
Maybe I simply have a strange sense of humor, but, I find most comedies to be annoying, predictable (in terms of humor, let alone plot), overdone, and desperate to find laughs. These are comedies that I feel were written by people who actually thought hard and truly belonged in their field.
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- DirectorHarold RamisStarsBill MurrayAndie MacDowellChris ElliottA narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day.Bill Murray has recently gained appreciation for being the brilliant comedian he is. This movie, in my opinion, is where he best puts his wide range of comedic (and acting) talent on display.
- DirectorCarl ReinerStarsSteve MartinBernadette PetersCatlin AdamsA simpleminded, sheltered country boy suddenly decides to leave his family home to experience life in the big city, where his naivete is both his best friend and his worst enemy.The gags in this movie remain some of the best ever as evidenced by the comedy it has inspired in the last 30-something years.
- DirectorMike JudgeStarsLuke WilsonMaya RudolphDax ShepardCorporal Joe Bauers, a decidedly average American, is selected for a top-secret hibernation program but is forgotten and left to awaken to a future so incredibly moronic that he's easily the most intelligent person alive.Satire that I could honestly both find funny and appreciate.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsSteve MartinChevy ChaseMartin ShortThree actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to perform their onscreen bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing.It might take repeated viewings to truly appreciate some of the humor, but, after having done so, you will have a 'plethora' of hilarious lines to use in your everyday life.
- CreatorJames L. BrooksMatt GroeningSam SimonStarsDan CastellanetaNancy CartwrightHarry ShearerThe satiric half-hour adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield.The best comedic writing on TV for over 20 years. Sometimes I'll be watching a comedic film and I come across a funny situation/line and I think to myself, "I've seen that before on 'The Simpsons', and, it was simply one of maybe 20 funny parts of that episode."
- DirectorPeter FarrellyBobby FarrellyStarsJim CarreyJeff DanielsLauren HollyAfter a woman leaves a briefcase at the airport terminal, a dumb limo driver and his dumber friend set out on a hilarious cross-country road trip to Aspen to return it.I can honestly say that my stomach was aching the first time I saw this... and I'm the type of person who rarely smiles... let alone laughs.
- CreatorSteven LevitanChristopher LloydStarsEd O'NeillSofía VergaraJulie BowenThree different, but related, families face trials and tribulations in their own uniquely comedic ways.After Season One, it seemed ABC had made the perfect show (in terms of casting, acting and writing). Season Two is still great (and better than almost any other sitcom) but, perhaps, slightly less funny.
- DirectorStan LathanStarsDave ChappelleAlbert PrecourtDave Chappelle returns to D.C. and riffs on politics, police, race relations, drugs, Sesame Street and more.Absolutely hilarious. Chappelle really is a stand-up comic more than anything else... and maybe the best I've ever seen. His jokes are delivered perfectly and seem so natural. This might be because of Chappelle's personality; he isn't the type who longs to impress others as evidenced by his decision to discontinue his show.
- DirectorStan LathanStarsDave ChappelleGreer BarnesChappelle cuts loose in what he does best, Chappelle-style! And for what it's worth, no one is safe from Dave!See note above.
- CreatorGreg DanielsRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsSteve CarellJenna FischerJohn KrasinskiA mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, tedium and romance.Later seasons (especially the sixth and seventh seasons) are almost not even worth watching. The earlier seasons, however, had some great writing. The Third Season was great, the Fourth Season was very good and the Fifth Season had its moments.
- CreatorMitchell HurwitzStarsJason BatemanMichael CeraPortia de RossiLevel-headed son Michael Bluth takes over family affairs after his father is imprisoned. But the rest of his spoiled, dysfunctional family are making his job unbearable.They throw a lot of jokes out there, and, some of the plays on words seem forced, but, there is so much to like about his show. The casting is perfect, the writing is snappy and the plots are creative and original. Perhaps the best part is that the show seems to get better as it goes along (unlike most TV shows, especially comedic ones).
- CreatorJames BobinJemaine ClementBret McKenzieStarsJemaine ClementBret McKenzieRhys DarbyBret and Jemaine are Flight of the Conchords, a folk-rock band from New Zealand living in New York City in search of stardom.Definitely something different. Jemaine and Bret are just great, but, I think Rhys Darby is the real surprise. It seems he took a role that could have been a straight-man type of role and turned himself into the third goofball. The original songs can be a little strange and somewhat unappealing at times, but, when they are on, the lyrics will have you cracking up.
- CreatorDan MazerStarsMatt WalshAndrea SavageZach GalifianakisA documentary style behind-the-scenes look at the KHBX news team.Chock full of great one-liners. The cast was perfect, for, it takes true comedic talent to be able to pull off such hilarity in real-life situations, seemingly at-will.
- CreatorLarry DavidStarsLarry DavidCheryl HinesJeff GarlinLarry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.Larry David does a good job of creating humorous situations. The humor won't make you laugh out loud that often, but, the show (like David's caricature of himself) is very enjoyable to follow.
- CreatorGreg DanielsMichael SchurStarsAmy PoehlerJim O'HeirNick OffermanThe absurd antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursue sundry projects to make their city a better place.Great cast, solid writing... it started out as almost a reennactment of 'The Office', but, over time took its own course. The lines might not make you crack up but they are funny enough to keep you entertained and the show just has a positive vibe overall.