Top 10 Comedies: Part 3

The third and final part of my Top 10 Comedies list is here! If you the first two parts, you can click here for part 1 and here for part 2.

3: Hot Fuzz

While Shaun of the Dead was a lot of fun, Hot Fuzz sold me on Edgar Wright's skill as a director in a film that both funny and intriguing enough to be a real mystery.

Plot: 9.4/10- Considering that Hot Fuzz is a comedy that is intentionally parodying the crime and mystery genres, the mystery and plot is surprisingly competent.

Hot Fuzz's plot is well written with the audience being given enough information to figure out the mystery, while also being a smart satire on the genre. At some points, the movie actually feels like a serious, well written mystery with some great humor thrown in.
Characterization: 8.2/10- As with Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead, the two main characters in the film have satisfying character arcs. Nick Angel is a likable protagonist, and his extra dedicated demeanor often results is some great humor.
Humor: 9.3/10- Edgar Wright's British satirical humor is right up my alley, and Hot Fuzz is full of it. While the movie is not necessarily hilarious all of the time, the jokes rarely miss, especially if you are an action movie fan.  Also, the movie is rated R for a reason, and the deaths in the movie are gruesome with plenty of blood to comedic extent, providing you have a sick sense of my humor like myself.
Overall: 9.2/10- Overall, Hot Fuzz is an intelligent and often humorous action comedy that also has one of the best and most competent plots of any comedy. Edgar Wright's is a genius when it comes to comedy and satire, and Hot Fuzz is his best work to date. (you can read the full review here)

2: Some Like It Hot

Some Like It Hot, the classic comedy that follows two guys, Joe and Jerry, who disguise themselves as women and join a band to escape from the mob. Ranking number one on AFI (American Film Institute)'s comedy list, Some Like It Hot is the quintessential comedy that anyone that considers themselves a film fan should watch.

Acting: 9.3/10- Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star in my favorite roles from the duo. Their performances make the concept of two guys dressed as women really work. Marilyn Monroe is surprisingly good in her role of the ditzy blonde, and while she might not have the most depth as an actress, she is great at playing this type of role.

Humor: 10/10- Screwball comedy at its finest, Some Like It Hot's humor is the epitome of classic humor. Trying to describe the humor is difficult, but it is something that you need to see for yourself. 

Overall: 9.5/10- Some Like It Hot's screwball humor might not appeal to some of today's audience; however, if you enjoy comedy or movies in general, at least watch this classic.

1: Ghostbusters

"Who you gonna call!? Ghostbusters!" Yeah, Ghostbusters is my favorite comedy of all-time!

Acting: 9.9/10- Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis: with a cast like that how could the movie not be amazing!? Bill Murray is at his deadpan finest as Dr. Peter Venkman. His reaction and delivery of the witty dialogue is absolutely perfect. Despite Murray's scene stealing performance, Aykroyd, Weaver, and Ramis are not out shined in their roles.

Humor: 10/10- Ghostbusters might not be the comedy that makes me laugh the most, but Ghostbusters is the most fun to watch and rewatch. When I rewatched the film for the first time since I was a kid about two years ago, I did not expect it be nearly as smart as some critics had said, and yet it far surpassed my expectations. 

Overall: 9.5/10- With a witty script and a surprisingly competent plot, Ghostbusters continues to prove why so many hold it in such high regard!

What are your favorite comedies? What do you think of my list? Please comment below and let me know. Also, thanks everyone for comment and making this one of the more successful posts in a long time. My next list is probably going to be Top 10 Villains since it received the most votes.

Honorable Mentions: Beverly Hills Cop, Elf, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Lego Movie, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, The Pink Panther, The Great Dictator, Spaceballs,

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 Comedies: Part 2

My Top 10 Comedies list continues with four more entries! Also, do not forget to check out the first part of the list by clicking here if you missed it.

7: The Other Guys

One of Will Ferrell's lesser known comedies, The Other Guys takes the standard buddy cop premise and delivers a personal cult classic of sorts.

Characterization: 7.7/10- Despite being a comedy, the two main characters, Gator and Terry, actually have some decent character drama thrown in amidst the comedy. Of course, it is not on the level as some truly classic comedies, but it really does work.

Acting: 8.9/10- Will Ferrell gives the same reliably hilarious performance that you expect from him, and Mark Wahlberg gives my favorite performance from his career. However, the best part is the chemistry as the actors play off of each other. Plus, with guest stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Steve Coogan and Michael Keaton, how can it not be ridiculously funny!

Humor: 9.4/10- The Other Guys is the type of film had me laughing so much that it hurt. The jokes are not always the most clever, but the dialogue is some of the most quotable since Ghostbusters. Nearly five years after watching the first time, The Other Guys is a film that my family and I still quote to this day.

Overall: 8.3/10- The Other Guys might not be nearly as high on other comedy lists, but it is a comedic classic in my book that made me laugh, and when it comes to comedy, that is what matters most.

6: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Despite my original review of Monty Python and the Holy Grail not being quite as positive as the opinion of others, since that review, my opinion of it is a lot more positive than before.

Plot: 7.6/10- The plot follows a comedic take on King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail, and as with most satirical films, the story is not all that important for anything other than delivering the comedy, and in that respect, it does so extremely well.

Comedy: 9.4/10- Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a treasure trove of unforgettable quotes, classic scenes, and hilarious satire! While some of the jokes do fall a bit flat, the ones that hit the mark are incredibly memorable. Whether it is King Arthur's duel with the Black Knight or the use of coconuts to create the sound of a horse's gallop, there are many parts of the film that I continue to quote and reference today, maybe even more so than any other film on this list. However, the humor is not quite as strong in the middle portion of the film compared to the first and last parts, although it is still humorous. Of course, the film's humor is very specific with its British wit and satirical comedy, so not everyone will find it funny.

Overall: 8.5/10- Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a classic through and through. From the unforgettable quotes to the hilarious satire, the film is just all around brilliant!

5: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is the one comedy on this list that everyone probably has at least heard of, and most have seen, or at least should have seen by this point.

Plot: 9.7/10- Without a doubt, Groundhog Day's plot is the best ever for a comedy. The term "Groundhog Day" is used to refer any situation where a character relives the same day endlessly; it is ingrained in pop-culture. As for the execution, it is fantastic! Even though the movie slows down towards the end, the use and idea for the concept is positively brilliant!

Comedy: 9.2/10- Most of the humor comes from the use of the concept to create well written and hilarious situations. One might expect the film's repeat parts to get old, but it never does. Along with the repeat humor, Bill Murray's classic deadpan comedy is a highlight. 

Overall: 8.6/10- Groundhog Day is a comedy that everyone needs to watch at some point. It is ingrained in pop-culture, and the film itself is hilarious (obviously).

4: Shaun of the Dead

My first experience with an Edgar Wright film, Shaun of the Dead demonstrates how a comedy can be more than just funny.

Characterization: 8.7/10- Considering that most comedies have flat characters that are only present to create laughs, Shaun of the Dead's characters are surprisingly likable, and the main ones even have well written character arcs. Some dramas do not even feature characters this well written and memorable!

Humor: 9.4/10- Edgar Wright's brand of humor is British, and therefore, it is dry and witty rather than crude. Since humor is entirely subjective, if you do not like British humor, you will likely not enjoy Shaun of the Dead's comedy. On the other hand, if you are like me, then you should find the movie hilarious. The dialogue is well written, and Edgar Wright's quirky directorial style is bold and unlike anything else; I love it!

Overall: 8.7/10- Overall, Shaun of the Dead is a smart comedy with surprisingly well realized characters and a unique directorial style by Edgar Wright, which results in my favorite zombie flick to date. (You can click here for my full review.)

What do you think of my list thus far? Please comment below and let me know! Do not forget to check back soon for final part of this list.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 Comedies: Part 1

More so than any other film genre, comedies are incredibly subjective and entirely based on the viewer's taste in humor; a joke that one person finds absolutely hysterical might not even be funny to another person. My personal taste in humor lies in several genres mainly, satire, British wit, and classic slapstick/farce. However, crude comedies are not something that I find all that funny, because it is just not my thing. If you enjoy them, that's fine, but it's not for me. With that out of the way, for the list, I am only including films that are strictly comedies, which means action comedies and films like Back to the Future and The Princess Bride will not be included on the list. Also, even though a movie with a higher rating might rank below one with a lower rating, this list is focusing on the comedic element more so than the overall plot, characterization, ect. Now let’s get this list started!

10: Airplane!

1980s' Airplane! is a classic in the parody genre. While Airplane! is likely the film that spawned many of the unbearable modern parody flicks, it's quotes like "Surely you can't be serious. I am serious. And don't call me Shirley" are unforgettable classics, and the film is partially responsible for launching Leslie Nielsen's film career.

Plot: N/A- Being a straight parody film, Airplane! does not really have much of an actual other the pilots on a plane are sick and someone must bring the plane down safely, although this plot is among the absurdity of continuous parody.

Humor: 9.2/10- With my knowledge of classic films, recognizing most of the films that were being parodied was not all that difficult. However, if you are not familiar with many of the films referenced, you will probably not get many of the jokes. With that said, Airplane! certainly made me laugh a lot throughout the film. 

Overall: 8.0/10- As far as parody films go, Airplane! is the one of the first and still one of the best, and if that sounds interesting to you, give it a watch.

Warning: Recommended for 18+ mature audiences.

9: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is, hands down, the funniest Christmas movie ever, for at least, and my favorite in the National Lampoon's Vacation series. Also, I considered including Elf on this list, but I am not sure if it is enough of a comedy to be included.

Acting: 8.5/10- Chevy Chase as Clark W. "Sparky" Griswold, Jr., arguably his most iconic role, gives his best performance of the franchise with even a scene or two of surprisingly competent drama, but of course his comedy scenes are the highlight. Randy Quaid returns as Cousin Eddie, and if you have seen any of the Vacation films, you know that he is always the best part!

Humor: 9.4/10- Christmas Vacation is full of the jokes and humor that you come to expect from the franchise. Even though humor lies more in the cleanish lowbrow territory, which is not what I usually enjoy, it makes me laugh, and it is the type of film that is enjoyed most while other watching it with others. 

Overall: 8.1/10- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is the principle of comical Christmas disasters with plenty of humorous Holiday antics.

8: Clue

Of all the movies on this first part of the list, no others are as witty and well written as Clue. However, being that the film is not strictly a comedy like the others on the list, it is not ranked as high. 

Plot: 8.8/10- Clue's plot is somewhat of a standard whodunit murder mystery, with a few plot twists along the way full of murder and scandal, and it actually rather competent. What sets it apart is the inventive ending, which I will not spoil. 

Humor: 9.3/10- Most of the humor is through the smart and witty dialogue. Some of the humor is black comedy with some very funny moments with the murder victims, although most of the comedy (and even the deaths) are played in a very lighthearted tone. However, unlike a lot of comedies, the humor is not constant with a large part of the movie focusing on the mystery. As with all comedies, humor is subjective to one's taste, but to me, the witty, dry, and occasionally dark humor is positively hilarious.

Overall: 9.0/10- While not groundbreaking by any means, Clue is an all around entertaining, funny, and intriguing whodunit mystery. Not everyone will find Clue nearly as enjoyable, but that is the case with many cult classics.

What are some of your favorite comedies? Do you like any of these films? Please comment below and let me know. Also, please let me know what you think of this new list format.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Clue Review

Clue, the cult classic mystery comedy based on Hasbro's iconic board game Clue, or Cluedo outside of North America.

In 1954, six guests are invited to a mansion, all of whom are being blackmailed by a Mr. Body, and after a series of events, someone is murdered, and the six guests, along with the mansion's staff must deduce the identity of the murder. If, for whatever reason, you are not familiar with the Clue board game, it is a game where the players are trying to solve who committed a murder. Even though I have not played a lot of board games, Clue has always been my favorite, and Clue did not disappoint.

Directed by: Jonathan Lynn

Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Whodunit

Release Date: December 13, 1985

Running Time: 97 minutes

MMPA rating: PG

The Good: Witty and fast dialogue, Entertaining mystery, Often hilarious, Memorable quotes, Fun characters, Great meta-humor and references, Unexpected twists, Inventive and unique ending,

The Bad:

Plot: 8.8/10- Clue's plot is somewhat of a standard whodunit murder mystery, with a few plot twists along the way full of murder and scandal. The plot is not overly complicated with fast and fun pacing. What sets the movie apart is the inventive ending, which I will not spoil. Also, the movie uses elements of the board game to effectively convey the spirit of the game, while still making relative sense in the context of the story, which is more than what can be said about other board game based movies.

Characterization: 7.9/10- Each of the characters of the board game is present, and each one has a secret that he or she does not want revealed to the public, hence the blackmailing. While none of them actually have any character development, which is common with whodunit mysteries, each one is unique and fun with various motives. The dialogue exchange between the characters and each character’s quirks are the best aspects of the film.

Acting: 7.7/10- Each actor plays his or her role effectively, with Tim Curry being the best of the cast. Sometimes the acting is a bit on the hammy side, which may be somewhat intentional.

Soundtrack: 8.0/10- John Morris' soundtrack to Clue is a lot of fun and fitting for the film's setting.

Humor: 9.3/10- Ultimately, Clue is a comedy, albeit not the typical comedy. Most of the humor is through the smart and witty dialogue. Some of the humor is black comedy with some very funny moments with the murder victims, although most of the comedy (and even the deaths) are played in a very lighthearted tone. Many times throughout the film, I was laughing-out-loud because the movie is so funny! However, unlike a lot of comedies, the humor is not constant with a large part of the movie focusing on the mystery. Also, the movie has many subtle sight gags, most of which are humorous. As with all comedies, humor is subjective to one's taste, but to me, the witty, dry, and occasionally darker humor is positively hilarious.

Humor Percentage

Hilarious: 30%

Very Funny: 50%

Mildly Funny: 10%

Not Funny: 10%

Entertainment Value: 9.4/10- Clue's strength is its entertainment value. From beginning to end, the movie is just fun. Between the mystery and comedy, the movie was never slows down or drags.

Overall: 9.0/10- While not groundbreaking by any means, Clue is an all around entertaining, funny, and intriguing whodunit mystery. Not everyone will find Clue nearly as enjoyable, but that is the case with many cult classics.

Closing comments: If you enjoy classic whodunit mysteries, the Clue board game, or mystery comedies, Clue is a definite must watch. If, however, you do not enjoy any of these things, will enjoy the movie? I have no Clue...

Recommended for: Mystery fans, Whodunit fans, Comedy fans,

Also, a quick shoutout to my friend Jamie for recommending the film!

Click here to check out more of my movie reviews.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.