Restore my faith in comedies

The Black Oil

I've developed a bit of an aversion to modern comedies. The marketing alone, from posters to trailers, to the smash hit comedy of the year quotes, can be head bangingly awful. Off the top of my head I can't really think of anything recent I'd point to and go 'yeah, that was good', though to be honest, due to the aforementioned aversion, I wouldn't really go to the cinema for a comedy. Reading reviews is perhaps another easy way of getting out of seeing the films, though obviously sometimes critics can be a little snotty about these things. Humour, of course, is subjective, but it seems to do well on the small screen, and although I've not checked box office numbers, I'd imagine it does fairly well there, too. My DVD collection contains The Big Lebowski which is about the only modern comedy I own and also The Apartment, if want you go further back in time.

So yeah, who is writing good comedies these days? Not even comedy-dramas, but comedies through and through.

the whole year inn

Watched "the other guys" the last night and its very good movie,lots of laugh out loud moments.

Not sure if this is modern but "Bowfinger" "Kingpin" there are very good and you should check them out.If you dont find big erin funny then I cant help.

chin_grin

I agree I've become very jaded with the latest Judd Apatow Starring the same cast comedies.

Although in saying that I do like I Love You Man.

gob_smacked wrote: »

Watched "the other guys" the last night and its very good movie,lots of laugh out loud moments.

Not sure if this is modern but "Bowfinger" "Kingpin" there are very good and you should check them out.If you dont find big erin funny then I cant help.

Well comedy is relative, but I didn't laugh once at The Other Guys. Kingpin, yes a classic. But Bowfinger? Really?

blue note

gob_smacked wrote: »

Watched "the other guys" the last night and its very good movie,lots of laugh out loud moments.

Not sure if this is modern but "Bowfinger" "Kingpin" there are very good and you should check them out.If you dont find big erin funny then I cant help.

I loved Kingpin! One of Bill Murray's great roles. I don't know how this wasn't a hit - one of the Farrelly Brothers best in my opinion.

Laserface

good thread..i feel the same.
most comedies nowadays are brutal.. either seth rogen gargling or kate hudson getting the better of some guy who should be in an action film.

the onion movie is my personal favourite from the last decade.

i'd also like to see more good ones mentioned here..

johnny_ultimate

Super and Slither - two James Gunn films and both hilariously demented. They're absolutely pitch black and often disturbing, but their mischevious streak makes for far better satire than any other American films of recent times. Puts every Apatow or Ferrell or Carell nonsense to shame.

In the Loop - remember when swearing was funny? In the Loop reminds you of such delirious times, while being a damn good political satire to boot. Genuinely laughed myself stupid watching it.

Exit Through the Gift Shop / King of Kong - proving reality is funnier than fiction. Portraits of bizarre individuals.

EDIT: And some more:

Love Exposure - it's four hours long and some of the humour may be lost in translation, but Sion Sono's meandering epic provides plenty of playful chuckles, especially when it comes to religious satire. Also hard not to laugh at some of the upskirt photography montages.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - weird and delightful. Probably the funniest animation of recent years: eccentric, hilarious and very Wes Anderson.

Instant Swamp / Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers - too films I really enjoyed despite their throwaway nature. They hardly set the world alight, and you'll probably be grinning rather than laughing out loud, but the most enjoyable light entertainment I've seen recently. Both by director Satoshi Miki, who has an eye for offbeat laughs and visuals.

paddy kerins

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Super and Slither - two James Gunn films and both hilariously demented. They're absolutely pitch black and often disturbing, but their mischevious streak makes for far better satire than any other American films of recent times. Puts every Apatow or Ferrell or Carell nonsense to shame.

In the Loop - remember when swearing was funny? In the Loop reminds you of such delirious times, while being a damn good political satire to boot. Genuinely laughed myself stupid watching it.

Exit Through the Gift Shop / King of Kong - proving reality is funnier than fiction. Portraits of bizarre individuals.

EDIT: And some more:

Love Exposure - it's four hours long and some of the humour may be lost in translation, but Sion Sono's meandering epic provides plenty of playful chuckles, especially when it comes to religious satire. Also hard not to laugh at some of the upskirt photography montages.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - weird and delightful. Probably the funniest animation of recent years: eccentric, hilarious and very Wes Anderson.

Instant Swamp / Turtles are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers - too films I really enjoyed despite their throwaway nature. They hardly set the world alight, and you'll probably be grinning rather than laughing out loud, but the most enjoyable light entertainment I've seen recently. Both by director Satoshi Miki, who has an eye for offbeat laughs and visuals.

One of the funniest films I've ever seen. The show it's based off is also one of the best on T.V. (The Thick Of It, in case you didn't know )

Kiith

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Super and Slither - two James Gunn films and both hilariously demented. They're absolutely pitch black and often disturbing, but their mischevious streak makes for far better satire than any other American films of recent times. Puts every Apatow or Ferrell or Carell nonsense to shame.

Huh, didn't realise it was the same director for these. Absolutely loved them both. Slither especially, though it may be because of Nathan Fillion.

johnny_ultimate

Kiith wrote: »

Huh, didn't realise it was the same director for these. Absolutely loved them both. Slither especially, though it may be because of Nathan Fillion.

Yeah he started off in Troma so he's one of the finest peddlers of satirical exploitation flicks around. Really must get around to watching his Troma stuff - his co-directed Tromeo and Juliet is meant to be terrific fun. Although you can probably safely avoid his screenplays for the two Scooby Doo films :P Man needs to eat!

mathie

Just Friends

ziedth

Not sure if you'd call it new but Team America: World Police is still the comedy I have laughed most at. I'm a big south park fan and I love the kind of action films it was poking fun at so I may be a bit biased.

I really miss Spoof movies, the likes of Airplane and Naked Gun are better then any Hangover. The Waynes brothers ruined comedy if you ask me.

faceman

Check out any of the comedies created by Spinal Tap's Christopher Guest. "Best In Show", "For Your Consideration" and "A Might Wind" all being top class. Its a particular style of humour, similar to Spinal Tap but devoid thankfully of 'dick and fart' jokes. All made in the last 10 years.

Doublechinlolz

I'll probably get murdered for saying these two but i loved them :pac:
Paul and Due Date. Quite funny the two of them

Renn

Kabluey (2007) - Chamrming and pretty damn funny.

Roger Dodger (2002) - Pin-sharp dialogue and a Jesse Eisenberg doing his Michael Cera thing in this romantic comedy.

Goodbye Lenin! (2003) - Original idea pulled off to near-perferction.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001) - Daddy would you like some sausage?

Micmacs à tire-larigot (2009) - Not as good as his previous output for me but still good fun!

The Puffy Chair (2005) - There's enough comedy in there in the first act to warrant its inclusion on this list

Eagle vs Shark (2007) - Napoleon Dynamite meets something like Wristcutters.

Chuck & Buck (2000) - Chuck & Buck like to...


I'd also recommend a good few of Nicole Holofcener's shtuff.

Dman001

Role Models, Hot Tub Time Machine and Forgetting Sarah Marshall are probably 3 of the best recent, mainstream comedies, and that isn't saying much. While decent, they are far from being brilliant.

nyarlothothep

Your Highness, Horrible Bosses and Mr. Popper's Penguins show see you through.

DrumSteve

I would seriously recommend Zombieland if only for the scene with Bill Murray (not that the rest of it is bad, cos it's brilliant, but that scene steals it).

chin_grin

nyarlothothep wrote: »

Your Highness, Horrible Bosses and Mr. Popper's Penguins show see you through.

Sorry but everything about that post is just "no".

Your Highness: an hour and a half of dick jokes.
Horrible Bosses: the only decent thing about this film is the filth that comes out of Annistons mouth! (Durty).

Although haven't seen the last one so my opinion is null and void on that.

veXual

May not be to everyone's taste but I really enjoyed "Balls out: The Gary Houseman Story" recently. It hasn't had the best reviews but it humoured me.

Morlar

Of the last couple of years I'd say top comedies were . . . 'In the Loop', 'The other guys' and 'The Guard'.

hidinginthebush

Four Lions is one of the best comedies in the last... well in ages. It follows the actions of four wannabe suicide bombers in London. Part-written and directed by Chris Morris (of Jam and Brasseye fame), it is one of the darkest and surprisingly funy films I've come across. I remember when trailers were being shown for it, and it all seemed so slapstick, predictible humour that I actually waited for it to come out on DVD. I was peasantly surprised when I was landed with the masterpiece that it is when I finally bothered with it. It's a nice break from the Judd Apatow style comedies which seem to have reached saturation point (seriously, can we have comedies that don't rely on 80's references and weed smoking jokes?).

In the Loop is also excellent. Once again, comedy done right! What's most amusing is the sense of realness in the film, the constant panic and stress in the air caused by passing remarks politicans make.

krudler

Black Dynamite, showing the makers of Epic Movie how a spoof should be done

Quigs Snr

Another vote for 4 lions here. Put in on at random one night without having heard anything about it and it turned out to be one of the best and indeed funniest movies I have seen this year.

Mickeroo

I would second Black Dynmaite, Super, In the Loop and Four Lions as funniest movies of the last few years. I thought the other guys was great too, best film Will Ferrel has done since Anchorman, but if you hate Will F as a lot of people do then it's probably not for you.

I also thought Kick Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs the World were really funny too though I know there's a lot of hate knocking around for them too!

Mr. Boo

MacGruber and The Brothers Solomon, both starring Will Forte, are recent enough comedies that I heard nothing about and thought were class.

Turtyturd

Bad Santa is one of the best recent comedies, enjoyable even when it's not christmas. Due date as has already been mentioned is good and much more deserving of the credit the Hangover gets. Borat is another one I enjoyed, don't let Baron Cohen put you off.

hidinginthebush

Mickeroo wrote: »

I would second Black Dynmaite, Super, In the Loop and Four Lions as funniest movies of the last few years. I thought the other guys was great too, best film Will Ferrel has done since Anchorman, but if you hate Will F as a lot of people do then it's probably not for you.

I also thought Kick Ass and Scott Pilgrim Vs the World were really funny too though I know there's a lot of hate knocking around for them too!

One of my favourite movies of all time.

Geekness1234

The Hangover anybody?

hidinginthebush

Geekness1234 wrote: »

The Hangover anybody?

While its good, I feel that it gets more praise than it deserves. In the loop, four lions, the other guys, borat are much better IMO.

Paparazzo

Superbad is 2007, but definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it. 3 main characters are brilliant. If I outline the story you'll think it's like 100 other bad comedy like American Pie, but something is different about Superbad.

Another vote for Kick-Ass, an action superhero comedy.

Napoleon Dynamite is funny in it's weirdness and bizarre lines. It's almost 10 years old, so not too modern. You'll either love it or hate it. I loved it, every line Napoleon comes out with is a classic.

johnny_ultimate

I know there isn't much room for discussion in recommendation threads, but at least write a sentence or two about why a certain film will appeal to the OP. A list of four or five random films, many of which are exactly the type of film that the OP is not looking for, is not helpful to anyone!

castletownman

Anyone see I love you Philip Morris? I thought it was a very good comedic take on a true story. The sheer audacity of Jim Carrey's character was brilliant. Not a convential comedy by any means but I'd definitely rate higher than any commercial "comedy" on the market in recent times

take everything

The Black Oil wrote: »

I've developed a bit of an aversion to modern comedies. The marketing alone, from posters to trailers, to the smash hit comedy of the year quotes, can be head bangingly awful. Off the top of my head I can't really think of anything recent I'd point to and go 'yeah, that was good', though to be honest, due to the aforementioned aversion, I wouldn't really go to the cinema for a comedy. Reading reviews is perhaps another easy way of getting out of seeing the films, though obviously sometimes critics can be a little snotty about these things. Humour, of course, is subjective, but it seems to do well on the small screen, and although I've not checked box office numbers, I'd imagine it does fairly well there, too. My DVD collection contains The Big Lebowski which is about the only modern comedy I own and also The Apartment, if want you go further back in time.

So yeah, who is writing good comedies these days? Not even comedy-dramas, but comedies through and through.

Completely agree about the nauseatingly overhyped nature of modern comedies.

bogmanfan

Wasn't expecting much, but I thought Bridesmaids was fantastic. Also, as previously mentioned, Zombieland is great fun, as is Shaun of the Dead.

nyarlothothep

chin_grin wrote: »

Sorry but everything about that post is just "no".

Your Highness: an hour and a half of dick jokes.
Horrible Bosses: the only decent thing about this film is the filth that comes out of Annistons mouth! (Durty).

Although haven't seen the last one so my opinion is null and void on that.

Your Highness was an hour and a half of dick jokes plus D&D jokes with a mixture of toilet and stoner humour. It was a masterpiece which the unenlightened mob remain steadfast in their inability to appreciate.

Horrible Bosses was a competent exercise in hangover style comedy, you get exactly what you pay for.

Frank Black

I’m afraid OP I can’t restore your faith in recent comedies. Now maybe, I’m just getting cantankerous in my old age but I can immediately reel off a list of movies from the 90’s that I thought were good comedies such as The Big Lebowski, My Cousin Vinny, Rushmore, Wayne’s World, Clerks, Groundhog Day, Kingpin, Swingers, Fargo, Something About Mary.
When I think back on the last decade I struggle, Superbad had its moments and I though Kickass was really quite funny in places and I’m giving a big shout out to The Incredibles – which I think is Pixar’s funniest film. Like I say, maybe it’s just me.

irishh_bob

blue note wrote: »

I loved Kingpin! One of Bill Murray's great roles. I don't know how this wasn't a hit - one of the Farrelly Brothers best in my opinion.

ernie mc kracken , such a nice guy , what a great role model for americas youth

Stompbox

nyarlothothep wrote: »

Your Highness was an hour and a half of dick jokes plus D&D jokes with a mixture of toilet and stoner humour. It was a masterpiece which the unenlightened mob remain steadfast in their inability to appreciate.

I'm afraid I must disagree completely, thought Franco and McBride were amazing in Pineapple Express, you couldn't imagine my disappointment when I was finished watching the steaming turd that is Your Highness.

Laserface

fair play to the person who mentioned due date... that is funny in fairness and stands out from the horrific blunders currently around like the hangover.

also remember another comedy I LOVE

Ali G Indahouse - comedy perfection
i must have watched that over 20 times back in the day.

the whole year inn

OP I dont know I think "bowfinger" was very good,I think its one of Steve Martins last good movie.

I cant belive I didnt mention this but this has gone on to 3 pages with a mention!

"Zoolander" its a top class movie from the frat pack and its one of there best also going to mention "Old School" and "Wedding Crashers"

I think there are very easy to watch with likeable characters.

This is going off topic but if you like "airplane" and "Naked Gun" movies then you should check out "Police Squad" tv seris very good.

(Back on Topic)Anchorman was this mentioned?

Laserface

A Night At The Roxbury is another kinda forgotten will ferrell gem

Da Shins Kelly

I know it's crude humour, and some may consider it immature (:D), but I love Superbad. Maybe it's just because I have a very immature side to me that it appeals to, but it just makes me laugh so much. I think it's a pretty true to life depiction of the stupid sh*t that everyone does at that age.

I'd also put Borat up there as a very cringey and politically incorrect, but brilliant comedy. Sacha Baron Cohen is a brilliant actor, and creates some truly fantastic scenes in this movie that really expose the worst in some people.

The South Park movie is one of the best adaptations of a TV show to movie, in my opinion.

Anchorman is not for everyone, but I know plenty of people who love it and know it word-for-word. I wouldn't be as big a fan of it, but it's got to be up there as it is hugely popular among some.

I also think Meet The Parents has some brilliant awkward moments, and some real 'please don't say/do that!' scenes.

EarlERizer

Might help if we had an idea of what the OP finds funny v not funny , what kinda humour they would class as 'good comedy' , taste in comedy like music varies from person to person.

JP Liz V1

bogmanfan wrote: »

Wasn't expecting much, but I thought Bridesmaids was fantastic. Also, as previously mentioned, Zombieland is great fun, as is Shaun of the Dead.

+ 1 for Bridesmaids, A Night At The Roxbury, Super and Slither

You cant go wrong with the oldies and spoof movies like Airplane, Naked Gun trilogy, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Hot Shots and Clerks

Bipolar Joe

Rosemary's Baby.


No, I'm kidding.

700 Days Of Battle: Japanese film about a group of kids who start a prank war with a newly arrived police man. I laughed out loud a fair deal.

A Complete History Of My Sexual Failures: There's big debate over whether this is a documentary or film, but either way I laughed my ass off. The biggest gripe I've heard over and over again is that the main guy is completely unlikeable (????), which is kind of the point, I feel.

Super Troopers: This is a love it or hate it film, but I remember it for being the movie that made me laugh the hardest in a long time. Lots of really absurd moments. Highway patrol act like children and try to wile away the days while solving a big crime and getting into petty arguments with the local fuzz.

Raising Arizona: One of the decent Nic' Cage ones. He kidnaps a baby for his infertile wife, then hijinks ensue.

The Jerk: Not modern, but without one of the funniest films I've ever seen, just hysterical line after hysterical line. "The cans! He hates the cans!"

Seans_Username

I'm not very keen on modern comedies either, it just seems like the same actors and the same storylines and the same dick jokes. There are a few good ones out there but its hard to know which ones are actually funn.y

So i recommend that you go see The Guard in the cinema. Brillaint irish comedy, i was laughing my ass off the whole way through!

I also think Dogma is very funny - I think i'm alone on that though. Its got a very famous cast and some fairly insightful (and hilarious) moments.
High Fidelity is good if you like music as well as a few jokes.
Blazing Saddles as well - cos everyone secretly loves a wee racist joke every once in a while

mikhail

Seans_Username wrote: »

...Blazing Saddles as well - cos everyone secretly loves a wee racist joke every once in a while

I'm struggling to tell whether or not you're being serious. Blazing Saddles doesn't have any racist jokes that I can recall. It has racist characters, who are used in a comedy of manners - you're supposed to gasp and laugh and say, "You can't say that!" Its lead is actually a very positive portrayal of a minority. The whole thing is a send-up of Hollywood's rather whitewashed westerns. Of course, stupid racists find humour in the racism, but stupid people have always been a problem for satirists.

Seans_Username

mikhail wrote: »

Blazing Saddles doesn't have any racist jokes that I can recall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzNCcyGriuY

you took my post waaay too seriously.
it has got racist jokes - which you shouldn't laugh at cos they're so harsh, but you do laugh because its crossing the line while still being funny. i'm not a racist at all. i was just saying that those types of jokes are guilty pleasures for some people.

Laserface

lol at the race comments. mikhall keep your race opinions to yourself..cos this is a film thread and no ones gives a **** about what ya think

Heres a true..& sad story
i said to someone the other day "jeez i hate obama"
his response: "you can't say that...its RACIST"

the_syco

There's a film shot in black and white called "The Drummond Will" which looks great from the trailer. You can get it in all the usual places..

thirtythirty

My favourites would be:

Grandma's Boy
Hot Rod
Super Troopers


There's some seriously bad suggestions here - Hot Tub Time Machine?!