April Fools Countdown // Top 5 Comedies

Just like I promised! As you can clearly see, I’m not reviewing anything but instead, telling you guys my favourite comedies that always manage to make me laugh despite having seen each of them multiple times. Keep in mind, I’m judging these movies upon how much they make me laugh, their replay value and their overall substance. And remember, my sense of humour is going to be different to yours so if your favourite comedy is Grown Ups 2, chances are your sense of humour doesn’t match mine! This list as well as every other list is merely opinion and you are not obliged to agree with it. Although it would be nice if you did. Enough rambling! Without further ado, here are my Top 5 Comedies!

5. The Room (2003)

And to kick off the list, we have the pinnacle of So-Bad-They’re-Good movies. Okay okay! You got me!! This isn’t a comedy. But it definitely isn’t a drama, is it?! Seriously, how can this film be taken seriously? It’s so awful and unintentionally hilarious, I have to classify it as a comedy under federal law. I just have to! The Room is so tremendously and at the same time so poorly written; being held responsible for the famous line “YOU’RE TEARING ME APART LISA!! among other comedy gold nuggets. The plot is absurd, the direction is abysmal and it is filled to the brim with atrocious acting; you really can’t help but laugh. Even the poster is laughable! Therefore, it is my fifth favourite comedy. Shut up! It’s my list!!

4. Shaun of The Dead (2004)

The first film in Edgar Wright’s loosely connected Cornetto Trilogy (also consisting of Hot Fuzz and The World’s End), is a modern classic for a reason. The comedy is not only incredibly funny, it feels genuine as well. At no point does a joke seem forced; every line is delivered to a sublime degree which is refreshing to see in the midst of poorly executed comedies that have been released recently. Yes, I’m looking at you Scary Movie V!! And the fact that this is a zombie flick as well is an added bonus, which means that not only are we laughing, but we get to see some glorious scenes featuring blood and gore. What more could you want?!

3. Liar Liar (1997)

This has a special place in my heart since when I was younger, I used to watch this film on repeat all the time for it’s enjoyable wackiness and Jim Carey’s hilarious performance. He wrestles with a pen for crying out loud!! Looking back at it, it’s just as good now as it was when I watched it as a mindless eight year old. Because of it’s superb writing, Liar Liar is not only outstanding in the comedy department, giving us excellent scenes and lines, it is also really heartwarming and touching which makes it much more than just a silly comedy. Despite it’s loony premise, Liar Liar is something everyone can enjoy and manages to be sophisticated in execution and infallible in entertainment.

2. The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013)

Having only watched this recently, it’s pretty impressive for a film to catapult it’s way into any of my Top 5 lists so quickly. But I cannot ignore the cramps I suffered from after crying with laughter during many scenes throughout this three hour riot. So, I had no other choice but to include this film in the list; it’s just THAT good! And to be honest, the only reason why this isn’t number one on my list is because of the lengthy runtime, but that does not dilute the ingenious writing, the gorgeous direction, and the fantastic acting. I won’t speak too much more since I’ve already done a full length review (see it here), but I will say that TWoWS is a comedic masterpiece that will live on in my memory for many years to come. LEMMON QUAALUDES FTW!!!

1. Howard The Duck (1986)

I LOVE this film! Every scene is perfection and the writing is simply amazing. Howard The Duck is true comedy gold that never fails to make me laugh….

HAHAHAHA!!! APRIL FOOLS!! BOY I GOT YOU GOOD!!!! XD

Did you really think I was going to choose Howard The Duck as my favourite comedy?!?! In all honesty, I can’t believe you fell for that! Don’t worry people, we’ll give that film the top spot for my Bottom 5 list in the near future. But let’s get back on track and unveil the real top spot winner.

1. Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1975)

If you know me personally, you might’ve saw this coming. I quote this uniquely offbeat classic everyday for a good reason. There are SO many hilarious lines! From the knights who say Ni, to the Holy Hand Grenade, and all the way to the terrific Bridge of Death sequence, Monty Python and The Holy Grail is a stupendous collection of scenes and skits that have me burst out laughing every single time I see them, even if I’ve seen the film 227 bloody times already! This is Monty Python at their very best and a perfect example of comedy that’s clever and intelligent even when the sketches are incredibly zany and bizzare. If you’re unfamiliar with Monty Python, The Holy Grail demands your attention and will award you with hundreds of quotes to store in your arsenal of movie lines, always at the ready. And if you don’t like this film, then I fart in your general direction!

And there you go! Five of my favourite comedies put into a list for you all to enjoy. I hope you’ve enjoyed this small compilation and I wish to do more in the future so you better get used to it! Thanks for reading and of course, a proper review will be posted on Sunday as per usual.

“All I need to make a comedy is a park, a policeman and a little girl”

– Charlie Chaplin

 

*Insert Bear Pun Here* // Bear Short Film Review

Full Review:

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, where practical jokes and downright abuse, which is cleverly disguised as friendly banter, is all the rage. Of course, I’m talking about April Fools Day. But because we at Fergie Films are civilised people, we will not partake in giving people wedgies when they least expect it. Instead, we will celebrate the occasion by watching our favourite comedies. But just in case you don’t have a film to watch on April 1st, then I’ve got a hilarious short black comedy for you to enjoy!

Directed and starring by Nash Edgerton, brother of Joel Edgerton (Warrior, The Great Gatsby), Bear is a 10 minute comedy that is as black as night and wonderfully complimented my sick twisted sense of humour. Guaranteed to leave some people sitting in their seat wondering whether to burst out laughing or cry awkwardly, this is a humorously weird tale that has a pretty intriguing message despite a comedic narrative. And has a unpredictable and absurdly funny ending!

Unlike many comedies, a good chunk of this short film consists of drama and conflict. In fact, the first five minutes is primarily build-up and character development. If you’re unsure of the type of film this is (like I was when I first watched this), you can be left unsure of what the hell is happening and possibly end up slightly bored because of this. Opening with our characters getting themselves ready for the day that awaits them (i.e. brushing teeth, eating breakfast, etc.), the film feels slightly slow in pace for the first half but really finds it’s way onto its feet in the latter half, providing a hilarious sequence that is simultaneously tragic and hysterical. Trust me, hang in there and you’ll be rewarded by the end of the short.

This isn’t necessarily a laughing riot either, like other films such as The Wolf Of Wall Street (see review here). Instead, it’s more of a giant buildup for an insanely spectacular punch line. As previously mentioned, the first five minutes is purely development but it definitely doesn’t come across as unnecessary or unimportant. In order for the comedy to hit a home run, it is vital that we understand the scenario and the relationship between the characters therefore the opening sequence had to be included, despite it being slow sifting and somewhat dull.

Bear also deals with a fairly sophisticated message for it’s genre, telling an off-the-wall story about luck and misfortune. It goes to show that there are others out there who have it worse off than you do so there’s no need to whine and complain about the small things in life, such as the amount of chores you have to complete or the fact that your brother won’t share his Maryland cookies with you. That b*stard! Instead, keep your head up and enjoy your life for what it’s worth. It’s either that or I’m looking too deep into it and it’s really trying to say that you shouldn’t wear a bear suit in a forrest!

I won’t say anymore in fear of treading on spoiler territory, so go on and check it out NOW! And once you’ve finished, check out Nash’s other short film entitled Spider which deals with a similar premise and is quite possibly much more twisted and dark than this short film. Both are great and highly recommended for those who’s sense of humour has no boundaries!

Fergie’s Final Fifteen:

Despite clear pacing issues, Bear is a disturbingly funny flick with a wonderfully twisted ending.

Rating:

A-

Here’s the link for you all to enjoy!

On Tuesday (April Fools), I will be doing a countdown of my Top Five Favourite Comedies. I feel like a list of some kind is long overdue since I LOVE countdowns relating to the best and worst of something. With this in mind, tell me what your favourite comedies are in the comments below while I compile my list over the weekend. Who knows? You may get a shoutout on Tuesday’s post!!