Now That's Funny

Bravo just counted down the 100 funniest movies. It was an insult. Not just because of all the questionable choices, like Old School or Legally Blonde--entertaining perhaps, but hardly classics. No, the insult was the special gave the impression that movies were invented some time in the late 1950s.

There are a handful of 60s films on the list (The Pink Panther, Dr. Strangelove and The Producers) and the rest are more recent. Remember, this wasn't the funniest movies of the past 40-odd years, or the funniest movies our shortsighted audience voted for--this was for all time. Okay, even if it's going to be top-heavy with modern stuff, couldn't they throw a bone to Chaplin, Keaton, the Marx Brothers or Cary Grant?

There were plenty of hilarious films discussed, but if I had to make a list of the 50 funniest comedies, the majority would be from before World War II.

For the record, here's the top ten:

10. Arthur
9. Blazing Saddles
8. The Wedding Singer
7. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
6. Airplane!
5. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
4. There's Something About Mary
3. Shrek
2. Caddyshack
1. Animal House

The quality here is higher than the rest of the list. Three, maybe four of these films would make my top 50. One is highly overrated. Two I don't find funny at all. I'll leave the reader to guess which is which.

Columbus Guy says: My God, man, don't leave the readers in charge. Next thing you'll be leaving it up to the voters.

So I'll bite. Arthur is highly overated, your list in cludes Blazing Saddles, Animal House, Caddy Shack and There's Something About Mary. And you don't find the Wedding Singer funny at all.

LAGuy responds: Since you ask...

There's Something About Mary, and probably Animal House and Airplane! would make my all-time list. Arthur might make it.

I like Shrek, South Park and Blazing Saddles, but don't consider them classics.

I don't find The Wedding Singer or Ace Ventura funny.

The present-day reputation of Caddyshack (a film that disappointed fans and critics alike when released) mystifies me. There are some funny moments--especially from Chevy Chase (not Bill Murray)--but overall the film is a not especially amusing mess.