Comedy
strangely lifeless, despite the goings on
A man has a series of hellish adventures after losing his wallet while returning home from work. Film about the urban poor in New York. Mundane acting and and script, and pointless contrived plot livened by parade of odd characters. Viewers may also enjoy "The Michelle Apts." (1995). (Rating: B)
lightweight
Lonely, unsophisticated young woman tries to find meaning in her life by helping the downtrodden. Quirky direction and editing rescue this bit of fluff from the ash can. Honest performances and sometimes philosophical script, but thin plot wears after awhile. (Rating: B+)
rotten to the core
Two safecrackers become department store Santa-and-Elf to rob their employer. Character-and-script-driven film blends comedy with drama. Powerful performance by revolting main character and good supporting cast. Viewers may also enjoy "A New Leaf" (1971) and "The Ice Harvest" (2005). (Rating: A-minus)
small film, big heart
German tourist transforms the lives of despondent residents in isolated, decaying motel. Colorful characters, occasional directorial artistry, good-to-inspired performances and thoughtful script. Viewers may also enjoy "Babette's Feast" (1987) and "Chocolat" (1999). (Rating: A)
date flick that both can enjoy
A family emerges from a bomb shelter thirty-five years after the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Romantic comedy with stranger-in-a-strange-land theme steers (mostly) away from syrup, serves up realistic characters, some good dialog and capable direction- rarities in this genre of film. (Rating: B+)
not light comedy
Comedian masquerades as Kazakh TV reporter traveling across the U.S. to film American culture. Documentary film is worth seeing for the reactions of the people (victims?) who take the outrageous main character at face value. Questionable taste in some scenes make the film unsuitable for the squeamish viewer. (Rating: B+)
satire mostly works
Introverted man builds a self-powered flying machine and is protected from harm by supernatural beings. Offbeat (very offbeat) character-driven combination of black comedy, action and satire of American middle-class values. Casual acting and direction style add to the fun. (Rating: B+)
inoffensive
Single woman tries to better her life with a new job and a new boyfriend while fending off the advances of her unscrupulous boss. Plot and script from dime store romance novel, and mediocre supporting cast are partly salvaged from surprising performance by American actress in a British role. (Rating: B+)
a darker Sgt. Bilko
Scheming, amoral army supply clerk runs afoul of strict sergeant. Black comedy has solid acting, varied main characters and fairly good script, but direction quality strangely declines about halfway through the film. However, it's been done before (and better) with "MASH" (1970) and "Catch-22" (1970). (Rating B+)
scathing political satire
Burned-out presidential candidate decides to campaign by his own rules. Comedy attacks American politics with colorful characters, dramatic twists and clever-but-nasty script. Viewers may also enjoy "Primary Colors" (1998) and "The Candidate" (1972). Superior to "Silver City" (2004). (Rating: A-minus)
plug in to this one
Disturbed cable television installer befriends and later stalks lonely corporate executive. Darkest of comedies is also a psychological thriller. Villain's exceptional range of hyperactive comedy to menacing intensity keeps the pace. Good script, average supporting cast. Bland protagonist does not detract too much from the film. (Rating A-minus)
eye candy
Naive college coed attempts to find her kidnapped professor father. 60s psychedelic flick with soft-core porn underpinnings features major stars in supporting roles. Fairly good direction, occasionally humorous social satire, but silly performances. Film may be of interest as a period piece to some viewers. (Rating: B+)
MASH fans might like this one
American bomber pilot in the Second World War tries to avoid flying missions by declaring himself insane. Satirical, antiwar film has absurd characters and subplots blended with serious drama. Heavy handed and overly long, but saved by character development and stylish direction. Fans of the Joseph Heller book will be disappointed. Viewers may also enjoy "MASH" (1970). (Rating: A-minus)
The Sound Of Music it ain't
Unlikely group of amateur musicians and singers form a soul band. Comedy with backdrop of grinding urban poverty in Dublin. Foul-mouthed dialog and casual acting style similar to "The Full Monty" (1997) and "No Surrender" (1985). (Rating: A-minus)
a twist on Watergate
During the Nixon administration, two girls land jobs caring for the White House dogs, but a paranoid president fears that they may have witnessed dirty dealings. Lightweight satirical comedy propped up by decent performances, tolerable script and a bit of history. (Rating B+)
saved by script
Two exiled angels exploit a religious loophole to reenter Heaven. Low budget satire of organized religion is a mishmash of drama, black comedy and horror, partly rescued by sharp script. (Rating: B+)
comedy at daggers drawn
Residents of a small town sabotage each other's efforts in a state competition. Comedy skewers the American Beauty Contest and the sort of people that compete. Surprising script and acting quality. Docudrama style, similar to "Best In Show" (2000) "Waiting For Guffman" (1996) and "A Mighty Wind" (2003). Viewers may also enjoy "State and Main" (2000). (Rating: B+)
almost a movie
Small town sheriff investigates the apparent murder of much-despised woman. Dark comedy tries to sustain pace with steady parade of odd characters, but ends up as a collection of sight-gag vignettes. Undeveloped characters (in a character-driven film?!), average script and halfhearted direction. (Rating: B)
Sweeny Todd without gore
Financially-embarrassed couple start a S&M business to murder and rob their customers. Satire of moral degeneration in modern society generates comedy from shrewd script and deadpan delivery from actors. Obviously severe budget and unrefined direction doesn't trouble a bit. (Rating: B+)
better quality high school flick
Feisty student squares off against young teacher during a high school student's council election. Satire about high school politics has good performances, occasionally witty script, a few pot twists, but only so-so direction. (Rating: B+)
dated, but still worth
seeing
Cash-strapped newlywed couple have difficulties when they
live with the groom's parents. Charming social commentary film features offhand
performances, very British humour but dated direction. (Rating: B+)
energetic
Young drifter teams up with hobo con artist to fleece unsophisticated residents of a town. Buddy flick pulled along by lively performance of main character and good supporting cast. A bit slapstick at times. Viewers may also enjoy "Paper Moon" (1973). (Rating: B+)
Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)
sophomoric Odd Couple
Overnight misadventures of two roommates with opposite personalities when they search for the perfect fast food. Crude, adolescent satire of American middle-class values draws comparisons to "Beavis and Butthead Do America" (1996), but has even less intelligence. (Rating: B)
family spy comedy
The CIA tries to stop a retired agent from publishing his potentially embarrassing memoirs. Cloak-and-dagger satire suitable for family entertainment. Sly, low-key performances with exceptional script and some nice plot twists. (Rating: B+)
too much
Overachieving city cop is transferred to seemingly quiet village and discovers that the inhabitants are hiding a gruesome secret. Eccentric characters and witty dialog, however plot excesses and overly frenetic pace derail the film. (Rating: B+)
scoundrels, every one
Mob lawyer and small-time crook attempt to steal a fortune in Mafia money on Christmas Eve. Black comedy with smorgasbord of rotten characters, plot twists and sharp dialog. Atmosphere, directorial style and redemption theme similar to "Bad Santa" (2004). (Rating: A-minus)
so does the film
Rebellious teenager from dysfunctional family attempts to find his place in the world. Good main performances and intelligent script undermined by meandering plot, weak supporting cast, TV-quality direction and editing. Inferior to "Rushmore" (1998) and "Harold & Maude" (1970). Viewers may enjoy "Napoleon Dynamite" (2004). (Rating: B+)
it actually works
Super heroes battle an evil warlord who is trying to enslave the world. Imaginative spoof of superhero films consists of original footage from 1930's, 40's and 50's RKO cinematic shorts spliced together and overdubbed with new script and sound track. (Rating: B+)
a fine mess
Petty thief is hunted by mobsters and police after a series of extraordinary coincidences. Tongue-in-cheek neo film noir succeeds on the strength of Odd Couple main characters, (occasionally) witty script and rapid pace. Viewers may also enjoy "The Ice Harvest" (2005). (Rating: B+)
a standout among parody flicks
Aging mobster must choose between two sons to inhierit his empire. Parody of mafia films "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather II (1974), "Goodfellas" (1990) and "Casino" (1995). As with "Airplane" (1980), "Top Secret" (1984) and the "Police Squad" films, zany humor may not appeal to all viewers, however, production values, direction and acting quality are high for the genre. (Rating: B+)
very British comedy
A wealthy man teaches his newly adopted son that money can buy anyone. Satire of upper class values has bizarre, Pythonesque humor that hits the mark more often than not. But 60s film is very much a product of its era, and may seem dated to some. Viewers may also enjoy the more sophisticated "The Ruling Class" (1972). (Rating: B+)
high on the warm fuzzy scale
Socially awkward inventor turns to bank robbery after being laid off from his job. Light comedy that doesn't look too cute. Engaging main character, nice cinematography but pedestrian plot and supporting cast. (Rating: B+)
Man With Bogart's Face, The (1980)
Bogie fans beware
Ex-cop turns private eye after he has plastic surgery to look like his movie hero. Script and character-driven send-up of 40's Bogart films will probably offend fans. Satire skewers familiar film noir scenes, sometimes with subtlety. Similar concept as "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" (1982), "Murder By Death" (1976) and "The Cheap Detective" (1978). (Rating: B+)
even hit men have feelings
Lonely, burned-out assassin befriends traveling salesman. Familiar Odd Couple story teeters on the edge of cliche, but is saved by depth of performance from main character and some directorial style. Viewers may also enjoy similar-themed "The Tailor of Panama" (2001). (Rating: B+)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
big fat banality
A woman of Greek parentage gets a better job, a new hairdo, more stylish clothes and marries a schoolteacher with a different ethnic background. Cultural differences theme is fun (for awhile) but can't sustain predictable plot, average direction, pulp-novel script and TV-show acting. (Rating: B)
worth seeing for veteran actors
Two ex-presidents are targeted for assassination by a corrupt president. Comedy-action flick pokes fun at politicians and the Secret Service. Pace and effortless performances from veteran actors outweigh mundane plot and script. Viewers may also enjoy the superior "Hopscotch" (1980). (Rating: B+)
tongue-in-cheek Once Upon A Time In The West
In 1900, a drifter draws a gunman out of retirement to destroy an outlaw gang. Send up of 60's spaghetti westerns features colorful cast, exceptional direction and cinematography. Viewers may also enjoy "A Fistful of Dynamite" (1972) and "The Wrath of God" (1972). (Rating: A-minus)
enough laughs
Second-rate super heroes join forces to defeat a powerful villain. Quality cast rises above below-average script and okay plot in superhero satire. Enough laughs to make it worth seeing, but just barely. (Rating: B+)
benign but not sappy
Socially awkward, introverted teen finds friendship and romance. Teen comedy with the usual Self Discovery theme hits home without offending anyone. Interesting-to-outrageous characters, surprising script. Obviously economical production values underline the humor. Some similarities to "Rushmore" (1999). (Rating: B+)
redeeming
Bankrupt playboy plots to marry and murder wealthy young widow. Film about redemption minus the usual cloying sentiment. Repulsive main character played with panache, great supporting cast and witty script. Viewers may also enjoy the more saccharine "Groundhog Day" (1993) and "Mr. Destiny" (1990). (Rating: A)
bleak humor
A nightclub owner must overcome the sabotage left by his predecessor on the first night of his job. Dark comedy about the unemployed 'working' class in northern England. Quality of acting and script on par with "The Full Monty" (1997) but hopeless atmosphere drags it down. (Rating: A-minus)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
amusing romp
Three Depression-era convicts escape from a chain gang and try to elude corrupt authorities while pooling their talents in the music business. Adventure borrows from "Cool Hand Luke" (1967) genre but trades violence for whimsy. Elements of Shakespeare, varied characters and music counterbalance sparse plot. Viewers may also enjoy "Happy, Texas" (1999). (Rating A-minus)
office humor hits home
Employees plot revenge against abusive management in an impersonal high tech corporation. Satire of all-too-familiar workplace frustrations. Occasionally snappy script, believable Everyman performances, slick direction and imaginative plot. (Rating: B+)
pleasantly cornball
Honest, unassuming grocer gets marching orders from the Almighty to spread The Word. Earnest performances, occasionally thoughtful script and enough social satire to make it watchable. Sequels were retreads of the same material. Viewers may also enjoy the television movie "Poor Devil" (1973). (Rating: B+)
Phantom of the Paradise, The (1974)
a warning to would-be pop stars
Aspiring rock music composer sells his soul to music tycoon for success. Satire of the pop music industry and its unsavoury employees is still without equal more than thirty years after the film's release. Characters, script, performances and musical numbers brought together with unerring direction. Viewers may also enjoy "Still Crazy" (1998) and "Almost Famous" (2000). (Rating: A-minus)
lowbrow 60's-style satire
Vietnam War veteran pilots try to discredit an ultraconservative presidential candidate. Campy, lowbrow satire of American politics, right-wing morality and the media. Average script and acting, but outrageous characters, exceptional direction and editing. (Rating: B+)
Cold War animation holds up today
Dimwitted moose teams up with resourceful flying squirrel to thwart a pair of Eastern Bloc spies. Crudely animated series has plenty of action for kids but enough Cold War satire to keep adults interested. Between-episode filler cartoon "Fractured Fairy Tales" has even better writing. Similar in style to "Underdog" (1964). (not rated)
great, if self-indulgent
British aristocrat dies and leaves enormous estate to deranged son. Script-driven satire roasts British aristocracy with surreal characters. Theatrical-quality direction, editing and acting. A bit long, as the humor wears toward the end. Viewers may also enjoy the more lowbrow "Magic Christian" (1969). (Rating: A)
not your average romance
A sadomasochistic relationship develops when a lawyer hires a secretary who has recently been released from a mental institution. Black comedy with quirky plot has outstanding performance from main character and good supporting cast, but is diminished by average script and schmaltzy ending. Superior to "Bridget Jones' Diary" (2001) and a landfill of other comedy-romances. (Rating: A-minus)
behave...or else
Overburdened mother snaps and murders anyone whom she imagines is threatening her son. Black comedy based upon actual events relies on body count rather than character development to sustain increasingly predictable story. However, menacing main character and amusing moments may make it worthwhile. Viewers may also enjoy "Mother's Boys" (1994). (Rating: B+)
no fairy tale
Downtrodden middle-aged housewife takes a vacation from her uncaring family and superficial friends. Comedy with independence-and-fulfillment theme has engaging characters and imaginative script, but average direction. Viewers may also enjoy "Educating Rita" (1983). (Rating: A-minus)
sigh, so much potential
Inept, redneck political candidate is groomed for election by savvy, ruthless managers, but a murder threatens to derail the campaign. Potentially savage political satire in the tradition of "Bulworth" (1998) and "Primary Colors" (1996) crashes and burns from TV-show production values, acting and script. Viewers may enjoy "The Candidate" (1972) and "Being There" (1979). (Rating: B)
something, indeed
Charming, Machiavellian drifter manipulates widowed aristocrat and her family to gain control of the estate. Exemplary characters and script, and striking scenery for atmosphere. Viewers may also enjoy "A New Leaf" (1971). (Rating: A)
still the best of its kind
Twenty years after an unpleasant breakup, a group of rock musicians attempt to revive their band with a tour. Tragicomic rock 'n roll film about social misfits has fine direction, intense performances and a decent story. Little of the sentiment in "Almost Famous" (2000), more plot than "This Is Spinal Tap" (1989) and superior to both. Viewers ay also enjoy "The Phantom Of The Paradise" (1974). (Rating: A)
success in Tinseltown comes with a terrible price
An assistant to a film producer plots revenge upon his boss after months of abuse. Character-driven black (very black) comedy-drama with powerful performances and script. Viewers may also enjoy "Day of the Locust" (1975) and "The Player" (1992). (Rating: A)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby (2006)
satirical look at NASCAR
Second-rate NASCAR racing team is rescued from financial ruin by talented pit crewman. Characters are unsophisticated and direction is just okay, but surprising caliber of acting and script elevate the film beyond disposable entertainment. Viewers may also enjoy the animated "Cars" (2005). (Rating: B+)
shake hands with the Devil
Lobbyist for Big Tobacco starts to question his role after a series of misfortunes. Political comedy boasts intelligent script and colorful supporting cast, but only occasionally good acting, average direction and caricatures rather than characters. Not in the same league as "Primary Colors" (1998) and "Bulworth" (1998), but worth watching. Viewers may also enjoy "Cold Turkey" (1971). (Rating: B+)