..a waste of cash to see in the cinema. Most of the time, they aren’t really funny, and those that are, are usually banned in Malaysia (Borat anyone?). There is also a huge proliferation of the so called ‘American STUPID comedies (Dude, where’s my car?)’ – which reflects a lot on their society. Then again, if I were to judge a nation by the comedies that they make, Malaysia isn’t very far from the bottom either (Senario, Cicakman, Buli? urgh) But what the heck, whatever makes us happy.. Anyway, the movie marathon continues!

*warning – ultra long reviews ahead (12 movies)

School for Scoundrels (2006)

Oh boy! Jon Heder (Mr Napoleon Dynamite) returns in a similar lame ass role, as a loser in life with zero self confidence and esteem. Things start to take a turn for the better (or worse) though, as he enrols for a ‘weird’ motivational course taught by an egomaniac with a darrk secret. Most of the comedy is focused on the sadcase situations of the characters – and even then, there isn’t much to begin with. It tries to be too many things – drama, even romance. Punchlines were messy. One of those forgettable films.

Evan Almighty (2007)

The most expensive comedy ever filmed – no thanks to the huge amount of animal species and special effects used. Living proof that CGI does NOT make a movie. The lines were bad, the delivery even worse. Smart move by Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston for not taking up the roles in this Bruce Almighty sequel (they must have known something the others didn’t). I was mostly cringing at the efforts they were using to make ME laugh. And what’s up with that stupid dance anyway?

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Okay. If you haven’t watched this yet. Go and watch this now. It’s an amazingly crafted film – a prequel of sorts to Snatch. And if you haven’t watched Snatch. Watch it too. Crazy catchy dialogue from a huge host of assorted colourful criminals, as their ineptitude leads to one of the best ‘intertwining story finale’ in history. Even the offhanded comments, and the smallest of facial expressions made me smile – but the plot is what will make you roar with laughter. And the music choice & timing was superb too. Guy Ritchie is a genius.

Lock Stock and Snatch are both #215 and #182 on IMDP Top 250 respectively at the time of posting.

Kingpin (1996)

Maybe it was the fact that I’m unable to relate to a decade old comedy (but I could with Lock Stock). Or maybe the lack of a proper accompanying soundtrack brought this movie down. Or maybe I was just too sleepy when I was watching this. Or maybe I don’t find the lead character endearing, or jokes making fun of the Amish funny. Whatever the reason – this comedy SUCKED BALLS. Avoid at all cost.

Clerks II (2006)

I personally believe that a good comedy creates scenarios and dialogue that sticks in peoples minds, and makes them want to imitate the characters NO MATTER how ridiculous they may be (think how Peter Russell influenced OUR geek talk here “beee a MAN! Do the Right Thing!”. And I had my fair share of those moments in this movie as well *remembers the Much Improved version of Jay & Silent Bob, Pillow Pants & Lister Fiend! a funny as hell LOTR vs Star Wars debate, and bestiality – oops I mean inter-species erotica* It was pretty good actually, and I give it a 7/10 but I think this is a little overrated (or maybe because I’m not an American). Then again, it’s no wonder why both Clerks 1 and Clerks 2 were such cult hits over in the States.

License To Wed (2007)

Ahh good ole Robin Williams is back after his defunct RV to go right into another almost defunct romance comedy. Watch out for some crazy robot babies, Christian jokes, and lots of cheesy romance moments (I actually cringed during the ‘get back together’ scene). Cute premise, with some good moral messages about marriage but overall just another average forgettable love story.

Zoolander (2001)

Man this show cracked me up BIG TIME! From the crazy opening sequence of a Chinese rally being depicted as a Malaysian labor law for raising child labor wages – and the whole plot of brainwashing a dumbass male model to assassinate a silly looking Chinese Malaysian Prime Minister, I knew I was going to be in for one helluva mad ride. Whole lot of guest cameo appearances here, and I’ve never heard ‘Malaysia’ uttered more times in any movie before this. Ben Stiller even speaks Malay at the end! I’m sure that SOMEBODY from the west had a gripe to pick with Malaysia (it’s so nonsensical the way they used Malaysia’s name – I just had to laugh along )

Super Troopers (2001)

Wanna see a bunch of ‘fun loving’ highway patrolmen make a fool of themselves in their fight against the local state police – be my guest. Because other than that, this movie has very little to offer. Another one to avoid.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Holy cow, this movie blew me away. A super-cop from London was reassigned to the countryside – but little does he know that everything there is not what it seems. It’s not your conventional comedy thats for sure – there’s a considerable amount of violence, and much of the humour is British. Imagine a dead serious police officer trying to do his duty amidst countryside blokes that are all a little bit out of whack. It’s incredibly witty, original, hilarious, and definitely something that I know most would enjoy. I haven’t watched this director’s previous famous work Shaun of the Dead – but I sure as hell would like to check that one out now.

Currently rated 8.1/10 on IMDB, and ranked #195 on IMDB’s Top 250 movies of all time.

Superbad (2007)

Okay, first off, I really enjoyed this movie. But it isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. It details the crazy events of three ‘losers’ buddies during their last few days of finishing high school. It’s nearly almost all about them trying to get laid and is loaded with vulgarity and profanity – so if you can’t take the word ‘fuck’ being mentioned 184 times in a movie, stay away. Otherwise, I guarantee you’re going to be in for a whole load of fun! I know I sure did.. hehe.

Tied with Hot Fuzz on IMDB with a rating of 8.1/10 as well.

Blades of Glory (2007)

Okay, after a nice run with 2 finely crafted comedies (despite the last one being particularly lewd), this one is badddly pale by comparison. Was very surprised to see Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) return once again, this time as a faggotylike professional male ice skater being forced to partner with his archenemy Will Farell (Talladega Nights), a machoistic sex addict in order to win the Winter Olympics. The whole movie is essentially poking fun at the ice skating sport. There is quite a bit of funny ice skating moves here (that only 2 male partners can pull off), which makes it a worthwhile watch – but keep in mind that this is one of those typical ‘brainless comedies’ I usually try to avoid..

Knocked Up (2007)

Fun loving, jobless, bong smoker Ben Stone is suddenly forced to deal with fatherhood when his one night stand (with a mighty hot TV presenter played by Katherine Heigl) goes awry. Don’t let the marketing angle fool you – this is a heartwarming funny story with strong messages about love, commitment and sacrifice. I truly enjoyed watching this movie, and the comedic moments were pretty well done too. Written and directed by Jude Apatow (who also did The 40 Year Old Virgin) this movie is definitely well worth it’s 2 hours running time.