1. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

If you’re a fan of Kubrick you will know him as the second coming of Hitchcock, a slightly demented being that produced fantastic thrillers with little or no concern for those he worked with. Both directors are famous for creating a hostile and uncomfortable atmosphere on set, and yet both directors took time out of their slightly psychotic day to make a comedy! As previously mentioned, Hitchcock directed a light romantic comedy called Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and in 1964 Kubrick made a four time Oscar nominated comedy called Dr. Strangelove. It’s a little hard to imagine a Kubrick comedy until you find out that the film focuses on an insane general who tries to start a nuclear holocaust while a seemingly incompetent staff of politicians and generals try to stop him. Yep, that’s Kubrick. The films dark, satirical humor can be found in legendary lines such as “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room” and “Gee I wish we had one of those doomsday machines”. The standout performance comes from Peter Sellers who plays multiple roles including that of Dr. Stangelove himself, a wheelchair-bound scientific advisor who’s hand has the unfortunate habit of springing up into a Nazi salute. To put it simply: Sellers earned every cent of the million dollars Kubrick payed him.

2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

If needed, I could genuinely quote about 90% of this movie to you. The witty banter between Jason Segel and Mila Kunis, the physical humor between Kristen Bell and Russel Brand and the hilarious one liners from Paul Rudd are enough to give this film a comedy gold star. The movie focuses on Peter Bretter, a music composer who flies to Hawaii in an attempt to get over his break up with long time girlfriend Sarah Marshall. Unfortunately, she happens to be staying in the same hotel with her new rock star boyfriend Aldous Snow. This turn of events forces Peter to reach out to other guests and employees of the resort such as bartender Da’Vone McDonald, waiter Jonah Hill and newly married couple Jack McBrayer and Maria Thayer. Each character plays their part perfectly, breaking the film up into a series of well timed jokes, unexpected nudity and a vampire comedy opera that will have you in stitches. Watch. Laugh. Quote.

3. This Is Spinal Tap

If I could rate this movie out of 10, I’d give it 11. The film’s tagline is: “Does for rock and roll what The Sound of Music did for hills.” I don’t think I could possibly add to that.

4. The Big Lebowski

Jeff Bridges is The Dude. I’ve seen him in futuristic sci-fi, old western, obscure comedy and teen gymnast drama. I’ve seen him sing, drink, curse and meditate, but no matter how many characters I see him embody, he will always and forever be The Dude, His Dudeness, Duder or El Dudereno. The Big Lebowski follows slacker Jeff Lebowski and his friends Walter Sobchak and Donny Kerabatsos as they try to disentangle a web of mistaken identity, loan sharks and acid flashbacks. Hilarity ensues as the three men get in over their heads while trying to earn a big pay off that mixes them up in pornography, kidnapping, nihilists and plenty of White Russians. This is the Cohen brothers at their best.

5. Step Brothers

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly may well be one of the greatest comedy couples to hit the big screen. The two play middle aged losers who have somehow managed to avoid growing up entirely. Their childish whining and immature tantrums clash so completely with their clearly adult aesthetics that you just can’t help but laugh. The two men are forced to live together when Brennan’s mom marries Dale’s dad, and at first chaos ensues but through parental guidance, bizarre sleeping habits and a love for bunk beds the two men become fast friends. Eventually, Dale’s father lays down the law with the step-brothers and they are forced to go out into the working world to face the challenges of adults. The film is full of easy laughs that will have you doubled over from start to finish. If you’re a Will Ferrell fan, this is the movie for you.

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– Sinann Fetherston

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