20. Roxanne (1987, Fred Schepisi)

Romance: Daryl Hannah & Steve Martin

This sweet romantic comedy shows Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah in a convincing on screen relationship both as friends and more! Steve Martin throws some impressive jokes around and in parts the script (written by Mr Martin himself) is laugh out loud funny, and although it’s borderline cheesy, is very romantic in parts too.

Most romantic moment: When C.D. (Martin) is calling up to Roxanne (Hannah) pretending to be Chris. It’s beautifully written with some very romantic lines (although slightly cheesy) and is reminiscent of the Romeo and Juliet balcony scene.

19. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003, Donald Petrie)

Romance: Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey

A very funny movie with some rather romantic moments. Won’t make you cry or even pull your heart strings too hard but will have you laughing out loud in no time. Brilliant performances given by both Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson and promises a smile on your face by the end.

Most romantic moment: The bathroom scene.

18. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994, Mike Newell)

Romance: Andie MacDowell & Hugh Grant

The film that made Hugh Grant the heartthrob that he is, and aren’t we glad? His character, Charles made every woman want to run into a nervous and bumbling idiot like him rather than the typical Clark Gable type, and I couldn’t help but hear the sighs of relief from men all over the world when this film came out.

Most romantic moment: The scene in the rain where Richard Curtis gained his title as God of romantic comedies!

17. Notting Hill (1999, Roger Michell)

Romance: Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant

Another appearance by Mr Grant (and not the last either) and another fine example of the work of Richard Curtis as a writer and of the production company Working Title. I have probably seen the film too many times but I just love the screen relationship between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, and there are also some rather humorous moments with the brilliant Rhys Ifans. Again, won’t endanger your ribs but will leave you feeling great.

Most romantic moment: “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her.”

16. The American President (1995, Rob Reiner)

Romance: Annette Bening & Michael Douglas

A beautifully written movie which may well bring a tear to your eye by the end. A rather random mix of romance and politics for a movie which means your boyfriend is more likely to enjoy it with you.

Most romantic moment: The china room scene (or ‘the dish room’)

15. Hitch (2005, Andy Tennant)

Romance: Eva Mendes & Will Smith

A laugh out loud funny movie with some crafty writing, fitting in some more sentimental lines. A slick movie brilliantly directed for the perfect blend of romance and comedy and is of course beautifully pulled off by the wonderfully talented Will Smith. Eva Mendes is a perfect choice for the role bringing a delightful mix of comedy, charm and beauty to the role and it may well bring a tear to your eyes.

Most romantic moment: Will Smith talking through the peep hole on the other side of the door to Eva Mendes and not being able to express himself – also quite funny.

14. Run, Fat Boy, Run (2007, David Schwimmer)

Romance: Thandie Newton & Simon Pegg

A wonderfully directed film by David Schwimmer (Ross Gellar, no less) which will in parts make you laugh out loud, although as with some of the other films, is weak in parts. Well acted by Pegg and Newton and a brilliant casting choice for Dylan Moran who brings a huge amount of comedy to the film.

Most romantic moment: The balcony scene at the party: “I’d just settle for your respect.”

13. Big (1988, Penny Marshall)

Romance: Elizabeth Perkins & Tom Hanks

Much like Hugh Grant, Tom Hanks is also popular in this chart and although this film doesn’t focus solely on the romance element, it does have its moments. Written by Gary Ross and Steven Spielberg’s sister Anne Spielberg, this is a delightful comedy, brilliantly acted by Hanks and surprisingly the child actors are a pleasure to watch too which makes a nice change from some of the annoying child actors in Hollywood! So look out for more Tom Hanks in this chart…

Most romantic moment: When Perkins and Hanks dance together realising they’re falling for each other and Susan (Perkins) starts to kiss Josh (Hanks).

12. America’s Sweethearts (2002, Joe Roth)

Romance: Julia Roberts & John Cusack

I am a huge fan of Billy Crystal AND John Cusack so this film had to appear here somewhere! And although the film is incredibly underrated I found a place for it in this chart. The storyline isn’t so complex but then neither is that of most romantic comedies, and if I had one criticism it would be how unlikable some of the characters are, but it is also very funny in parts. John Cusack is, of course, delightful to watch on screen and very convincing as a romantic lead and there is also the pleasure of Mr Crystal for comic value.

Most romantic moment: The whole “woman by the pool” conversation between Kiki (Roberts) and Eddie (Cusack): “The woman by the pool that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with… that was me.”

11. 50 First Dates (2004, Peter Segal)

Romance: Drew Barrymore & Adam Sandler

Firstly I’d like to apologise for not having more Drew Barrymore here, I do love her as much as the next person, but I did enough narrowing down to just fit in 20 movies! And secondly I’d like to stress how much I love this movie! It manages to make me cry with both laughter and sorrow in one screening, which is incredibly hard to do. The film did well upon its release and was pleasantly popular among critics although never raved about. The film shows an appropriate balance of both comedy and drama, revealing the upsetting subject matter of short term memory loss and the affect it has on people around its victims.

Most romantic moment: Just when they’re drifting off to sleep together and Henry (Sandler) asks her not to forget about him.

10. Groundhog Day (1993, Harold Ramis)

Romance: Andie MacDowell & Bill Murray

This charming comedy follows the life of one man (Murray) who is experiencing the same day over and over, Groundhog Day. And after spending the same day with the same woman repeatedly, he begins to take a shine to her, trying and trying to win her over, each day getting closer to her and taking note of his mistakes he makes and pick ups that don’t work on her. His never ending attempts to get her into bed backfire though as he slowly starts to fall for her and his soul purpose becomes getting her to fall for him so he can continue with his life as normal.

Most romantic moment: When Bill Murray starts to tell Andie MacDowell how he really feels without realising she’s already asleep.

9. Jerry Maguire (1996, Cameron Crowe)

Romance: Renee Zellweger & Tom Cruise

This movie is a surprisingly good mix of the sports movie genre and romance with an element of drama too. Cruise plays a sports agent amazingly well and sways the audience well considering his character isn’t very nice for the most part. Renee Zellweger is adorable and perfect in the role (as usual) and the kid (played by Jonathan Lipnicki) could not be cuter!

Most romantic moment: “You had me at ‘hello’”

8. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001, Sharon Maguire)

Romance: Renee Zellweger & Colin Firth

Yet another appearance by Renee Zellweger and also by Hugh Grant! And they deserve it! This film is based on the book by Helen Fielding and surprisingly does it justice. That isn’t to say that the screenwriters and director aren’t respected and able, but film adaptations are often not as good as the novel itself. This, however, I am happy to say, is. I read the book a couple of years ago and when I heard they were making a movie version my ears perked up and I was not disappointed. Zellweger is amazing as Bridget and carries off the English accent beautifully. She is truly an icon to all women and is played beautifully by the great Renee!

Most romantic moment: “I like you… just the way you are”

7. Pretty Woman (1999, Gary Marshall)

Romance: Julia Roberts & Richard Gere

Once again the truly gorgeous Julia Roberts makes an appearance, and what an appearance! She is stunning in this role which slightly shadows the damsel in distress story – every girls fantasy to find a guy who will take her away to infinite love and riches!

Most romantic moment: When Gere finally conquers his fear of heights to meet her at the top of the fire escape!

6. Sleepless In Seattle (1993, Norah Ephron)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks

This is probably the most famous romantic comedy of all time although in this chart it’s only made it to 6^th place! I do, however, love Meg Ryan, love Tom Hanks and love love love Norah Ephron (writer and director). Again, acted beautifully and Hanks’ comic timing is brilliant with the tight script. Some men might need patience to watch it with you, but for us girls it’s something that will never get old!

Most romantic moment: When they FINALLY meet at the end.

5. Love Actually (2003, Richard Curtis)

Romances: Too many!

This is a beautiful story of how love is all around with a superb cast of British stars and too many romantic moments to count! A brilliant Christmas movie although can be enjoyed any day of the year.

Most romantic moment: Andrew Lincoln telling Keira Knightley how he really feels via cards.

4. Manhattan (1979, Woody Allen)

Romance: Diane Keaton & Woody Allen

Despite the marvellous performance by Mariel Hemingway, Diane Keaton steals this as the prominent romantic interest. With beautiful shots of the city that never sleeps and a gorgeous jazzy soundtrack, this is by far Allen’s best.

Most romantic moment: “You’re God’s answer to Job”

3. You’ve Got Mail (1998, Norah Ephron)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks

An incredibly sweet movie based on “Shop Around The Corner” starring James Stewart. Meg Ryan is adorable as usual and Tom Hanks’ charm and wit is set to 11. Yet another outstanding piece of work from Norah Ephron and I guess by now you’ve gathered I’m a fan of hers and of Meg Ryan’s, so no prizes for guess my number one romantic comedy of all time…

Most romantic moment: The closing scene: “Don’t cry Shopgirl”

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961, Blake Edwards)

Romance: Audrey Hepburn & George Peppard

An ultimate classic from the moment it hit the screen! Inspired a hell of a lot of shopping in Tiffany’s and a lot of cats were adopted! What more can I say about it but “watch it!”? Whether you’ve seen it or not, watch it right now!

Most romantic moment: The final scene – in the rain!

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989, Rob Reiner)

Romance: Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal

THE best romantic comedy of all time! Written by Norah Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Will have you in stitches in parts but will also have you reaching for the tissues. A genius mix of comedy and romance with the king of comedy, Billy Crystal and the queen of romance, Meg Ryan. The couple are delightful together on screen and incredibly convincing both as friends and lovers.

Most romantic moment: The New Years party at the end: “When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

What I really don't get, is that I've checked this movie out on Yahoo! and both the critics and the users have given it a high rating.  Has humor really been reduced to this??  I actually like Ben Stiller, Jack Black and occasionally, Robet Downey Jr.  but this is probably some of their worst work.  The best part of the movie is the end with Tom Cruise dancing. 

Me and my mother went and watched this on family night so we got in at a discounted price, and I am glad, because I would have hated to pay full price for this.  It dumbfounds me that this is still the number one movie in America.  To me, this is the kind of movie people should get up and walk out on, I don't get it and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 

They are not attempting to be entertained, so they fail to be; they simply look to classical film elements, and in the slapstick, you won't find many. And that's not to say that a few of them can actually be considered better pictures than others, surely most of Judd Apatow's recent stuff (Knocked Up, 40 Year Old Virgin, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) are all actually pretty decent movies, whereas Meet The Spartans or Epic Movie can just be considered pure trash because they are too stupid to have anything more than a few funny excerpts.

With this in mind, I have decided to rate a few slapstick comedies, (starting with the ones I have seen this summer, and then move on to some classics) from both a comic standpoint (measured mostly by laughter frequency and originality) and from an actually film critics point of view (based on traditional elements and structures that make films work).

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Directed by: Judd Apatow, Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis.

Comedy: 4.5/5 - I found Sarah Marshall to be a refreshingly original comedy. Although the same comical undertones exist in this film as in Knocked Up, the 40-Year-Old-Virgin and Superbad (obviously the friends have relatively similar senses of humor), Sarah Marshall isn't afraid to confront some serious issues about relationships, love and self-esteem. Only Knocked Up before it attempted to delve into these usually taboo concepts of slapstick comedy. Segel's script captured perfectly the emotions that a desperate ex-boyfriend goes through, and even mirrors the type of escapism usually experienced by a recent dumpee.

Film Rating: 3.5/5 - Sarah Marshall was, in all respects, a well put together movie. It's not going to win any awards, but there was a strong central character, a solid, believable storyline, some decent acting and a very strong pace. The biggest criticism I give the film from a critical standpoint is the accelerated relationship between Segel and Kunis. I felt that they connected eventually; however it didn't make sense to me that their original contact with one another led to the connection they formed after only 3 days or so.

Favorite scenes: When Segel's character is forced to sing "Dracula's Lament" on stage at the bar. The seven days in sweatpants montage. The scenes with Segel sleeping with random girls trying to get over Sarah.
Best character: Russell Brand's Aldous Snow was by far the funniest character in the movie.
Negative Criticism: I felt that the opening scene with Peter naked while getting dumped was good until it was overdone. The embarrassment of the situation from a humor standpoint evaporates very quickly, and I felt that they stayed with it too long. And the full frontal was completely unnecessary as it actually reduced the funny factor in the scene.

Don't Mess With the Zohan

Comedy 3/5 - I found Zohan charmingly funny at times and completely stupid at other times. Unfortunately they over killed a few of their jokes through repetition. Adam Sandler's character was funny in his own right, and John Tuturro's character also charmed with comedy throughout. The Jewish run businesses I found to be very satirically funny, as they conform to the stereotypes as well as bringing out the underhanded methodologies of the city-based Jewish run shops. Nick Swardson's character was under-utilized, as I find him one of the funniest comedy character actors around today, and he didn't have much material in this one. Dave Matthews' character was a bright spot, albeit in a very small role.

Overall rating 3/5 - One of the reasons that this film actually works as a bona fide Hollywood film is because of the Israeli/Palestinian crisis. It light heartedly touched upon the core of the actual political and religious issues and did it with charm. The movie didn't try to take itself too seriously and really bring politics into the storyline; however it did take soft jabs at real issues and did it in a way that could actually open some eyes to the absurd war that has been waging for 2000 years.

Favorite scenes: I found the Zohan mission where he faked his own death to work very well. I also enjoyed any of the scenes in which the New York Israelis and New York Palestinians interacted. And Rob Schneider's character thinking he was committing terrorist acts and becoming a big shot in the underground was great, culminating with the throwing of the Neosporin.

Best Character: I don't like doing this, but I would have to say the best character in the movie was "The Zohan". While he got tedious at times, the film obviously would not work at all without him being portrayed this way, and he is just another example of another good-natured Adam Sandler character.

Negative Criticism: Not since The Wedding Singer has Sandler really pulled off a good on screen relationship, although he certainly gets very hot women to be his female leads. I never believed Kate Beckinsale and Sandler's marriage in Click and I never felt anything for he and Marissa Tomei's relationship in Anger Management. The problem is that Sandler character's often steal the show and there is little room for a strong female lead, especially for one to equal screen presence with Sandler. The same problem exists with Zohan.

Emmanuelle Chriqui (Sloan from Entourage) is ungodly hot, perhaps the most attractive actress in Hollywood, however she isn't given much of a screen presence, and if fact the viewer doesn't even realize she is supposed to be a love interest until about 80% of the way through the movie. This, coupled with her at times awkward Middle-Eastern accent, made for yet another failed on screen romance.

 

This is the story of Mr. Keating (Robin Williams), an English professor at an elite, private boys' school who teaches his students to think for themselves. In doing such, some difficult trials are endured as each character grows and must stand behind his own convictions. A group bond forms as they follow Mr. Keating's lead, even reviving his old brotherhood of the Dead Poet's Society. Robin Williams is “toned down” in this tragedy, but still manages to plug a lot of British literature in a comedic, appealing way; part of the charm of the movie is the way that literature and the arts are glorified.

You will likely recognize Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke. Robert Sean Leonard currently plays Dr. James Wilson, friend and foe of the character “House.” In Dead Poet's Society, Robert Sean Leonard is one of the lead boys whose stand leads to his own tragedy. His timid roommate in Dead Poet's Society is played by Ethan Hawke; the two also formed a theater company together in real life. Ethan Hawke may be remembered for his roles in White Fang and Great Expectations or for the fact that he was married to actress Uma Thurman.

If you like this movie, you also might like Rudy, Stand and Deliver, or Finding Forrester, which are about underdogs and take place in school settings

ET

If I explain the story line to this movie, it sounds so cheesy . . . little boy meets and befriends a frightened extraterrestrial creature and helps him find his way home . . . but it's one you just have to view to see why it was a smash hit of the "80"s. I'm sure that its success has to do with the fact that Steven Spielberg directed it, and Drew Barrymore had a leading role. If those aren't reason enough to rent it, then renting it will explain why, “ET phone home” was a much-quoted line for years.

Top Secret!

If you like over-the-top spoofs like Airplane or Monty Python, then you'll love the humor in this underdog of a movie. I don't remember the plot since it's not truly an action-driven movie, but what I do remember is that I liked this movie more than any of the Airplane comedies because the wit and punchlines were more frequent and clever. You might recognize Val Kilmer in this 80's flick. While this would probably be my number one recommendation, it may be difficult to find this one, especially at a local store. Surprisingly, it was never a huge hit, so copies of the movie are hard to come by. It can be rented from Netflix; it's the 1984 film with pictures of cows on the cover.

Major Payne

Again, I may forget the plot, but I remember that this movie was funny. Damon Wayons stars as a drill sergeant who had been dismissed from the Marines only to pick up a group of ROTC underdogs. His teaching methods are crazy, but the group dynamics work as Major Payne must decide whether to fight in Bosnia or continue instilling discipline into his unlikely future soldiers.

The Jerk

Since I was in high school, I have watched this movie over and over again, memorizing my favorite lines like, “Oh pointy bird, oh pointy pointy/Anoint my head, anointy, nointy.” This is Steve Martin comedy at its best. Part of this movie's charm is in the fact that Martin's character, Navin R. Johnson, is completely naive. Watching his character go from rags to riches and then back again is only fun because of what Steve Martin adds to the character through his quirky, oddball humor. Bernadette Peters co-stars as his love interest. At the end, it's a little too much of Steve Martin to recommend for young kids since he's covered only with objects he takes as he's kicked out of his home.

If you have seen any of these or decide to see them, let me know what you think. I can always use some recommendations myself for finding great movies to rent for under $1.00.

Settling down and waiting to laugh to tears, I found myself after a short period of time regretting I hadn't chosen to see “Departed” instead. I wasn't laughing like I normally do at his routines. He wasn't that funny, and I thought to myself, “they must have picked the only two or three jokes out of the movie and put them in the trailer!” Having paid the money, I settled in for a long, slow ride.

Robin Williams plays a character by the name of “Tom Dobbs”, a television personality who does comedy news in the vein of Jon Stewart. Before each taping of his show, he goes out and warms up the audience. It is during one such warm up that an audience member asks a question: “why don't YOU run for president?” So he does.

I really enjoy Christopher Walken because he always picks great characters to portray that stretch and invariably adds to his acting repertoire. In this script, he plays the manager of “Tom Dobbs” (Williams), and shifts between a manager and a presidential hopeful's coach. About halfway through the movie, his character is sent to the hospital and remains wheelchair bound for the remainder of the plot. There seemed to be no reason to write that plot line in because it added nothing to the overall script. With this strange plot line, Walken's performance sadly deteriorates from entertaining to not credible.

“Tom Dobbs” (Williams) wants desperately to be considered a viable candidate, so he holds back on his comedy routines through a good portion of the script. This strategy earns him a spot in the main televised debate with the Democratic and Republican challengers. During the debate, “Tom Dobbs” lets loose his style of humorous political commentary that got him tapped to run by a member of his television audience. It is also the funniest scene in the entire movie, which is used for the trailer.

The movie has twists and turns, and does take up an interesting issue that no one in reality wants to address: the Diebold voting machines that have been proven to be easily hacked. In the case of the movie, the company with the bad software is called “Delacroy”. The owners of Delacroy (who are making a fortune) go on the defensive when a software designer discovers a glitch in the program that makes “Tom Dobbs” the president-elect. All scandals need a fall guy, and the female programmer predictably demonized and made out to be a drug addict. This part of the plot was unfortunately done over the top and wasn't credible. If they had toned it down a little bit, then it would've played better.

In the end, the programmer tells “Tom Dobbs” he's not the president and he has to figure out inside his own soul what he should do. Even his own team members try to discredit the programmer based on the information they have been fed to him.

In the end, he comes out and tells the world the software glitch has made him president on a performance of “Saturday Night Live”. The movie closes with various magazine covers showing “Tom Dobbs” to be the “Man of the Year” for having stepped down.

My advice? Save your money and wait until this comes out on your cable channels. Other than a few passing lines here and there, it isn't worth the ticket price.

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