Bethany Solomon

For those of you who watch the Oscars every year, you are well aware that very sparingly does the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognize a comedy for its cinematic achievements. It’s odd that such a beloved genre that generates billions in revenue every year is so rejected by the very people who worship the art of film making the most. Granted, many comedies lack in profound meaning in their plots. However, there are many movies that deliver knee-slapping entertainment while not turning your brain into mush.

Past films that I believe are worthy of a “Best Picture” Oscar are:

“The Women” (1939)

This movie gives you those “Oh No She DIDN’T” reactions. Norma Shearer plays an innocent housewife who finds out that her husband is cheating on her with, well, basically the meanest slut you can imagine (Joan Crawford). She goes to a retreat for divorcee women and determines how to best overcome the situation and come into her own. This film is so awesome, that a remake starring Meg Ryan was made.

“Donovan’s Reef” (1963)
Most people do not automatically think “comedy” when John Wayne is mentioned. Believe me, “Donovan’s Reef” is one of if not the best film that the Duke made and it is a shame that he did not appear in more. Technically a romantic comedy, the film delivers laugh and romance without being too corny. If there is such an invention of a manly romantic comedy, this is it.

“CaddyShack” (1980)

Although this film does have plenty of silly moments, it is a necessity for any DVD collection. It deals with the age old battle of the rich vs. the poor, the classy vs. the tacky. It’s a cult classic with an awesome theme song and an abundance of memorable quotes. I refuse to give any more of a synopsis, because shame on you if you don’t know about this film!

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987)

If you need a film that’s an instant pick-me-up, this “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” is what you need. John Candy. Steve Martin. You will laugh, and you will cry. It’s that good.

“Jeff Who Lives at Home” (2011)

Jason Segel plays Jeff, a 30-something slacker who still lives in his mother’s basement. He believes that everything and everyone is inter-connected and that the power of fate is real. This movie is to put it simply, adorable. Ed Helms of “The Office” plays his responsible, social-conformist brother who is having problems with his marriage, and Susan Sarandon portrays his hard-working mother who just wants him to grow up. Although it has a mystical quality to it, this film is very realistic, and is very easy to be drawn into the plot and feel as if you are a character as opposed to a viewer.

I’m going to focus on Steve Carell films now. First, “Dan in Real Life” from 2007. Long story short, Dan, (Steve Carell) falls for a woman and then realizes she is dating his brother. This movie has real substance. It’s witty, comedic, and original.  A more well-known Carell feature is “Dinner for Schmucks”, released in 2010. Carell portrays a naïve, not so bright but loveable character who is invited by Paul Rudd to a dinner under the false pretenses that it is for extraordinary individuals, when in fact it is to see who the bigger idiot is. In the end, the schmucks prevail, and you’re left with a satisfying viewing experience. The last Steve Carell film I’d like to mention is “Crazy Stupid Love” (2011). Carell’s character Cal finds out that his high school sweetheart and long-time wife is cheating on him and gets coaching from a very sexy character portrayed by Ryan Gosling on how to get over her. There are a few twists in the plot, so I won’t tell the rest, but trust me when I say it’s hilarious!

“Cold Souls” (2009)

This movie is a bit obscure and may not be for someone who wants a clear-cut slap-stick style comedy. It is very original in content, and has more of a dry and sarcastic humor that makes you stop and think. It stars Paul Giamatti as himself, but in a fictitious and far-fetched portrayal of his personality.

While I could name more than a dozen other comedies that are Academy Award worthy, here are a few that John Farr recommends in his Huffington Post article on the same topic.

“Some Like It Hot”

“The Odd Couple”

“Young Frankenstein”

“National Lampoon’s Animal House”

“The Big Lebowski”