We've decided GrandOldTeam's greatest action movie; now it's time to find out what tickles our collective funnybone with the GOT Comedy Movie Champions League!
The format is simple; eight groups of five movies, the top two from each progress to the next round and so on in that fashion until we're left with one undisputed champion of laughter.
So to the first group!
GROUP 1
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (1998)
If it were anyone else but the Coen brothers pitching this to a movie studio, you suspect it wouldn't have been made. As it is, "The Dude" came into being, portrayed by a very laid back Jeff Bridges, and tells the unlikely tale of mistaken identity.
A fantastic supporting performance from John Goodman as a deranged Vietnam veteran (and a surprising cameo from Red Hot Chili Pepper's bass player Flea!) help make this film not only a good comedy but an esoteric, strangely touching one also.
FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (1986)
Matthew Broderick puts in a winning performance that helps propel what seems on the face of it to be a cheesy piece of Americana comedy into a cult classic that has stood the test of time.
It's the warmth and sincerity of the script that has endeared itself to everyone and anyone who has watched it for over a quarter of a century. The original "teen movie" which had more substance than any that has followed it.
BLAZING SADDLES (1974)
An absolute triumph of a movie that showcases Mel Brooks at his very best. Gene Wilder is astonishingly good as the laid back cowboy, but it was the sheer level of political incorrectness that makes this film memorable.
It isn't controversial for the sake of it though. It's a send up of the Western genre with satirical pokes at various stereotypes. The movie is a long list of memorable moments - Mongo, the beans around the campfire, "The Sheriff is a Ni-", "SHUT UP YOU TEUTONIC TW&*!" etc. etc. etc. A true classic.
ANCHORMAN (2004)
When Will Ferrell and a selection of other burgeoning Hollywood comics got together and mashed together this fantastic send up of 70s journalism, the world became a funnier place. Ron Burgundy has become a figure of cult legend, and the film itself is astonishingly funny. It's memorable line after memorable line.
Arguably the star of the piece is Steve Carell as Brick Tamland. People like him because he's rarely late, and he once killed a man with a trident.
If you've seen Anchorman, the above sentence needs no explanation. If you haven't, do so, I implore you!
HOT SHOTS! (1991)
Before he came a drug fuelled, tiger blood infused madman, Charlie Sheen was best known for his brilliant portrayal of Topper Harley in the Hot Shots! franchise. The original was the best, sending up the popular film Top Gun with an over the top medley of visual gags from Jim Abrahams.
Like all the really good films of this type, Hot Shots! is sheer escapism, allowing you to chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of the whole spectacle.
Vote for your favourite!
