Top Ten Tuesday: Ensemble Comedies

Funny movies make us laugh, that’s a no-brainer. But, what happens when you get a movie with LOTS of funny people in it? Chances are, if it’s done well, you get an exponentially funnier movie. It’s like asking someone if they’d like a scoop of ice cream, or if they’d like three scoops of ice cream with hot fudge, caramel, whipped topping, nuts, sprinkles (gotta have sprinkles) and a cherry on top… it’s an easy decision. That’s sort of like asking someone if they want to see Mike Judge’s new comedy EXTRACT, which opens nationwide in theaters this Friday. This should be an easy decision as well. So, we Movie Geeks decided to reflect on these movies and “extract” a list of our Top Ten Best Ensemble Comedies.

10. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

One of the most quotable, most intelligently ridiculous films of all time, MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL is a thing of legend. Currently all the way up at #70 on the IMDB Top 250 list, the movie has been entertaining audiences since 1975. Co-directed by the two Terry’s (Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam) this film would mark Gilliam’s first feature film and the beginning to an incredibly wondrous and fascinatingly imaginative filmmaking career. The story is not a new one, weaving the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they pursue the elusive Holy Grail and its promise of everlasting life. The difference being, this version is told by those naughty British comedians and no comedic stone is left unturned. The cast includes John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman and Terry Jones. Laced with great animated sequences from Gilliam, the movie is an epic adventure that also features scenes of gruesome horror (Killer Bunny), violent action (Black Knight) and lurid debauchery (Castle Anthrax). It’s a film for the whole family… so long as it’s a family of all adults.

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

The best comedy surrounding the end of the civilized world, Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 film, DR STRANGELOVE is the ultimate black comedy, ripe with both slapstick and dry humor alike and an ever-present satirical look at, what was then, the current, foreign relations climate.  Completely taking the nuclear scare and turning on its ear, Kubrick both worked to alleviate people’s stresses about the impending danger and move their fearful sensibilities right along by showing just how easy nuclear war could be.  On top of the brilliant comedy, satire, and black and white direction by Kubrick, the film boasts an amazing cast list.  Peter Sellers plays three, different characters, each one just as eccentric as the next.  Even though his Dr. Strangelove is probably the most notable character of the film, it is his performance as President Merkin Muffley that near steals the entire show.  George C. Scott as General Buck Turgidson, Sterling Hayden as Brigadier General Jack Ripper, and Keenan Wynn as Colonel Bat Guano work threefold.  They are all incredible actors playing incredible characters each with a distinctly incredible name.  And that’s just on the ground.  In the air, we have Slim Pickens as Major T.J. “King” Kong.  Pickens replaced Sellers in the role, a would-be fourth performance from Sellers, after the British actor sprained an ankle and couldn’t work in the cramped cockpit.  DR. STRANGELOVE is a masterpiece in satirical storytelling.  Its enormous, ensemble cast is picture perfect.  Though Sellers received a Best Leading Actor Oscar nomination for the film, that honor could have gone to any of the superb performers in Kubrick’s film.

8. Young Frankenstein

When it comes to ensemble comedies, there’s one name that stands out amongst the crowd… Mel Brooks! He’s like the Godfather of ensemble comedies and while he’s the only filmmaker to have two films appear on this list, it’s still almost a shame not to have included more. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a comedic masterpiece. Like most of Brooks’ films, he pokes fun at a specific genre, at once humiliating and honoring all the elements that make that genre both imperfect and brilliantly unforgettable. In this case, he spars with the old monster movies of the 30’s and 40’s, focusing on the legendary tale of Frankenstein’s monster. Co-written by Brooks and Gene Wilder, it’s hard to imagine the film as anything but genius. The story follows the original Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson (Gene Wilder) as he attempts to live down his grandfather’s reputation, but after inheriting his castle, becomes the epitome of history repeating itself. Young Dr. Frankenstein becomes obsessed with creating life, but he is determined to outdo his grandfather and create a smarter, less violent monster (Peter Boyle). With the help of his assistant Igor (Marty Feldman) his dreams turn out to be part nightmare, as Igor steals the brain of an Abby Normal, putting a dent in Frankenstein’s master plan. What results is a laugh-out-loud romp through Frankenstein’s castle. Boyle is brilliant as the massive Monster-in-training, as is Feldman as the less-than-brilliant bug-eyed hunchback. Rounding out the cast are Cloris Leachman as Frau Blucher (neigh!), Teri Garr as Frankenstein’s love interest Inga, Madeline Kahn as Elizabeth, who finds unexpected passion with the Monster, and Gene Hackman as the Blind Man. If you havvn’t yet experienced YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, you’re truly missing out! Gene Wilder shines and there are an endless number of tongue-in-cheek quips and priceless lines of dialogue that movie geeks across the universe adore… “For what we are about to see next, we must enter quietly into the realm of genius.”

7. The Royal Tenenbaums

Wes Anderson’s third feature film is quite possibly his best to date and certainly features the most astonishing cast of actors he’s had the pleasure of directing. THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS is a story about three siblings, each of them child prodigies with their own, unique sort of genius. They are staying with their mother Etheline (Angelica Huston) at the family abode, when their father Royal (Gene Hackman) returns with the attention of making things right after leaving years ago. Royal reveals he is terminally ill, and thus sets in motion the antics of a dysfunctional family doing their best to try and come to terms with each other. The three siblings are Chas (Ben Stiller), Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Richie (Luke Wilson). The tone of Anderson’s film is pitch-perfect and the comedic timing is impeccable. Co-written by Anderson and Luke Wilson, the film takes a common modern trend in family life and twists and mutates it into an absurdly hilarious but honest caricature of the modern American family. Owen Wilson adds plenty of humor in his role as Richie’s best friend Eli Cash, and the cast is rounded out by veteran actors Bill Murray, Danny Glover, Seymour Cassell and Alec Baldwin as the narrator. Added to the wonderful cast and phenomenal comedic writing, Anderson takes what he learned making BOTTLE ROCKET and RUSHMORE and truly develops his style for the first time, taking his visual storytelling technique up a notch. All of Wes Anderson’s films are top notch, but if you only visit one, be sure to make it a knock on the front door of THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS.

6. The Princess Bride

A long, long time ago, (in an era known as the 80’s) Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn, Christopher Guest, Andre’ The Giant, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, and Billy Crystal came together to tell a tale known as ‘The Princess Bride’. This is no ordinary fable… oh, no! There is love, comedy, tragedy, and, of course kissing. When a young boy (Savage) finds himself ill and bedridden, his grandfather comes to entertain him with a book. It’s a story of the love between the beautiful Buttercup (Wright Penn) and a farm hand named Wesley (Elwes). Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon) wants Buttercup all to himself and sets in motion a hilarious tale of kidnapping, ignorance, adventure, love, and most importantly, humor. This is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen! Think ‘Monty Python’ mixed with a fairytale. The characters not only feed off of each other, but they play their roles to their fullest extent. No part was too small in this film. Andre’ the Giant was also delightful as the no brained Fezzik. He was goofy and lovable despite not being the best actor. Elwes cocky yet romantic portrayal of Wesley is my favorite out of his many roles. He is a real treat to watch. They also nabbed Billy Crystal when he was funny! I loved him in the 80’s. He was actually entertaining! Christopher Guest speaks for himself. He is one of my favorite comedy actors. Whether it be this, “This Is Spinal Tap”, “Waiting For Guffman”, or “Best in Show”, he can always be counted on for a laugh! This movie stands the test of time, and is great to watch whenever you need a good laugh!

5. Ghostbusters

Who you gonna call? Dang right I would call ‘The Ghostbusters’! I’d call them right now if I only had the number!!! Talk about a great cast for a wildly entertaining movie! Three out of work professors who specialize in paranormal activity decide to start their own Ghostbusting business. Together, with a 4th recruit, they take on the streets of New York to kick some ghost butt, and enjoy a little fame along the way! Bill Murray plays a womanizing, smart mouth named Dr. Peter Venkman, Dan Akyroyd plays an overly enthusiastic Dr. Raymond Stantz. He has a childlike quality about him that is both entertaining and sweet, giving him the perfect personality for a middle man. Harold Ramis is the know it all of the group, Dr. Egon Spengler. He is a bit uptight, but is the inventor of all the cool ghost busting tools, so he’s ok in my book. Ernie Hudson plays Winston Zeddemore, a local man who was just looking for a job. He didn’t quite know what he was getting into. Rick Moranis is in both movies as Louis Tully, but only becomes a buster in the 2nd. Louis is a super geek with a whiny voice that has a huge crush on his neighbor Dana Barrett. Dana (Sigourney Weaver) is the love interest of Venkman, and the victim of a super ghost in the first movie and must be saved. They could not have cast this movie better! The best part is that they are making a Ghostbusters III (scheduled for 2012) and all of the original busters are returning (With the exception of Moranis. He is only rumored to be returning). Take these incredible actors, terrific writing, a giant Stay Puft marshmallow man, and a tasty jam by Ray Parker Jr., and you have one heck of a movie!

4. Clue

Even though it deals with murder, you can’t even really consider the 1985 adaptation of CLUE a black comedy.  It’s just so damned lighthearted.  Based on the board game first published by Waddingtons in the UK in the late ’40s, CLUE, directed by Jonathan Lynn (MY COUSIN VINNY and THE WHOLE NINE YARDS), boasts an outstanding cast.  Madeline Kahn, Michael McKean, Christopher Lloyd, Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull, and Eileen Brennan bring the popular characters from the board game to hilarious life.  Each actor embodies their respective character as the character is remembered from the game, but they also, each one of them, make their character very much their own.   This is particularly found in Kahn’s performance as Mrs. White.   There certainly is a good reason she appears more than a few times on this list.   But every actor in this film brings their comedy A-game, and everyone has more than a handful of moments to shine.   However, as much of an ensemble as this film is, the real standout doesn’t come from any of the board game’s original characters.   Tim Curry as Wadsworth the Butler gives a flawless and hysterical performance.   The force with which he moves through he film’s second half is something astonishing to watch.   Very rarely does one actor’s performance in only a few scenes leave you as breathless as Curry does with this film.   CLUE is a forgotten gem of a comedy, and its incredible ensemble cast is just one of the reasons the film continues to live on in cult status nearly 25 years later.

3. Blazing Saddles

Mel Brooks had a keen ear for the language of parody and it shows extremely well in BLAZING SADDLES, his classic playful poking of the western genre. While the movie is very funny, it also takes a bold step into being something of a social monetary as well. Many of the encounters and scenarios that the characters experience had parallel relevant similarities to the societal issues of the time. But, that’s not what made the movie so much fun. In an effort to bring a small western town to its knees, corrupt politician Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) appoints a black man named Bart (Cleavon Little) as Sheriff. His plans are to send in outlaws to make the town unlivable, causing people to leave and making way for a new railroad, but Bart proves to be smarter than Hedley expected and becomes a cunning adversary. Bart picks up a deputy named Jim (Gene Wilder) and together they survive the endless dangers of the old west, in a town where everyone seems to be named Johnson and the law is only as strong as those who enforce it. Madeline Kahn gives a memorably absurd and awkwardly sexy performance as the German prostitute Lili Von Schtupp and Slim Pickens plays Hedley’s henchman Taggart. BLAZING SADDLES is the quintessential western parody that still holds up so many years later.

2. The Big Lebowski

Over the line!

The Coen Brothers are notorious for having ensemble casts in each of their films, and none of their films is funnier than THE BIG LEBOWSKI.   Each performer, Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore, even Philip Seymour Hoffman, Peter Stormare, and…yes…Tara Reid in smaller performances take hilarious turns at dishing out the endlessly quotable dialogue.   Every character has a turn at the bat at some point during the film and every actor behind each, particular character does their very best.   While they all deliver the quotable lines of dialogue with absolute ease, it has to be John Goodman’s Walter Sobchak who steals the show.   Every time he tells Buscemi’s Donny to “shut the fuck up” or remembers his days from ‘Nam, you know Goodman is going to be bringing the brilliance.   Because there are so many, diverse characters in THE BIG LEBOWSKI, and because they are each brought to life by such amazing actors, this film is one that can be revisited dozens of times without the slightest inkling of getting old.   In fact, the more you watch THE BIG LEBOWSKI, the more nuances you pick up in each actor’s performance.   The smiles on Donny’s face.   The frustration that builds up in Walter.   Even the utterly confused look on Hoffman’s Brandt’s face during the famous limo scene.   These are all slight details in THE BIG LEBOWSKI that may not be picked up on the first go-around with the film.   These details are to the benefit of the writing and directing by Joel and Ethan Coen, but much credit has to go to each and every actor involved in the film.   Bridges has never been more laid back.   Goodman has never been more intense.   Stormare has never been more nihilistic.   There is so much to love about THE BIG LEBOWSKI, and at the forefront of it all is the unblemished ensemble cast.

1. It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

A group of strangers are thrown together in a high speed chase to grab the ultimate prize of $350,000 in buried treasure hidden under a mysterious “BIG W.” Crazy by today’s standards but hilarious nonetheless. What makes ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World’ our #1 pick for Best Ensemble Comedies is that the film is famous for its casting of the most A-List stars at the time, including Edie Adams, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Spencer Tracy, and Jonathan Winters (in his film debut.) True aficionados of the film will agree that fan favorites Ethel Merman, as the loud-mouthed Mrs. Marcus, and her son, Sylvester Marcus, brilliantly played by Dick Shawn, are the funniest mother-son team ever and just soak up every scene they’re in. There were also a plethora of cameos that have never been matched since. Ranging from Jimmy Durante (in his final screen appearance), Buster Keaton, Don Knotts, Jerry Lewis, Carl Reiner, Jim Backus, Peter Falk, Sterling Holloway,  and the Three Stooges – the list is staggering and still unparalleled. The lively, zany score from Ernest Gold goes part and parcel with the colorful cinematography of Ernest Laszlo and the fast, paced editing of Gene Fowler Jr., Robert C. Jones, and Frederic Knudtson.

The Pièce de résistance comes in the final climactic chase scene through the fictitious Santa Rosita, culminating in the group fighting over a suitcase of money while hanging on for dear life on the edge of a fire escape.

The Cinerama Dome at The ArcLight in Hollywood recently had a viewing of Stanley Kramer’s 3 ½ hour masterpiece and was hosted by Kramer’s widow, Mrs. Karen Sharpe Kramer. She shared some historical background of the film that included the story of The Dome being specially built to show ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’ because Kramer wanted to shoot the movie in Panavision 70mm. At the time, there wasn’t a screen that big, so the studio had it built for the premiere on November 7, 1963, just 15 days after the Kennedy Assassination. Audiences flocked to this star studded extravaganza and it went onto to play there for 66 WEEKS!! During this recent screening, a few weeks ago, in the audience were sitting some of the people who actually saw its premiere back in 1963.

‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World’ was nominated for 6 Academy Awards that year and won the Oscar for Best Sound Effects. Though others have tried (i.e. ‘Rat Race’ and ‘Oceans 11’), these knockoffs pale in comparison to the genuine article. If you’ve never seen it, do yourself a huge favor and either rent it or watch it when it’s shown every year around New Years Day on TCM.