Comedy is a strong indicator of the social and cultural opinions of a time.
However, comedy is a strong indicator of the social and cultural opinions of a time.
Better Off Deadis not for everyone, but for certain viewers, its brand of humor lands effectively.
The film is a humorous adaptation of the classic television series, following the rigid, by-the-book Sgt.
The film combines elements of parody with a traditional buddy-cop dynamic.
Night Shifthas a surprisingly star-studded cast with Henry Winkler and Michael Keatoncostarring alongside Shelley Long.
The movie follows three aliens who crash-land in a Southern California pool and transform into culturally confused humans.
As the facade continues, their relationship and Ronald’s newfound popularity bring unexpected complications.
Harry is the sasquatch creature they encounter in the woods.
In the tradition of movies likeE.T.
the Extraterrestrial, Harry soon endears himself to the family and becomes a vital part of their lives.
The film had a lukewarm performance at the box office and an even weaker critical reception.
Image by Yeider Chacon
2Top Secret!
(1984)
Directed by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, & Jerry Zucker
Top Secret!
is a 1984 satirical comedy directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker.
Better off Dead is a 1985 teen romantic comedy directed by Savage Steve Holland. The film stars John Cusack as Lane Myer, a high school student who becomes despondent after his girlfriend breaks up with him. Amidst his comedic and dramatic attempts to win her back, Lane eventually finds new perspectives on life and love through his interactions with friends and a new romantic interest.
The ensemble cast includes Lucy Gutteridge, Omar Sharif, and Peter Cushing.
Though the film’s jokes still land, it didn’t connect with audiences enough to be well-remembered.
However, it’s still found audiences who appreciate its unique brand of humor as time has progressed.
The story blends historical and fictional elements, presenting surreal and imaginative scenes.
Despite its critical acclaim,The Adventures of Baron Munchausenwas a flop at the box office.
Dragnet is a comedy film released in 1987, directed by Tom Mankiewicz and starring Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks. The film is a humorous adaptation of the classic television series, following the rigid, by-the-book Sgt. Joe Friday and his laid-back partner, Pep Streebek, as they investigate a series of bizarre crimes in Los Angeles. The film combines elements of parody with a traditional buddy-cop dynamic.
Night Shift is a comedy film directed by Ron Howard, featuring Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton in leading roles. The story follows an uptight morgue worker whose dull life takes an unexpected turn when he partners with a free-spirited new colleague to operate a nighttime prostitution ring out of the morgue. The film, noted for its humorous take on unconventional entrepreneurship, marked a significant departure from mainstream themes in early 1980s cinema.
Earth Girls Are Easy is a comedic sci-fi film directed by Julien Temple, featuring Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum, and Jim Carrey. The movie follows three aliens who crash-land in a Southern California pool and transform into culturally confused humans. Their presence disrupts the life of a manicurist named Valerie, leading to humorous situations as they navigate earthly customs and romance.
Can’t Buy Me Love is a teen romantic comedy directed by Steve Rash. The movie follows high school student Ronald Miller, played by Patrick Dempsey, as he pays popular cheerleader Cindy Mancini, portrayed by Amanda Peterson, to pretend to be his girlfriend in order to elevate his social status. As the facade continues, their relationship and Ronald’s newfound popularity bring unexpected complications.
Harry and the Hendersons is a family comedy film directed by William Dear. The movie centers on the Henderson family, who, while driving through the Pacific Northwest, accidentally hit and then bring home a Bigfoot they name Harry. Starring John Lithgow as the head of the family, the film explores the humorous and touching dynamics that ensue as they try to protect Harry from the authorities and integrate him into their lives.
Summer School is a comedy film directed by Carl Reiner, featuring Mark Harmon as a laid-back, reluctant teacher named Freddy Shoop who is forced to teach a remedial English class during the summer. Faced with a group of underachieving students, Shoop employs unconventional methods to garner their interest and improve their grades, while also learning valuable life lessons along the way.
Wise Guys is a comedy film directed by Brian De Palma, featuring Joe Piscopo and Danny DeVito as Harry and Moe, two low-level mobsters who inadvertently find themselves in trouble with their boss. Set in New Jersey, the plot chronicles their misadventures as they try to flee from their superiors and navigate a series of chaotic and humorous situations.
Top Secret! is a 1984 satirical comedy directed by Jim Abrahams and David Zucker. Starring Val Kilmer as Nick Rivers, an American rock star, who becomes embroiled in a resistance movement in East Germany. The film humorously blends elements from spy thrillers and musical comedies, delivering a quirky narrative set against a Cold War backdrop. The ensemble cast includes Lucy Gutteridge, Omar Sharif, and Peter Cushing.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a fantasy adventure film directed by Terry Gilliam. It stars John Neville as Baron Munchausen, who embarks on a series of fantastical escapades with his band of misfit companions. The story blends historical and fictional elements, presenting surreal and imaginative scenes. The film also features performances by Eric Idle, Sarah Polley, and Robin Williams, amidst a whimsical and visually rich setting.
