These might be five of the funniest movies you missed in 2016. I don’t mean in a that in a snobby, only movie nerds would find this, but in a way that none of these movies made their money back or weren’t well promoted. Yes, I am very aware of the fact that humor is subjective. I don’t mean this as a review so there won’t be an in-depth talks about the films. I just wanted to bring attention to these. That being said, we begin with the crudest, most shocking ,and low brow of them all.
The Brothers Grimsby
Director :Louis Leterrier
Writers: Sacha Baron Cohen and Phil Johnston
Staring: Sacha Baron Cohen and Mark Strong
Well, I may have lost some of you with the mention of Sacha Baron Cohen, but this isn’t his usual material. This is a buddy cop kind of film directed by the man who also did the first two Transporters. The action in the movie is handled mostly with a POV use of the camera. We see through the contact lenses of the secret agent. It seems fresh, if you didn’t see Hardcore Henry, and an excuse for the shaky cam at times. Cohen handles the comedy in a commentary way as usual, but this time slightly more subtle. Then changes to over the top comedic moments that are hard to forget. I believe you’ll decided if this movie is for you based on the trailer. I will say I prefer this spy paired with every day man movie more than Ride Along 2 or Central Intelligence.
The Nice Guys
Director: Shane Black
Writers: Shane Black and Anthony Bagarozzi
Staring: Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling
Even with these two huge headliners this movie barely made its money back. This is Black’s second time writing and directing. I also recommend his first film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He also wrote the first Lethal Weapon film. The buddy cop movie has been mastered by Black. The dialogue is witty and delivered perfectly by the leads. This movie may have been overlooked because of all the superhero films coming out around the same time. It’s getting harder for original material, even with huge stars, to attract attention away from the superheros. Give this one a shot. It’s got a great noir mystery and “old school” detectives we still love today.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Directors: Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone
Writers: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone
Staring: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone
This might be the closest we’ll get to a new generation of This is Spinal Tap. It’s a mockumentary of the rise and fall of the world biggest pop star. It has the usual inflated ego that drives the friends apart story, but somehow the music is catchy enough, and the humor keeps you interested in the story. If you’re already a fan of The Lonely Island, you many have come across this movie already. I would be interested in what people think not knowing this is already a comedy hip-hop group. If you’re looking to laugh, maybe hear some funny music, or see a pop star fail, I say grab your pet turtle and give this one a watch.
Don’t Think Twice
Director: Mike Birbiglia
Writer: Mike Birbiglia
Staring: Stars: Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, and Mike Birbiglia
If you’re familiar with Birbiglia’s other works you’ll know he’s funny and doesn’t hide the drama to make himself look better. This movie is about an improv group that has been together for a while and performs in a historical theater. Don’t Think Twice shows the family dynamics of an improv group and how ones success may hurt the others. I’ve been a fan of improv for a long time and seeing this behind the scenes struggles and hardships in a competitive career earns even more respect from me. This one may have the most drama on the list, but it doesn’t skip on laughs or the realism of a comedian.
Everybody Wants Some!!
Director: Richard Linklater
Writer: Richard Linklater
Staring: Blake Jenner, Tyler Hoechlin, and Ryan Guzman
Linklater might be one of my favorite American directors. He’s always trying something new with his person projects like Waking Life or Boyhood. This film seems almost like a sequel to his classic Dazed and Confused. Taking place in the 80’s and now in college, we follow an ensemble cast of baseball players through their daily lives right until school starts. Every actor brings laughter and some humanity to their role. We walk with the team through the streets, clubs, and baseball practice. You really get a feel of remembrance of youth. You feel the emotions of spending time trying to find yourself while hoping to fit in with a crowd, feeling awkward constantly, and hoping for love. Of course the soundtrack only elevates the movie’s tone. Catch this one and remember your younger days.
