AboutBarbara L. Baker Expertise I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on film comedy (especially in the United States) and comic theory. I have a particular interest in satirical comedy, especially of the 1960s and 1970s. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film).
I am less able to answer questions about TV shows and series, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.
Experience Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films and TV shows.
Education/Credentials Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric
Question hi - i would like a good list of the latest top 10 comedy movies of the recent years - thanks
Answer Dear safi--I'm sorry it took awhile to respond to your question. Last week I fell and sprained an ankle, while also bruising both knees. I had to be taken to the emergency room, and have been somewhat laid up for a few days, unable to access a computer.
Regarding your question--what counts as a good listing of comedies is very personal. Movies I might put on my list might not be the ones you'd put on yours. I can list some comedy films I enjoyed, keeping in mind that I haven't actually seen every comedy movie released in the last ten years, despite teaching courses in film comedy and film appreciation. And that I have a very bent sense of humor.
I also suggest you go to the web--if you type in "comedy movies" into a search engine like google you will discover some lists that other people put out. Or you might try the imdb--they list the top 50 films per genre, and many on the comedy list are recent (although you shouldn't avoid comedies made earlier, as those are, IMO, quite funny. My favorite comedies of all time are older comedies).
At any rate, here is a listing of some comedies I've enjoyed in the past 10 years, in no particular order except by date (and more than 10):
Fargo (1996--some wouldn't call this a comedy)
The Full Monty (U.K. 1997)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997--a dark comedy satire)
Jerry MaGuire (1998)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Election (1998: a satire)
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Sliding Doors (U.K. 1998)
Dogma (1999; a religious satire)
Galaxy Quest (1999; a parody)
O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Cecil B. Demented (2000; a dark comedy satire)
Best in Show (2000; a mockumentary)
Amelie (French, 2001)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
The Royal Tennebaums (2001)
Adaptation (2003; a satire)
Bend it Like Beckham (U.K., 2003)
Saved! (2004; a religious satire)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Sideways (2004)
Shrek (animated, 2001)
Shrek 2 (animated; 2004)
Hoodwinked (animated parody; 2005)
The Break Up (2006)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006; a satire)
Thank You For Smoking (2006; a satire)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Black Pearl (2003)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
Personally, I tend to like satires and black comedies (comedies about taboo subjects), along with some parodies and slapstick. I'm not too keen on romantic comedies, although my husband is! I also appreciate movies that are intertextual as well (they reference other movies, such as the three animated films on this list). Not too many comedies that are popular with young people are on this list-no Borat, no Jackass, etc. (I haven't seen those films, nor am I interested in doing so).
I hope this provides you with some ideas for comedy film watching.
