In honour of April Fools Day, it’s our last theme week of the 2023 year: Satire Week! To help you get even more giggles beyond our articles, check out some of the recommended comedy movies from our exec team below.
But I’m A cheerleader (1999) – ARIA MANN
One of my favourite comedy films is definitely “But I’m a Cheerleader!” (1999). Shout out to Roku TV for allowing me to watch it for free between incessant five-minute ad breaks. It has aged remarkably well and a lot of the cast is still pretty relevant today. Speaking of the cast, who knew the host from RuPaul’s Drag Race used to be a “camp counsellor”? Emphasis on camp. The movie deals with serious subject matters but with a satirical lens – and perhaps most importantly, it leaves us with a (not often precedented!) happy ending. My final request is for Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall to someday star in a Christmas rom-com together where they play the coaches of two opposing WNBA teams. Perhaps in 2029 to celebrate “But I’m a Cheerleader!”’s thirtieth anniversary?
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) – Emma Hodgson
Choosing a favourite comedy movie is a very difficult task for me; there are so many great ones. I can’t say this is my favourite for sure, but it’s definitely the one I’ve watched the most: “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.” I’m a sucker for any Zac Efron movie, and this one is hilarious to me. I think Zac, Adam Devine, Anna Kendrick and Audrey Plaza played off of each other so well. My best friend and I used to throw it on every time we needed a movie to entertain a friend group. The massage scene made us laugh so hard every single time — so if you watch it please don’t turn it off before this part. Many people wouldn’t say this is the best comedy movie and I agree, it might just be a comfort movie of mine. Nevertheless, if you haven’t watched it, go check it out on Disney+!
Mean Girls (2004) – Rianna Lim
By far, my favourite comedy movie is “Mean Girls”. I could watch it again and again, and like many people who are a fan of this cult classic, I can recite every line. What makes it hilarious is that Tina Fey doesn’t shy away from tropes – the popular girls, the dorks, the outcasts – and actually uses these tropes to the movie’s advantage, creating a full circle moment when newly-crowned Queen Bee Cady realizes that the limit does not exist! I really love this movie, but the musical on the other hand…
Knives out (2019) – Jenna Legge
Okay… while this movie is classified as a murder mystery, it’s also full of golden funny moments qualifying it as a top-tier comedy. The movie follows Benoit Blanc, a renowned detective, as he investigates the death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. The investigation focuses on Thrombey’s unique family as the prime suspects and all their shenanigans along the way. The stellar cast includes Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and comedy ledged Jamie Lee Curtis. If you’re a fan of murder mysteries but aren’t in the mood for anything too dark, then I highly recommend this film!
Just Go With It (2011) – Leila MOHABEER-ORTIZ
I personally think that there’s little better than a romantic comedy when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. The end of the semester always brings angst and stress to my life, and I think my best remedy for it is by turning on an Adam Sandler-produced rom-com. I will admit they’re not always the best if you’re looking for a substantial movie, but I have gotten through many stressful moments by taking a break to watch “Just Go With It.”
Jack and Jill (2011) – Rachel Fiset
Okay, this may be a random pick but I LOVE this movie. Although it is one of Adam Sandler’s worst-ranking movies (it swept the 2012 Razzie Awards), HOWEVER, it is so underrated. It never fails to make me laugh and is full of hilarious spit-take-inducing jokes. As a whole, it’s a comedic movie that really shows you the importance of appreciating your family. It’s funny but simultaneously touching: I even always shed a tear during one of the ending scenes. I honestly am still puzzled as to why people hate it but please please please give it a chance, it will definitely make you laugh! Plus who doesn’t love a surprise appearance from Al Pacino??? Do yourself a favour and watch “Jack and Jill”!
Is there a comedy movie you think we should watch? Let us know @HCCarleton!