Here's the Skinny on Funny Films for Lockdown
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"There's no place like home" (said Dorothy in 1939) Now ain't that the truth! Well "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore" (also Dorothy in 1939) Where ever you are in the world right now, hunker down and make it home at least for a while. Get cosy in your own private Kansas and watch some funny films.
This is my Skinny on Comedy, let's get some laughs in for Gods sake.
(There is no ranking system of any kind here)
The Life Of Brian - 1979 Monty Pythons finest. This religious satire, always relevant, addresses religious dogma with humour. Brian, the simple boy next door gets mistaken for the Messiah. Cue big laughs and great lines "he's not the Messiah he's a very naughty boy" The film finishes with a message to us all; "Always look on the bright side of life"
Blithe Spirit - 1945 David Leans sublime adaptation of the Noel Coward play. This classic was restored and re released by the BFi in 2008 and is a pure joy to watch. The first wife of Charles Condomine is summoned up by the medium Madam Arcati during a seance. However, Charles is the only one who can see or hear her. He is caught between Elvira and his current wife Ruth in the most divine comedy; quintessential Coward, dry, crisp, sparkling wit.
Local Hero -1983 Beautifully understated film that challenges perceptions of small rural communities. Mac, the envoy of business tycoon Mr Happer, is sent to buy up a small coastal village in Scotland.The gentle humour is light as a feather, although there are one or two moments that will slap you on the back and make you laugh out loud. Timeless themes of community, friendship and belonging are explored.
Some Like It Hot - 1959 Two musicians on the run from the Mafia end up dressing as women and joining a girl band. They both become infatuated with Sugar (Monroe) the Ukulele player and vie for her affection whilst remaining under cover. Cue more disguise swapping and mistaken identities. It's a delight of chaos and confusion, the wit is as quick as the costume changes.
The Three Musketeers - 1973 A stellar cast with perfect chemistry. D'Artagnan goes to Paris hoping to become a Musketeer. He wins the friendship of Athos, Porthos and Aramis and adventure, intrigue and espionage ensue. Lavish costume and set design belie what is a swashbuckling slapstick tour de force. Spike Milligan as Mr Bonancieux and his wife Constance played by Raquel Welch take us from the sublime to the ridiculous. Action packed, pure fun.
Overboard - 1987 Joanna (Goldie Hawn) a rude, spoilt heiress hires carpenter Dean (Kurt Russell) to build a closet, then refuses to pay him. When she loses her memory Dean gets his revenge by claiming she is his wife and takes her home to look after his 4 rowdy sons. Terribly un pc yet this life swap rom com has an endearing charm. They change each other for the better and sail away into the sunset.
Withnail and I - 1987 Cult classic written and directed by Bruce Robinson referencing his own life,. Set in 1969, two unemployed actors survive by scraping together enough money for drugs and booze, they lie their way into and blag their way out of trouble with hilarious consequences, this is the darling of all black comedies.
Sightseers - 2012 This meanders across the border of dark comedy and into horror so deftly it will take you by surprise. A seemingly mild mannered, gentle couple take their first holiday together in a caravan. Tina packs potpourri and her knitted set of crotchless underwear. This off beat comedy of casual carnage crosses Bonnie and Clyde with National Trust nerds.
Death At A Funeral - 2007 On the day of their fathers funeral old family grudges surface, and a mysterious guest arrives (Peter Dinklage) anxious to speak to brothers Daniel (McFadyen) and Rupert (Graves) A dark secret is revealed and desperate attempts to keep it hidden go awry in this glorious farce. Humour is of the toilet variety and certainly may not be for everyone. I however cried with laughter.
Eddie The Eagle - 2016 This feel good film, rich in humour is all the more poignant as it's the true story of Michael Edwards who as a boy in 1973 dreams of becoming an Olympian; an ambition he goes on to fulfil. The film is a testament to the underdog who faces every obstacle you can imagine yet never gives up and never gives in. Heartwarming humour.
What We Do In The Shadows - 2015 Four Vampires share a house and try to get along just like any bunch of normal guys. Filmed in mocumentary style with absolutely deadpan humour we follow the fiendish friends as they go about their usual business, looking for virgins, trying to get into night clubs and arguing over the washing up. Viago (Taika Waititi) is adorable, just the sort of vampire you could take home.
"There's no place like home" (said Dorothy in 1939) Now ain't that the truth! Well "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore" (also Dorothy in 1939) Where ever you are in the world right now, hunker down and make it home at least for a while. Get cosy in your own private Kansas and watch some funny films.
This is my Skinny on Comedy, let's get some laughs in for Gods sake.
(There is no ranking system of any kind here)
The Life Of Brian - 1979 Monty Pythons finest. This religious satire, always relevant, addresses religious dogma with humour. Brian, the simple boy next door gets mistaken for the Messiah. Cue big laughs and great lines "he's not the Messiah he's a very naughty boy" The film finishes with a message to us all; "Always look on the bright side of life" 
Overboard - 1987 Joanna (Goldie Hawn) a rude, spoilt heiress hires carpenter Dean (Kurt Russell) to build a closet, then refuses to pay him. When she loses her memory Dean gets his revenge by claiming she is his wife and takes her home to look after his 4 rowdy sons. Terribly un pc yet this life swap rom com has an endearing charm. They change each other for the better and sail away into the sunset.Withnail and I - 1987 Cult classic written and directed by Bruce Robinson referencing his own life,. Set in 1969, two unemployed actors survive by scraping together enough money for drugs and booze, they lie their way into and blag their way out of trouble with hilarious consequences, this is the darling of all black comedies.
Sightseers - 2012 This meanders across the border of dark comedy and into horror so deftly it will take you by surprise. A seemingly mild mannered, gentle couple take their first holiday together in a caravan. Tina packs potpourri and her knitted set of crotchless underwear. This off beat comedy of casual carnage crosses Bonnie and Clyde with National Trust nerds. 
Death At A Funeral - 2007 On the day of their fathers funeral old family grudges surface, and a mysterious guest arrives (Peter Dinklage) anxious to speak to brothers Daniel (McFadyen) and Rupert (Graves) A dark secret is revealed and desperate attempts to keep it hidden go awry in this glorious farce. Humour is of the toilet variety and certainly may not be for everyone. I however cried with laughter.
Eddie The Eagle - 2016 This feel good film, rich in humour is all the more poignant as it's the true story of Michael Edwards who as a boy in 1973 dreams of becoming an Olympian; an ambition he goes on to fulfil. The film is a testament to the underdog who faces every obstacle you can imagine yet never gives up and never gives in. Heartwarming humour. 
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