Today's Top 5 is another under appreciated genre of film when it comes award time. Why drama is considered so much more award worth is beyond me. Comedy is just as much of an art and drama and just because there isn't some bigger message or point being made doesn't mean it's not worth of recognition. So, I will do my best to recognize the movies that made me laugh the most during 2012. Here's my Top 5 Favorite Comedies of 2012...
5) Pitch Perfect
I know I shouldn't like this movie, but that's how good it was. I refuse to believe there is a person that could walk out of a theater showing this movie not entertained. Yes, it's a sappy feel good movie, but it does it really well. The laughs are consistent and earned, the music is fun and entertaining, the characters are well drawn and well acted. I love Anna Kendrick. I love Brittney Snow. I love Anna Camp. And, of course, I love Rebel Wilson. Which all adds up to loving this movie.
4) Ted
I didn't like this movie as much as most people I know, but that doesn't mean it wasn't hilarious. Seth MacFarlane deserves all the success he had heaped upon him because the man is just damn funny. Some of the plot points hit a little close to home for me, which is probably why I didn't laugh as much as others, but there were still parts that had me in stitches. Mark Wahlberg was perfectly cast, as he has a knack for playing the dimwit that we all root for. What really makes Ted funny though, and is usually the case with of MacFarlane's work, are the random pop culture references. I thought I was the only one who had a strong affection for the movie Flash Gordon and it's chessy soundtrack, but then MacFarlane goes and gets Sam Jones to be in the film and makes his presence a major plot point. If you don't like Seth MacFarlane there is very little in this movie for you, but I thought it was great.
3) Jeff, Who Lives At Home
Here is yet another movie that made my best of 2012 lists involving Mark Duplass. In this case he is the writer/director with his brother Jay. This movie is a little more then a comedy and in some circles might even be considered a drama, but it had me laughing quite a bit, so I'm calling it a comedy. Jason Segel and Ed Helms are great as brothers just trying to get through life in extremely quirky ways. Segel's character in particular is a joy to watch on the screen as he bungles through the day following signs he believes the universe is giving him. It has as many poignant dramatic moments as it does funny comedic ones, which always says more to me about the writing. To be able to fill a script with both high comedy and high drama is a quite a feat and this movie is able to accomplish that.
2) Bernie
This quirky little flick from Richard Linklater is equal parts documentary and comedy. Linklater mixes actually interviews with real people with big time actors reenacting the crazy events that occurred in a small Texas town. It is about a murder, so I'm sure there are plenty of people that would argue with me that it's a comedy, but I thought is was a genius dark comedy. Jack Black plays the title roll and steps out of his over the top persona to put in a subtle performance that sets the tone for the whole movie. Not a lot of people heard of this one, but it is certainly worth getting on Netflix and checking out.
1) Sleepwalk With Me
Here is another comedy that has as many dramatic moments as it does comedic. Based on the hilarious stand-up and real life experiences of comedian Mike Birbiglia, this movie gives a real look at the the life of a stand-up comedian. It also takes a close look as relationships and what makes them work or not. I love Birbiglia's brand of comedy, so there was little chance that I wasn't going to enjoy this movie, but it was even better then I could have expected. Birbiglia does a great job stepping out of his stand-up world and giving a great acting performance. This was hands down my favorite comedy of the year because it was able to make me laugh while still pulling at the heart strings and like I said before, that is the sign of a well written, well made movie.
Honorable Mentions: The Dictator, Goon
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