Techtite's choices for Top 25 comedies Snubbed by the AFI

Could the AFI, in their list of the "100 best comedies of all time," possibly make one quarter of the list...wrong? To this comedy fan, yes, they can. Each of the following was on AFI's list of top 500 finalists, yet wasn't on the final list of 100; a major mistake at best, a travesty at worst. Fortunately, many of these comedies are available on video (or even DVD), and are whole-heartedly recommended...

About Last Night (1986). Sure, its hilarity was equally ridden with relationship angst and other real-life elements. However, this date-film --perfectly adapted from a novel-- was excellently handled, and some of the best work ever offered by Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Elizabeth Perkins, and Jim Belushi. Classic Comedy Moment : The women's advice about men, and vice versa, showing how little they know about each other at all. For DVD version, click here ... For VHS version, click here

Aladdin (1992) There's something terribly wrong with a list of top 500 comedies, that only includes one sole Disney animated feature! Imagine snubbing the sole Disney animated feature finalist, only so you can put yet another Charlie Chaplain flick in the top 100! Robin Williams as a genie was far more hilarious; it's hard not to laugh, just imagining that casting brilliance, alone! Classic Comedy Moment : Any number of impersonations by Williams (and the animators of the genie), including Ed Sullivan, Jack Nickelson, Rodney Dangerfield and Arsenio Hall. Sorry, this video will not be released by Disney video again, until 2004!

As Good As It Gets (1997) If relationship movies like Annie Hall got on the AFI's list, why not this one? Helen Hunt and Jack Nickelson needed a truck to carry home all their acting awards for this film, and for good reason. Greg Kinnear showed his acting muscle as well. Even the dog was perfectly cast! Again, its hilarity is often interwoven too nicely with the realistic angst of the developing relationship, though it's still a top-ranking film. Classic Moment: During the finale of the film, Nickelson's character finally says the right thing...after an entire picture with his foot in his mouth. For the DVD version, click here ... For the regular VHS version, click here ... For the VHS special widescreen edition, click here

Babe (1995) It's hard to get a single rise out of a stuffy, nervous Oscar-night audience. When this film's clip was shown, however, the reaction was unanimous and heartfelt. Babe the Pig cries "I want my mom!" and a unanimous "Awwww!" fills the whole Oscar theater. Such is the effect of Babe; a tender children's story that was the cult fave of the Best Picture nominees that year. Classic Moment : Two words : singing mice! For regular DVD version, click here ... For the Babe - DTS sound DVD, click here ... For the VHS version, click here

Back to the Future (1985) It's ironic that the AFI would probably need Marty McFly's help at this point, to go back in time and re-make the list for the better. This was the best film in Michael J. Fox's career, and some of the best work from Christopher Lloyd. Marty (Fox), in 1985, goes back in time to November 5th, 1955, and accidentally changes his own history for the worse; his parents never met! Seeing him change it back --and even for the better-- was a great moment in comedies. Classic Comedy Moment : The time machine is a Delorean! The sad news: this film's original version is not for sale at this time, in either format! What a shame!

Dave (1993) How many times does Hollywood attempt to satire politics? Okay, among that loooong list, how many are memorable? Dave was a great period piece, and even has its own sense of timelessness; after all, sadly enough, politics never change. Kevin Kline's performance as the "look-alike" president is classic. The finale is even better; as moving as any member of AFI's list. Classic Comedy Moment : When the new Dave is so much more lifelike than the real prez, the First Lady introduces herself; they've obviously never met before. Click Here for DVD version ... Click Here for VHS version

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) It's surprising --shocking, to a point-- how many films of John Hughs were snubbed by the AFI and its panel. All of them, actually! From Sixteen Candles to The Breakfast Club to Home Alone, you wonder why so many of his films weren't even chosen as the top 500 finalists, let alone the top 100. Regardless, Bueller deserves to be on the top 100 list, all across the board. Save Ferris! Classic Comedy Moment : One of the most hilarious car chases in history, with Ferris on foot, and his sister in a car close behind ... Click here for VHS version

Fletch (1985) Arguably the film that helped save Chevy Chase's career (at the time, anyway), this was a perfect comedy mystery. Almost as good as Foul Play (see below) and equally snubbed by the AFI list, this movie showed how versatile Chase's humor can be, in any number of funny disguises. Classic Comedy Moment : Charging hundreds of dollars to "Mr. Underhill's account" at the country club. Click here for DVD version ... Click Here for VHS version

Foul Play (1978) Among all of the comedies on this list of snubbed favorites, this is the highest. How could AFI not salute one of the best films in both Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn's careers? If you loved Austin Powers' Mini Me, you'll howl at the scene where Goldie attacks "the dwarf" (Billy Barty) she thinks is about to kill her! How unforgettable was the scene when Burgess Meredith has a fighting match with "one tough old momma"...? First snubbed by DVD, now snubbed by AFI. It's not fair. Classic Comedy Moment : Goldie is flirted with by a playboy, played by Dudley Moore! Click VHS sleeve art at left to buy VHS version; DVD not yet produced...

Freaky Friday (1977) I sense that the snubbing of this film is due to all of the truly horrid knock offs, inspired in later years. Forgettable flops like Vice Versa and Like Father, Like Son were futile attempts to bring back the hilarity of Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, as the mother and daughter who change places for one whole day. Classic Comedy Moment : The daughter (as the mother) starts flirting with the grocery delivery boy she has a crush on! Sadly, this was a limited release on VHS, years ago, and is no longer sold at all!

Fun With Dick and Jane (1977) Sure, it's Bonnie and Clyde subplot is a little too much, as is its implications. The story implies that Dick & Jane, from all those children's books, must take to a life of crime to survive. However, their bumbling of said criminal acts are a riot. Classic Comedy Moment : Dick getting his gun caught in his fly; a scene that, like most classic slapstick, is often imitated, never duplicated. Click cover art of VHS sleeve (shown at left) to purchase VHS version; DVD unavailable.

The In-Laws (1979) I don't care how many awards this film received; it deserved much more! This is the movie of movies to recommend to anyone at a video rental store. Peter Falk and Alan Arkin play fathers of the groom and bride (respectively) who are put in a bizarre spy cat and mouse game. If you don't laugh at least once in this film, I'm honestly shocked. Classic Comedy Moment : The insane dictator has a hand puppet he calls "Senor Pepe." Click Video Box cover pic above for VHS version; DVD version not available (awww!)

Married to the Mob (1988) This was one of Michelle Pfeiffer's best comic performances. Finally put on DVD (bravo!), it deserves to be a part of any comedy fan's collection. If it wasn't for this film, there would be no Michelle Pfeiffer in blockbuster films today...and how horrid would that be? Classic Comedy Moment : Pfeiffer's hilarious New Yawk accent, right down to her classic line, "I wanna divawse!" Click Cover Art at left to buy DVD version, Just Released! Unfortunately, it isn't for sale on VHS (for now)...

Mary Poppins (1964) It's almost criminal how many classic Disney films were snubbed by the AFI list; both the 500 finalists, and the chosen 100. For that reason alone, Mary Poppins should've been included by default. Either way, it still deserves to be on the list. This film is a worthy member of any list of classics. It's also far more unforgettable, in Julie Andrews' career, than Victor/Victoria...Oddly, that lesser film got on AFI's list, instead! Wha...? Classic Comedy Moment : Dick Van Dyke dancing with animated penguins. Mary Poppins on DVD ... Mary Poppins on VHS

Men in Black (1997) Too often, a script is written around a few FX scenes, not the other way around. This film had hilarious moments, excellently enhanced by the awesome FX! In addition, Will Smith would be far less of a mainstay in modern film without this role. It also showed that Tommy Lee Jones can do comedy as well as action. From the moment when Smith must help an alien mother give birth, to the "informant" who merely looks like a dog, this was indeed, a classic. Classic Comedy Moment : in the opening scene, a space bug makes his long, perilous journey to Earth...only to be smashed on a windshield. How popular is popular? This film has no less than five different DVD/Video versions of the title, so click on the ones you prefer in the following list, to order them. They include:

Midnight Run (1988) One of many "buddy films" that often get snubbed by comedy lists, this is far better than at least ten of the alleged AFI "Top 100." What else can you expect, given the likes of Charles Grodin and Robert DeNiro? Even the little moments are classic: Grodin interrogates the owner of "Red's Bar," who's a blond. "You dye your hair?" asks Grodin. "No, it's short for Red Wood. My last name's Wood!" "What's your first name?" "Bill." Classic Comedy Moment : When the bounty hunters keep screwing up, Grodin finally screams, "You two are the worst bounty hunters I've ever seen! You guys couldn't even deliver a bottle of milk!" Midnight Run on DVD ... Midnight Run on VHS

Night Shift (1982) Arguably the first of the best films by Ron "Happy Days" Howard, this film reunited him with Henry "Fonzie" Winkler, in a truly classic comedy. This was also the first big role for Michael Keaton, who often stole the show! Night Shift is also, quite frankly, the best film in all of Shelly Long's career. Classic Comedy Moment : Keaton makes money on the side using the funeral parlor's car to drive teens to the prom. Says Winkler: "You're driving them in a car meant for dead people?" Says Keaton "Yeah...Did you see the boy?" Night Shift on DVD ... Night Shift on VHS

Parenthood (1989) Ron Howard showed us how much he was "born to make you happy" and "loved to see you smile" in this perfect amalgam of every parent's dreams (and nightmares!). Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Keanu Reeves, and Dianne Wiest (who won an Oscar for her role) enhance a perfectly chosen cast. Classic Comedy Moment : Weist accidentally receives pix her daughter took with her boyfriend au naturale. Says the mother, with dripping sarcasm: "Ooo! Here's a picture for my wallet!" Click Here for DVD version , or Click Here for VHS version

The Princess Bride (1987) "Hello, I'm Techtite; you've just snubbed one of the best romantic comedies of all time. Prepare to die!" Seriously, this is the highlight of Rob Reiner's long career as film maker. It also was quite classic, thanks to everyone from Billy Crystal to Robin Wright. Classic Comedy Moment : The story is narrated by a grandfather telling a bedtime story to his grandson (Fred Savage), who interrupts in the hard-to-believe spots. Click Cover Picture (above left) to purchase DVD version, or, if you'd prefer, Click here to buy the VHS version...

Risky Business (1983) Sometimes, AFI, you gotta say "what the heck," and put a classic comedy on the list, regardless of how many voted for it! This was the start of Tom Cruise's long career, as well as the best work by director John Hughs, ever. Other memorable performances include Curtis Armstrong and, of course, Rebecca DeMournay. From Cruise's race to save his mother's crystal "artsy fartsy thing," to when his dad's car rolls into the lake, this was a perfect slice of classic teen comedy! Classic Comedy Moment : laments Armstrong during a car chase : "I have a trig mid-term tomorrow, and I'm being chased by Guido, the Killer Pimp!" Click Here for DVD version , Click Here for VHS version , or click Here, for the discounted (classics collection) VHS version...

Romancing the Stone (1984) Criminal. No, I'm not talking about Danny DeVito's hilarious role in this film, as a bumbling crook searching for a buried treasure. I'm not even talking about the rogue played by Michael Douglas, who tries to charm Kathleen Turner into giving him the treasure map. No, I'm talking about how "Criminal" it is to snub this from the list! Classic Comedy Moment : The jewel is hidden in a statue of a Bunny Rabbit! Click Here for DVD version , or Click Here for VHS version

Smokey and the Bandit (1977) Who can forget the performances by Sally Field, Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, and on and on? Apparently, the AFI can. How sad! That means that they have forgotten everything from "Smokey" Gleason's police car getting gradually broken down (by the end, it's literally a wreck), as well as the classic scene by Gleason, telling his son that there's no way he can be his biological father, and will have a firm talking-to with his mother when they come home! Classic Comedy Moment : Sally Field changing out of her wedding dress, while in the car...and complaining the whole time. Click Here for DVD version , or Click Here for VHS version

Splash (1984) Irrefutably the first film to show that the Disney magic was back, this was one of the first films under Disney's then brand new production label, Touchstone Pictures. It's debatably the reason why Disney, lock stock and barrel, wasn't sold to another company, and grew back into a major family entertainment force as it is today. The pixie dust magic was back in full force, thanks to the first "big" movie performance of Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, and even John Candy! Classic Comedy Moment : Madison the Mermaid's introduction to Bloomingdale's. Click Here for DVD version , or Click Here for VHS version

Toy Story (1995) As heartfelt as it was fun --and more than a bit grounds breaking-- this was the first ever animated feature to be completely done on computer graphics machines. Thanks to Pixar --a company co-owned by Apple Computer's CEO, Steve Jobs-- this is an unforgettable moment in film; as a comedy, or even among all films as a whole. Classic Comedy Moment : Woody and Buzz attempting to catch up with the Moving Van, via a remote control race car. Click here for VHS version ... Click here for DVD version, bundled with Toy Story 2!

Best Value, for DVD owners! Cool! Fans of CGI, like myself, will be interested in the special edition, 3-disc DVD set: both Toy Story films, plus an extra DVD of special bonus features. Click the picture at left for details...

Trading Places (1983) Far more memorable in Eddie Murphy's career than Beverly Hills Cop --no matter which film did better "in the box office"-- this put him alongside Dan Ackroyd, for hilarity galore. Jamie Lee Curtis, in her first comedic role, was equally classic, as was the premise; two old millionaires see what would happen if a stuffy commodity broker (Ackroyd) traded places with an out on his luck bum (Murphy). The film is a little too over the top at times, in how easily the two "trade places," though that's half the humor of the film. Classic Comedy Moment : When a dozen police guns are aimed at Eddie Murphy's face, he merely smiles, "is there a problem, officers?" Click here to purchase VHS version, DVD Not Available (darn!)

...well, those are my choices for addendums to the list. On the optimistic side, only a mere one-quarter of the AFI's list, IMO, needs revision. However, such revisions truly need to be made, before the list can be perfect. Just one comedy fan's opinion...

Techtite Feature Article!

Top 25 Comedies Snubbed by the AFI

A Techtite Feature Commentary