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COMEDIES YESTERDAY and TODAY
by Michele Frey

Comedies Yesterday and Today

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COMEDIES YESTERDAY and TODAY
by Michele Frey

Looking back over the history of comedies - both onscreen and through television - it seems there is such a drastic difference. When glancing back over my generation, we grew up with The Three Stooges...Mr. Ed...and Animal House. They were great shows/movies - but, totally different than we see today. I’d have to say that Animal House was one of my all-time favorites, when it came to comedy. My dad never let me watch it...said it was inappropriate for a young girl. So...I snuck off to a friends house...the rest is history! Personally, I believe that’s the movie which led way to the type of humor we see today; although the mainstream comedies seem to be a lot more vulgar and drug filled. That’s not to say I don’t laugh at most of them...it’s just different.

Back then, the regulations were so much more strict on what you could or couldn’t show onscreen. We had to let our imaginations take hold most of the time. Maybe evolution is the wrong word to describe the transgression of the comedy genre over the past three decades...but, that’s exactly what it is. It has changed so drastically over the years, that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. The first time I watched American Pie with my teenage son, I was mortified! So, this is the new age in comedy, I thought to myself. Growing accustomed to this drastic difference took some time...as with everything...things change. So, what I’ve decided to do is give a breakdown of some current (semi-current) comedies...and let you know what I think of them...this is going to be a lot of fun!

American Pie (all of them) - Although I was a bit embarrassed while watching them with my teenage kids, most of the storylines were humorous. I’d have to say that Beta House was my favorite out of all...it’s not that I condone underage drinking...but come on...it was great! The one I wasn’t too fond of was American Wedding. It just didn’t seem to fit in with the rest.

Clerks 2 - I can only give my input on this one, because I never saw the first one! I’d have to say, I laughed most of the way through it. It was funny - up until the donkey thing! Needless to say, I didn’t expect anything like that. That’s the only scene in the film that threw me off...severely! Now, I’m going to watch the first one, that way maybe I’ll understand the second one a little more.

Club Dread - Absolutely amazing film! Once again, it wasn’t pleasant watching the beginning sex scene with my boys there...but, I handled it very well. To be honest, the first time I watched it, I thought it was the worst movie in the world. One night, there was nothing worthwhile on TV, so I popped it in the DVD player while the boys were asleep. The music is so catchy...and I realized that it’s more of a horror comedy. The cast was impressive...and the ending was so unexpected. Guess I’m starting to adapt to this new-age stuff!

Invader Zim - How honest do you want me to be here...I hate it! I can’t even sit here and give you a play by play of this thing. Apparently, this is a television show for kids...my boys have the box set. As soon as it starts playing, I miraculously have something more urgent to do! I’m not even going to ask myself how two teenage boys find this funny...but, they think it’s the best thing ever.

House Bunny - Okay...let’s be realistic...wouldn’t we all want to be that gorgeous! I never had the desire to see this film. Of course, my oldest son did! Something about the whole superficial, egomaniacal, sexist aspect of it was a turnoff. That is - until he bought the movie and made me watch it. Honestly, that movie without a doubt, is the BEST comedy that I’ve seen in years. The plot itself served a purpose. I enjoyed the film from beginning to end...numerous times! I’m sure most of you will too...

Since I like to keep things short and sweet, we’ll tackle more on the comedy end of things later! I’ll end this little thing here by telling you - just because we’re getting older, we shouldn’t stay stuck in the past. I’ve grown to accept the new-age comedies...found the humor within them...while still appreciating the masterpieces that we grew up with. Everything does seem to evolve - in one way or another!