Comedy is one of my favorite forms of media, whether it be in books, movies, television shows or stand up specials on Netflix, I will always look forward to watching a comedy far more than a drama. However, I have to admit, I have still always seen comedies as less important and profound than tragedies because of the grand reputation that dramas have for speaking on tough issues. Dramas are often moving, and really make the audience think, whereas I have always thought of comedies as an escape from reality rather than something of a magnifying glass. However, this unit on comedy has made me reconsider my ideas about the purpose of comedy.

According to Aristotle, a comedy is a story of the rise in fortune of a sympathetic central character. One of my favorite television shows, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows this formula, but also adds to it. Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars Andy Samberg as the childish New York City cop, Jake Peralta. The entire series does not necessarily focus on Jake’s rise monetarily, or status wise, but focuses on his character, and its development. From the start of the show, Jake is established as a loveable, but immature character with daddy issues. Throughout the show, with the help of the other characters in the show, he is able to mature as a person and become a better cop. His rise in fortune occurs when the 99th precinct in which Jake is working gets a new captain, Captain Holt, who is very uptight and strict to contrast with Jake. Throughout the show, Holt’s strictness helps Jake mature and become a better cop. Jake’s rise in fortune is the introduction of Holt, which helps him gain what he wants, which is to be a better cop.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine perfectly represents comedy’s importance to literature and media, hence it’s importance in helping us understand our world. Where someone may be turned off by a movie exploring the trials and tribulations of being gay, they may be more inclined to watch a comedic tv series. Brooklyn Nine-Nine stars two openly LGBT characters. Not only is the comedic aspect of their lives as LGBT people explored, the more serious and tough parts of their lives as LGBT people are also explored. Because most people like to laugh, it is one thing that attracts most everyone to comedies, it really expands the bounds of exploration within comedies, and how it can explore issues such as that Brooklyn Nine-Nine explores. Whether it’s through satire or plain old slapstick comedy, it is much easier to sneak in representation and conversations about real issues into a piece of comedic media because those serious discussions are offset by the comedy, which is what makes these shows so attractive in the first place. Thus, because of its wider appeal, comedy might just have even more impact on people’s ideas about the world because of its more subtle ways of unpacking such issues. With these conversations that shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine are having about race issues and LGBT issues, it could truly change someone’s perspective on these issues, and quite possibly change lives.

 

The Blues Brothers, starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, is a hilarious farce comedy that takes place in 1980 Chicago, Illinois. Belushi plays an ex-convict, Jake Blues, while Aykroyd plays his brother, Elwood Blues– the two of them are on a mission to save the old Catholic orphanage that they grew up in. However, in order to do so, they must get their old R&B band back together to raise the money.

Both Belushi and Aykroyd were popular comedians of their time and were both part of the SNL cast during the 1970s. The Blues Brothers uses a variety of satire, farce, and other comedic strategies to enhance the plot of the movie. The countless reckless car chases and the crude humor used. There’s a particular scene that I think is hilarious– when they go back to visit “The Penguin”, who is the nun that took care of them when they were younger. As they enter the orphanage, the doors open and close on their own as they walk towards The Penguin’s room. The Penguin tells them to sit down so they squeeze into these old desk-chairs that are made for kids as she tells them the bad news about how the orphanage is getting sold. They proceed to swear as she proceeds to smack them back and forth with a ruler while swearing. Aykroyd runs down the stairs and Belushi tumbles down still stuck in the desk. It’s a lot funnier when you watch it, trust me.

I think The Blues Brothers is hilariously well done and I recommend it to people who like older films as well as just anyone in general.

While it is really funny, I don’t really think that farce and similar types of comedy enhances our understanding of the world. I think that farce and more “goofy” comedy is created for people’s pleasure rather than enhancing our understanding of the world and how it works. In this sense, I think Aristotle would basically consider this meaningless. However, I do think that it’s still a great movie even if it didn’t make my understanding of people and the world better. Maybe it could make people know what not to do? Who knows. At least to my understanding, it didn’t really have any meaningful intellectual impact. But it is funny 🙂

 Love You, Man is a 2009 American comedy film starring Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, and Jason Segel.  Peter Klavern (Paul Rudd) proposes to Zooey Rice (Rashida Jones) and realizes he has no close guy friends that he can choose to be his best man. Peter then goes on a quest to get a best friend and enlists help from his fiancé and brother. Along the way he meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) and they become best friends. Of course there is drama that strains Peter’s relationship with Zooey and later with Sydney but in the end everything works out which is why this movie fits Aristotle’s definition of comedy.

The whole movie is about an ordinary person who is trying to find a guy best friend. I think that it is normal for people to try and find a new friend. There are also many societal norms associated with weddings like having a best man, so Peter was just trying to fit in which is something that ordinary people often experience. This fits Aristotle’s definition of comedy because at the end of the movie the audience is pleased with the outcome of Sydney and Peter becoming best friends. All of Peter’s family members do not believe that he will be able to get a guy bets friend because the closest people in his life are his parents, Zooey, and some female acquaintances. This resembles Peter’s stance as an underdog in the comedy.

This romantic comedy helps us understand societal norms and constructs. People expect that by the time that you are an adult you will have at least a few really good friends that you have probably known since college. It also demonstrates the expectation that at a wedding there will be a bridal party. Peter fell victim to this societal norm because the reason he had to find a best friend was because he needed to find a best man. Peter did not not choose to have no bridal party but instead did everything in his power to fit in. The movie does not teach us that it is fine to live a life that is different than this but rather that this is expected from young adults. However, since there is tension between Peter and Zooey and Peter and Sydeny the movie shows its audience that it is human nature to go through rough patches and those that love you will be there to lift you up. Friendship and family are important aspects to a human’s survival in society.

The beloved story of Ron Burgundy delivers a deeper meaning than one would perceive. The sequel carries the story plot of Ron’s initial fame to a spiral of depression and then an ultimate rise in the end. Ron deals with a variety of moral dilemmas, the pressure of revenge, reigniting his life, and choosing work or family. Although some would view this movie as raunchy and dumb, the underlying issues that occur in life are taken head-on by one fascinating man.

As the movie begins, Ron recently lost his head position in anchoring a prestigious new network in New York City to his wife and ultimately leaves his family because of it. Following this tragedy, Ron is at his lowest point of life and finds himself in a state of depression. As the story continues, Ron gets his old news crew back together, battles with goofy issues, get back to the top of the news world and ultimately realizes that his family is worth more than his job. Through all the stupidity and comedic nature of the movie, the general story-line is utterly meaningful. This movie is meaningful in a way that shows how people are easily distracted by the luxuries of life and how they distract us from what matters. Ron is so caught up in fame and the itch success that it initially drives him away from his family. By the end of the movie, the audience is filled with enlightenment and a lesson.

Overall, many people are caught up in the temptations of life. The legend of Ron Burgundy lives as a story for people to think about. Ron once valued materialistic items and fame ahead of family. He changed his ways and was there for his family at in the end.

Trailer:

Highly recommend you watch the trailer if you haven’t seen the movie.

Guardians of the Galaxy, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper is yet another addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie follows the Guardians as they start out at galactic criminals who only care about themselves, as they rise up to be the ones that spearhead the attack again the main villain, Ronan, to protect the planet of Xandar. With plenty of jokes and overall stupidity by each of the members there is still a depth you may not realize that is brought on by the jokes. Guardians of the Galaxy definitely deserves to be called a comedy.

Guardians of the Galaxy was the first Marvel movie to focus on a cast of criminals and be centered more on humor that any of its predecessors. The audience knows that the cast are not good people, we see examples of it in the first 20 minutes, and how they really only think of themselves. We are are still rooting for them even from the beginning. The Satirical Irony of the whole movie is that the Guardians have spent so long running from and fighting the Nova Corp, (aka Space Police), but the Guardians themselves are the ones that end up saving the Nova Corp and Xandar from the Kree.

While Guardians of the Galaxy is not a tradition Comedy, it still has the main aspects of what makes up a comedy. With the Guardians being the crazy and spontaneous Comedic Heroes. I mean the final battle is SPOILER a dance battle, that should be enough of a reason, to showcase their personalities. They still rise up and do what is right, even risking their lives for a planet that hates them. The Movie shows that even the most unexpected people can do the right thing and to not judge a book by it’s cover, Someone may be hiding something you can not see. Even an action comedy movie can have a deeper meaning if you look hard enough.

The Princess Bride is a adventurous take on a romantic comedy, where the simple farmhand Westly and friends face many dangers and challenges in order to rescue Princess Buttercup from a marriage with Prince Humperdinck.

This movie is full of iconic lines, one of which being “Inconceivable!” THis is frequently exclaimed by Vizzini, (Prince Humperdinck’s mastermind,) when Westly continues thwart his plans to deliver Buttercup to her husband. This well-known phrase is an example of satire: a hyperbole.

There are many complex characters, such as Fezzik the Giant, who is huge and menacing, and can throw giant boulders at people or pose as a monstrous ghost. Ironically, he has a very kind disposition and enjoys rhyming.

During his pursuit of Buttercup, Westly renders both Fezzik and Inigo Montoya unconscious. However, these two men are the ones who end up reviving Westly from his near death, which is an example of situational irony. In the beginning of the film, these three men were fighting against one another but in the end they work together in order to storm Humperdinck’s castle, partners in crime.

There are many examples of dramatic irony throughout the adventure as well. For example, as Buttercup and Westly are submerged in quicksand, the viewers see a giant rat walk by, unknown to the pair in the quicksand. The rat ends up being their next obstacle.

Although they may be cliche, The Princess Bride offers many lessons regarding honor, friendship, and love. The movie is critiquing how society underestimates the power of love, whether it be between a man and his bride or two good friends. With the help of his friends, Westly is able to reclaim his love and Inigo Montoya is able to finally get his revenge. This movie is trying to prove to society that love conquers all.

The movie’s final meaning is representative of a lot of romantic comedies. I think tragedy always gets dubbed as the more intricate and intellectual type of story because it’s themes are darker and more varied than that of comedies. Even though the themes in comedies may be more cliche and repetitive, its easy to take comedic lessons with a laugh than to actually live by them.

Dear OPRFHS Junior class, 

As I am nearing the end of my senior year of High School, I have some friendly advice that I would love to pass on to you. To preface my message, keep in mind that you still have over a year of High School left before you are able to graduate, and after that most of you will be going off to 4, or even 5 year universities. No one likes school (me especially), and as a senior, the thought of dropping out has seriously (yes, SERIOUSLY) crossed my mind. Therefore, my main message to you is to DROPOUT NOW.  

This may sound quite harsh and impulsive, however I have a lot of reasoning behind my logic; please allow me to elaborate.

#4 School is Overrated

Many of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world did not end up going to a 4 year university. Some even dropped out of High School half way through. For those of you juniors that have a million dollar idea in mind, please do yourself a favor and pursue those dreams–while leaving all types of schooling behind.

#3 $$

You all thought that college was expensive? Well senior year is a whirlpool of money that will leave both you and your parents/guardians confused about where their money even went. From college application fees, to graduation and prom fees, senior year is filled with absolutely unnecessary costs that will cause a huge dent in your bank account.

#2 Money is (also) Overrated

You don’t think you can be successful without a High School or college degree? I beg to differ! Think about all of the people in the world that do not even have access to proper schooling, and they seem to be doing just fine. If that is not convincing enough, you could also always just become a stripper, or a street dancer! Tips are great.

#1 Why leave your Parents?

Alright, I know you juniors are probably looking at this thinking, “um I want to be FREE from my parents!”. But listen, considering that both your parents most likely have day jobs, if you drop out of school, you will have the entire day to do as you please! In addition to this, you will see (if you make the mistake of staying in school) that senior year you will begin to appreciate your parents far more than ever before. Therefore, why leave the comfort of your own home? Anyways, your parents really only wanted a child so that they could love and nurture them (sorry for the accident children out there, maybe you should move out). A parent’s sole job is to care for you so take advantage of that while they are alive!

I hope you all are able to follow my message and realize that school is absolutely not necessary to survive in this day and age.

Sincerely,

Asta Simonovic

Wedding Crashers is a 2005 romantic-comedy starring Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams. It also features a cameo role from Will Ferrell. In the movie, Vaughn and Wilson act as divorce lawyers with many different alias’s that they use to crash weddings. They use this practice as a way to dress up for a party, drink for free, and meet pretty women. During one wedding though, Vaughn’s character gets involved with a young, possessive women while Wilson’s character falls for her older sister, Rachel McAdams, who is about to get married to Bradley Cooper’s character. They end up spending more and more time with the family and things become complicated. Wedding Crashers qualifies as a classic Aristotle comedy because Wilson and McAdams’s characters are sympathetic characters in which the audience hopes fall for each other. They also have a personable charm and you see their love for each other, unlike most other relationships in the movie.

The movie could be considered a romantic comedy for many reasons. One being that the two central characters are young and likeable. They are also apparently meant for each other but are kept apart by a complicated scenario. This scenario being that McAdams is about to get married to Cooper’s character, who is the jerk boyfriend of the movie and Wilson is using his alias the whole time as he is getting to know and falling for McAdams. Spoiler: Wilson wishes, and comes close, to revealing his true identity but can’t in time before McAdams finds out. Although the movie doesn’t end with McAdams and Wilson’s wedding (hint hint), it ends with McAdams’ character and her sister going off together with Vaughn and Wilson and accepting who they really are. Wedding Crashers enhances our understanding of the world by proving a point that you should be true with the people you love and not hide things from people you are closest with. It also teaches not get romantically involved with someone for a long period of time with them not knowing who you really are, so just be yourself.

The definition of a comedy has changed drastically since when they were first created to now. Whether your definition of comedy is that the story ends in a marriage, that there is the rise of a central character, or if you think comedies are just categorized by what makes you laugh, each comedy has a deeper meaning beyond what you might think and prove to be meaningful art forms.

For example, the movie The Breakfast Club is categorized as a comedy. In this movie, a group of high schoolers all get detention for their own separate reasons. All being from different cliques, they eventually get along throughout the movie as they smoke weed, share their feelings, and rebel against the principal who is watching them. If you want to know more, here’s the trailer:

Most people assume comedies are meaningless and are strictly for entertainment but many comedies prove otherwise. For the example I gave, The Breakfast Club, there are many comedic things that happen throughout the movie that may seem absurd and just for laughs like when they smoke weed or when they run around the halls trying to get away from the principal. However, there are deeper meanings that develop throughout the movie and through these comedic moments.

There are 5 main characters: the jock, the rebel, the nerd, the outcast, and the popular one. All come from different backgrounds and neither of them really get along at the beginning. However, they show sides of them that prove they aren’t just a label. The rebel can be caring and is only reckless because of his parents, the jock only wrestles to prove himself to his dad, the popular girl feels so much pressure from her friends, the nerd might have his grades together but not his whole life, the outcast steps out of her comfort zone; they all are relatable characters that make the audience feel less alone. Among the funny and ironic dialogue, there are also serious moments like when the nerd talks about suicide, the rebel talks about his abusive dad, and the jock talks about how his dad won’t accept him unless he wrestles. They are all people who struggle and their character development show the audience that once you take down the barriers of labels, it is easy to connect with one another.

Another example of a comedy that might seem just playful and funny is 10 Things I Hate About You. This movie is about a studious teen girl who is closed off when it comes to boys. Her pretty and popular sister isn’t too happy about this however since she won’t be able to date until her sister does. She finds a guy who will be payed to charm her older sister and try to date her so that the younger sister can date too. To see more about this movie, here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWmjzCZr0Jw

With there being scenes of the older sister being publicly serenaded, her getting drunk and embarrassing herself at a party, and many other funny moments, it can be easy to overlook how this movie is very meaningful as well. This movie explores the ideas of feminism, individuality, and independence. The main character, Kat, is a strong minded and independent person who is the movie’s main source of feminism. Her character and her best friend, Mandella, promote female independence throughout the movie and show their strength as women which made the movie very iconic for its time period.

It is easy to overlook most comedies’ true meaning and the message they promote but I strongly believe that every comedy has one. Comedies, just like every other genre of movie or book, have depth and purpose. They teach us lessons just as much as other genres do, just in a different way.