Make Me Laugh

        If you’ve read my blog before, then you know that in addition to loving all things book related, I’m a big movie fan. I love a good tear-jerker that’ll make me cry no matter how many times I’ve seen it (Steel Magnolias comes to mind….the funeral scene has me reaching for the tissues EVERY SINGLE TIME no matter how many times I tell myself I will not cry!).

I love a good action adventure as well (I have developed a fondness for Jason Statham and any movie he’s in as well as Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and just too many others to name). I like horror movies too, the ones that have me glued to the screen and jumping out of me seat (or afraid to close my eyes when the movie is over).

But my favorite kind of movies are comedies and not just any comedies but slapstick (yes, you read that right….I love a good pie in the face…you know, that visual humor) and the wonderful screwball comedies of the 30’s and 40’s. Bringing Up Baby with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant is still my all time favorite although Arsenic and Old Lace (again with Cary Grant) is a close second as is Some Like It Hot.

         Which brings me to Mel Brooks. While Mr. Brooks is not as handsome as Cary Grant, he could still make me laugh and that’s a good thing. I’ve seen Young Frankstein so many times, I know the dialogue by heart, but I still crack up whenever anyone in the movie says Frau Blucher and the horses whinny. Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (love the musical number in this movie…you know which one I mean, but it you don't, here's a picture to remind you) round out my favorite Brooks comedies.

         My affection for screwball comedies does not confine itself to movies though. It’s television, too, and the original queen of the genre, Lucille Ball. I love Lucy. Still do. Who could do the grape stomping scene any better than her? Or try to keep up with a machine that spews chocolate bonbons in ever increasing speeds?

There are others who have followed in Lucy’s footsteps. Many years ago, there was “From the Files of Police Squad” starring the lovable, but bumbling Leslie Neilsen as Frank Drebbin, which I loved and when the series ended, he reprised that role on the big screen in the Naked Gun movies, for which I will be eternally grateful.

The newest kid on the block? Angie Tribeca. Oh, I am horribly addicted. It’s absurd and quirky and has enough visual humor to keep me hooked.

         In fact, I think I’ll go watch a couple episodes right now (thank you OnDemand!)

As always, happy reading (and watching)

Marie