So many great comedies have been mentioned, but only a handful highlighted the comedic strengths of women. So I've decided to create my list using this lens. (To clarify, my list isn't limited to just women. I just tried not to forget them, as so many lists do.):
1. Bridesmaids: Yes, the movie is too long, but the boutique, bridal shower and airplane scenes make the entire thing sooooo worth it. I could watch it a thousand more times.
2. Anchorman Because Veronica Corningstone. I don't care that she ended up with him and had to put up with his sorry ass.
3. Spy: She owned it. Owned it, I say!
4. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle Funny, original, and hilarious. Does no one else think this is funny?
5. Superbad. Things that Donald Trump says nowadays that are acceptable (and funny) only if they come out out of Jonah Hill's mouth.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I could have done without the puppets. No, I take that back. Keep the puppets.
7. 40-year Old Virgin: Carell with the boys was good, but with Keener to bounce off of, he was even better.
8. Best in Show: Parker Posey, Jane Lynch, Jennifer Coolidge, Catherine O'Hara, oh my. And the guys are ok.
9. The Night Before: Yes, the actresses were relegated to supporting roles, but at least they had a pulse - and God forbid - a sense of humour, and they don't play into the stereotypes of the frustrated wife who has to put up with the man-child. And Jillian Bell is amAHzing (and she's the funniest thing about 22 Jump Street). And Anthony Mackie is deliciously dirty and funny.
10. Pineapple Express: I tend not to like action movies, but apparently I love them when they're funny.
11. This is the End: Watching pale white guys make fun of themselves was so much fun. Yes, I have a thing for pale white guys.
12. What We Do in the Shadows: Omigod. Omigod! I said I liked pale.
Honorable Mentions:
I just watched Pop Star: Never Stop Never Stopping. I laughed uncontrollably through that entire movie, and I can't explain why. I swear I was sober.
Also: Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, The Trip, Trainwreck, Borat, The Heat, Talladega Nights, Wedding Crashers, The Big Short, I Love You Man (slappa da bass!), and Whisky Tango Foxtrot (I thought it was really good!)
I know, you probably think I've listed every so-so comedy of the past decade and a half, but I will defend each and every one if asked to do so. Each film sustained me until the next good one came along. There are so many bad comedies out there that I didn't mention, I promise. I think post-2000 comedies are incredible (thanks to Apatow, McKay, Rogen, Waititi, Fey, Schumer, Sandberg, Ferrell...need I go on?), and comedy is hard. So hard. And underrated.
And, if While We're Young had a different ending (which I know would have made it less of a comedy), I might have liked it better. But it's a no-go for me.
Off to watch Young Frankenstein now. I've never seen it. [Hangs head in shame.]