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Who’s a Comic Genius?

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We’ve been having a behind-the-scenes debate here about who’s the most influential comedic actor of our time – readers, help! If you’ve watched more than your fair share of comedies on your http://www.cannonsatellite.com/ channels leave us your picks in the comments! This is who we’ve narrowed it down to so far:
Jim Carey: People here are split about whether Carey’s a comedic genius or a slapstick fool – he’s certainly got the film list to prove he’s popular and he’s definitely got his own style, that you can say for him.
Vince Vaughn: He only gained prominence in the last decade or so but Vaughn is quickly becoming one of the most sought out comedians of our era. His sharp wit and deadpan delivery mean he’s perfect for playing it straight and his one liners are quotable to the end.
Will Farrell: Another man who we can’t decide about – is Will Ferrell a master improvisationist or just another silly comedy guy? He’s been in tons of million dollar films to prove otherwise and he’s developed nothing short of a cult following

“Why Silent Film Comedies Are Still Funny”

admin — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The era of silent film was one of test, trial and hard headed fortitude. In the first days of film making there was no looking back to see what works. Each film company, director, writer, actor and stunt person made it up as they went and kept at it until it was perfect. Many of the funniest stunts had been worked out for vaudeville acts. Comedians new what audiences liked and looked forward to seeing. Finding a way to display that 2 dimensionally on film was the tricky part. The basic premise of the audience pleasing format had been tested live. It was up to forward thinking actor comedians like Mae West, Moe Howard, Groucho Marx and Buster Keaton to carry that ‘work it until it works’ mentality into films.

That is exactly what they did. Most often there was only one chance to film a scene, the details had to be worked out and no mistakes were afforded. The stunt doubles and cameramen would not have another chance to capture a moment. Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton were both known to rehearse, test and plan out the smallest details of a scene. Its this dedication that still leaves audiences laughing.

“How Charlie Chaplin Influenced Comedy Films’

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Charles Chaplin, born in London in 1889 became one of film’s first and most influential actor directors. Although he did take on drama and wrote much of the music in his films, he is best known for comedy.

As his most famous character, the Tramp, Chaplin could easily bring out slapstick and pathos just as easily in one film and one character. His tramp was the epitome of comedy, whether the house in “The Gold Rush” was about to fall, or he mistook a bald head for a melon.

Chaplin had the rare ability to instill his tramp character with a genuine compassion no other comedian of the time was able to do. In films like “The Kid” and “City Lights”, the tramp’s soft and gentle nature was truly a huge part of his character’s overwhelming success. No other comedian could evoke the heartwarming feel of Chaplin’s character in those films and others like it.

However, in “The Dictator”, Chaplin took on Adolph Hitler, not in history, of course, but as a present day, in that time, political manipulator. When Hitler was climbing to power and slowly inciting fear, Chaplin had the courage to address it in a comedy film.

“Saturday Night Live Actors Who Became Movie Stars’

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Saturday Night Live has been the birthing ground for some of our greatest comedic movie stars. Their talent was tested and formed in the show’s weekly hilarity.

Steve Martin is one of the show’s classic stars who went on to star in such films as “Roxanne,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “The Jerk” and more. His antics and humor have kept audiences rolling. Another film favorite has been Eddie Murphy, who spent several years with the show. He went on to blockbuster films such as “Coming to America,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “The Nutty Professor” and several others. John Belushi helped to create a classic comedy film, “Animal House,” which is a cult favorite with his numerous fans.

A recent star who has ascended to film stardom is Will Ferrell, who has brought his unique talents to the big screen. “Elf,” “Stranger than Fiction” and “Step Brothers” are just a few examples of his hilarious style that have been big hits with fans. Molly Shannon is another current product of the show that brought her SNL character Mary Katherine Callagher to the big screen in “Superstar.” These talented actors continue to make fans laugh each time one of their films is played.

“Judd Apatow’s Influence On Modern Film Comedies”

admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When the name Judd Apatow comes up a lot of people think, hilarious. He has certainly demonstrated his humor well on the big screen. Take “Superbad,” for instance: a movie about two seniors in high school trying to score before going off to college. Well, there is a little more to it than that. You have the classic not so slim kid and the classic skinny, awkward guy, along with the hot chick, the nerd and the stupid cops. This movie is the picture of crass, crude humor and it is absolutely hilarious. Judd Apatow also hit the mark with hits like “Get Him To The Greek,” “The Forty Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up” and one of his latest, “Bridesmaids.” If Judd Apatow had not stepped out there so boldly with his amazingly funny and edgy comedies, would “The Hangover” have ever seen theaters? Would it have been nearly as successful? Working with the likes of Will Ferrell, Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Seth Rogen Judd Apatow has what it takes. And there is absolutely no doubt his exploration of the boundaries of undignified, gross, risky humor are having a huge impact on the comedies to come. Judd Apatow is America’s newest funny man, and he is taking comedy in a new, somewhat vulgar, but hilarious direction. The best thing about his humor is it strikes people as real, and that is awesome.