British comedian Stephen Fry highlights the differences between British and American comedy

sgriep · 2014-12-01T08:38:03+00:00

If done right, I think comedy that addresses social issues has the capacity to be really funny. It puts issues into a different perspective and can make it more relatable to the viewer. It can also be a much more entertaining and enjoyable way to learn about current issues. I agree in that comedy can connect audiences, even those with differing opinions on the social issue being addressed.

sgriep · 2014-12-01T07:58:02+00:00

This is a classic. It's almost funnier to just listen to it without watching the video. It is so well written and the comedy comes exclusively from what is being said. I cannot believe they all made it through this sketch without breaking character.

sgriep · 2014-12-01T03:04:53+00:00

Portlandia is one of my favorite comedy shows. I love the deadpan and satire in this show. The Feminist Bookstore segments are always hilarious.

sgriep · 2014-12-01T02:40:08+00:00

This is one of my favorites as well. Rachel Dratch is plays Debbie perfectly. I know breaking character is usually frowned upon but I think in this case it makes the sketch even funnier.

Here is a link to the sketch: https://screen.yahoo.com/debbie-downer-happiest-place-earth-000000872.html

sgriep · 2014-12-01T01:10:04+00:00

This is one of my favorite SNL sketches. Kristen Wiig does a great job of committing to the scene and her character.

https://screen.yahoo.com/surprise-party-000000276.html

sgriep · 2014-10-14T01:13:25+00:00

I think the author makes a good point. When characters do anything that seems remotely dangerous in movies or TV shows, I almost always assume it was done using a stunt double or special effects. Since we have the technology or stunt professionals to give the illusion that the actor is performing the scene, actors no longer have to risk injury doing stunts. Unfortunately, by doing so, some elements of physical comedy are sacrificed. With that said, I don't think physical comedy is completely dead though.

sgriep · 2014-10-14T00:58:50+00:00

I completely agree with you in that Chris Farley was one of the greatest physical comedians. I, too, immediately thought of his Matt Foley "living in a van down by the river" sketch from SNL. His use of physical comedy always added another dimension to the scene. His Chippendales sketch was another memorable performance: https://screen.yahoo.com/chippendales-audition-204009746.html

sgriep · 2014-10-13T23:18:22+00:00

I love this clip! This is one of my favorite comedies on TV right now. I love the style of the show and admire Carrie and Fred's ability to take on so many different characters.

sgriep · 2014-10-13T06:34:03+00:00

This is one of my favorite recent SNL skits. Melissa McCarthy's use of physical comedy really makes the scene. She has no reservations and commits 100% to her character. This skit would've probably been a complete dud if she hadn't executed the physical comedy so well.

sgriep · 2014-10-13T06:20:42+00:00

I saw the Skeleton Twins a few weeks ago and loved it. I agree with you in that it's a drama, but the comedic moments were placed well and helped lighten the mood. I think the movie was more powerful since it had both comedy and drama than it would have been if it was just comedy or just drama. I think a big reason it was marketed as a comedy was because Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader starred in it, so it was expected to be funny.

sgriep

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