Stand-up comedy has always been one of the most important ways in which unique comedic voices can impress and spread their comedic skills to the widest possible audience. Many great comedians have been known for their stand-up performances, which continue to thrive, especially in this day and age, perfectly adapting to the digital and streaming era.
Although stand-up is far from the only opportunity for these comedians to share their comedic prowess, as many comedians take the extra step of starring in a feature film. Recent releases such as Car And About my father showed that this trend continues to this day and is not going to stop. Whether the movie reinforces the same style of comedy that their stand-up comedy is, or a new style of comedy that could only work in movies, comedians have always been successful on the big screen.
10 Jim Gaffigan - Linoleum (2022)
Linoleum tells the story of Cameron Edwin, a children’s science show host who has fallen into decline as he lives in the shadow of his successful scientist father. Cameron soon gets a chance to pursue his far-reaching science dreams when he gets the opportunity to rebuild a rocket ship in his own garage and become an astronaut himself.
Jim Gaffigan plays the lead role of Cameron Edwin and delivers an exquisite performance that perfectly captures Gaffigan’s bumbling/pathetic comedy style in film. Gaffigan’s comedic style suits Cameron as a character perfectly, allowing Gaffigan to tap into and hone some surprisingly great acting skills, especially when the film has surprisingly dramatic moments.
9 Ali Wong - “Always Be Mine Maybe” (2019)
Always my way can be follows Sasha and Marcus, two people who were once best friends but part ways after an awkward relationship. 15 years later, they are reunited, Sasha is a famous chef and Markus is a hometown musician, and they start to fall in love again but are unable to connect with their new worlds.
Ali Wong plays the role of Sasha in the film, now a world-famous chef, hardened on the path to self-improvement and fame. In addition to playing the title character, Wong is also one of the film’s writers, and her true-to-life style of comedy without any restrictions works great in a romantic comedy context. The dialogue is definitely the highlight of the film, as the characters respond beautifully to the wild and strange circumstances surrounding Sasha and Marcus.
8 Robin Williams - Mrs. Doubtful Fire’ (1993)
Classic comedy of the 90s. Mrs. Doubtfire sees a loving but irresponsible father who has separated from his wife and is soon forced by a court order to visit his children only once a week. He concocts a scheme to disguise himself as his ex’s new housekeeper and poses as British nanny Mrs Doubtfire to get a second chance at raising his children.
Robin Williams was a comedy icon in the 90s, between all his amazing stand-up work and a host of popular comedy classics, with Mrs. Doubtfire being one of his most iconic. Based on the premise alone, one would assume that the film simply hasn’t aged 30 years later, but the undeniable charm and wit of Williams’ performance still makes the film a household name.
7 Jerrod Carmichael - “On the Count of Three” (2021)
On the count of three follows the story of Val, a man who believes the only way out is to kill himself and teams up with his best friend Kevin in a plan in which they end their lives in a double suicide. While both sides have unfinished business to take care of, so they spend their scheduled last 24 hours on the ground making amends and making sure they leave without regrets.
Jerrod Carmichael plays the role of Val in the film and is also the film’s director. Carmichael’s special comedies have always balanced between the very comedic and the very personal, and this combination of darker and lighter tones is perfectly achieved in On the count of three. There’s a very important and heartbreaking story at the center here, but Carmichael can still find comedic potential in everything, helping to make the whole experience uplifting in some way.
6 Kevin Hart - “Fatherhood” (2021)
Paternity follows the story of Matt, a recently widowed father who faces fears and struggles while raising his new daughter alone. As his daughter grows up to be her own person, Matt is still trying to find a way to deal with his grief and the loss of his wife.
Bye Kevin Hart may be best known nowadays for his comedic supporting characters, his stand-up comedy is what made him famous and Paternity is the dramatic culmination of Hart’s work. Hart’s comedy has always been family oriented, lending a comedic touch to the awkwardness of being a father and having a family, and Paternity takes that familial nature and brings out the big dramatic side of Hart. There’s still enough comedy here for fans of Hart’s classic comedic style, but at the same time, the authenticity on display is indicative of Hart’s best performance to date.
5 Amy Schumer - “Trainwreck” (2015)
train wreck follows Amy, a professional who has always been afraid of commitment and believes that monogamy is simply not possible. However, her mindset begins to change when she meets Aaron, a really good man who she begins to believe she could actually spend her life with.
Amy Schumercomedy style without filters goes well with Judd Apatowdirecting style in train wreck, as Apatow’s romantic comedy roots are a perfect fit for Sumer’s comedy. Schumer is also the film’s solo screenwriter, comically creating a blank canvas on which Schumer can pull off all sorts of jokes, from the calculated and absurd to the impromptu and topical.
4 Chris Rock - “Top Five” (2014)
Top five follows once the world’s best comedian Andre Allen as he attempts to break out of his status as a comedian only in an attempt to show a more serious side. However, Andre’s life becomes more chaotic when his reality TV fiancée convinces him to broadcast their wedding on her TV show.
More than just a lead role and a movie script, Chris Rockdirectorial role in Top five gives him complete creative control over the creation of this deeply personal and hilarious take on the soul of Rock. Rock brings together aspects of his entire career, from his stand-up work to feature film roles, to create a project and storytelling that feels like a love letter to the art of comedy itself.
3 Steve Martin - Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Planes, trains and cars follows the hapless Neil Page on his constant and seemingly never-ending journey home for Thanksgiving. He is joined in his attempts to get home by obnoxious shower ring salesman Del Griffith, the only person who accompanies him, whether he likes it or not.
Both Steve Martin and director John Hughes are in their own way comedy icons of the 80s: Martin focused on stand-up and Hughes’ timeless films. Planes, trains and cars It’s the perfect combination of two different styles to create a timeless classic comedy that can easily be considered the pinnacle of their career. Very few comedies have reached legendary status. Planes, trains and carsas it has become one of the greatest re-watchable comedy films of all time.
2 Eddie Murphy - Coming to America (1988)
Arrival in America follows the story of Prince Akeem, heir to the throne of Zamunda, as he first sets out on a journey from his country to Queens, New York to find a bride. Although the differences in culture are too great for Akim at first, he is soon able to merge with the average American and even find his one true love.
Bye Eddie Murphy may only be known for his film roles, Murphy has long been the king of stand-up comedy, with Arrival in America releasing at the peak of his superstar. The character and world that Eddie Murphy portrays and creates in Arrival in America it’s one that fits in perfectly with his comedic style of the time, further solidifying his status as a comedic show of force.
1 Kumail Nanjiani - “Big Sick” (2017)
Based on real relationships Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily Gordon, big sick sees Kumail and Emily fall in love but soon start fighting as their cultures diverge too much. However, right after they break up, Emily is put into an induced coma for treatment and Kumail can’t stop visiting Emily. Kumail soon finds himself conflicted at first but soon bonds with Emily’s parents as he struggles with his relationship with his own parents as well as his ongoing love for Emily.
big sick this story is as deeply personal as it is genuinely fun from start to finish. Nanjiani’s stand-up often touched on his clash of cultures and experiences as a Pakistani-American, and big sick further enhances his comedic voice and talents. The film rarely manages to combine both highly emotional and touching scenes with constantly laughing comedy, but Nanjiani and Gordon do an excellent job of it. big sick.
Source: Collider
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