[BigRichard]

Originally Posted by Frazod

Since this kind of moved into favorite comedies, mine are:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Ruthless People
Galaxy Quest

others include

The Man With Two Brains
Arthur (the original with Dudley Moore
Spaceballs
Kingpin
and of course Airplane

Originally Posted by ThaVirus

No, I actually agree that Coming to America is more mainstream. I think it definitely did lean a bit more into the black humor from time to time. As you mention, the Soul Glow bits and the preacher/Randy Watson scene as well as the bits in the barbershop. Still, I'd say that one's like 80-90% mainstream comedy, which is probably why it's so beloved.

I would also agree that it's difficult for me to articulate what differentiates a black comedy from a.. erm, non-black comedy. Setting is a good one as you mention. Movies that take place in a predominantly black neighborhood like the Friday trilogy are prime candidates as well as a movie like The Barbershop, which takes place in a predominantly black barbershop obviously. Casting and target audience are probably the easiest markers. A movie like Soul Plane or Pootie Tang, the Madea movies, or Undercover Brother feature casts that are 90+% black. There is no doubt who those movies are catering to.

I do find your bit on being able to see yourself as Luke Skywalker a bit interesting. Like I mentioned, that's not something I have issues with given my background. I suppose I haven't encountered that issue as much since I don't have much experience with comedies from Hispanic or Asian cultures. I've watched a bit of the George Lopez show and seen Hispanic comedians talking about their fear of the chancla and blah blah blah. Perhaps I don't have issues with those because 1) I actually have spent a fair amount of time around those cultures (I live in Florida and appear to be some sort of Hispanic) and 2) the comedians I'm seeing are telling jokes that are watered down for a broader audience so I'm more likely to be able to relate..?

Interesting stuff to consider either way.



Whew. I haven't seen not a one of these. These appear to be all pre-1990s flicks, which would put them before my time.

How do you feel about the newer wave of comedies, say since 1990? I pegged you as a Christmas Vacation fan, for sure. Don't ask me why.



Hah, yeah, I was going to mention that one.

It's so dumb but I love it.

Oh what you have missed...