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We looked at loads of Comedy titles to come up with this selection, and we're pretty pleased with ourselves. If you fancy a few Christmas giggles just make sure to tell Santa! While we loved all 3 discs (otherwise they wouldn't be on this page, now, would they?), The Proposal claimed the top spot by a long margin. Yep, it's that good! THE WINNER:
Monkey Score: 90% What we loved about it: 1. Sweet story with very, very funny lines. 2. Ryan Reynolds gets to be totally sarcastic and deadpan. 3. Betty White is fabulous.
The Proposal (Cert. 12, out 30 November, DVD and DVD+Blu-Ray Combi Pack) Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Betty White, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, dir. Anne Fletcher, 2009, cert. 12
Canadian high-powered and much disliked Margaret Tate (Bullock) faces deportation when her visa runs out. To get herself out of this tight spot, she gets assistant Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) to agree to marry her in exchange for a promotion. The immigration official in charge doesn't buy the charade and the couple have to fly to Alaska & meet Andrew's family for his Gammy's birthday (White.) What MovieMonkeys thought: Sandra Bullock gets away with playing much younger leading ladies that one would think possible, and does so with a rare talent. The Proposal is perfect for her, with just the right amount of physical and situation comedy. Male Monkeys needed prodding to watch a Bullock rom-com but were soon converted. Indeed there is something for everyone here: Ryan Reynolds' sarcastic delivery ensures that the male audience finds a kindred spirit in Andrew Paxton, while the rest of us swoon. The script is tight, funny and romantic without falling into complete Hollywood silliness. While the leads turn the spot on performances expected of them the sparkle comes from an outstanding supporting cast, particularly Betty White. The Proposal is very funny and entertaining throughout, and ends on a high note rather than a sickly sweet one. And for this we are all eternally grateful: the alternative ending offered in the bonus section would have killed a damn near perfect comedy. The Proposal is released on Buena Vista Home Entertainment Blu-Ray Hi-Def Combi Pack and single disc DVD from the 30th November.  |
THE RUNNERS-UP:
Year One (Cert. 15, out 02 November) Jack Black, Michael Cera, dir. Harold Ramis, 2009, cert. 15 Monkey Score: 88% With
its full helping of one-liners Year One tries repeatedly - and succeeds
with panache! - to cross the boundaries of good taste. Definitely one
to avoid if you are easily offended so probably destined to become a
cult classic. Year One is irreverent, rather gross at times, and
definitely not afraid of poking fun at established religions and
history... Student fodder? Absolutely, but non-members of the NUS
should have a good laugh too. Michael Cera is hilarious, delivering
some of the best lines in the film with deadpan mastery.
Rhod Gilbert, 2009, cert. 15 Monkey Score: 88% Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert brings his own personal brand of holiday cheer out this Christmas with the release of The Award Winning Mince Pie. We won't spoil the fun by telling you what award was indeed won by the festive pastry, but just know this: if you were ever puzzled by TOG ratings, why Egyptians would choose to holiday in Doncaster and the mysteries of motorway services look no further for a kindred spirit! Hailing from made up Welsh valley town of Llanbobl (with as many 'Ls' as you can be bothered to stick on at the end), Rhod has made a name for himself compering at various award ceremonies (which, incidently, is how we discovered him - though we hasten to add this was this year's British Video Association awards, not the Butchers' shindig being sent up here!) A welcome addition to the ever so crowded Christmas stand-up releases - and a breath of fresh air from the Welsh valleys, if there ever was such a thing!
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Rhod Gilbert And The Award-Winning Mince Pie (Cert. 15, out 16 Novermber)
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