(DML Top 20 Lists - Buddy Comedy Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen, rated PG-13

Sometimes, you have to lose your way to get back home

Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Chris Thomas King, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Daniel von Bargen, Wayne Duvall, Frank Collison, Stephen Root

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune, though it will not be the one you seek. But first... first you must travel a long and difficult road, a road fraught with peril. Mm-hmm. You shall see thangs, wonderful to tell." – Blind Seer

Why watch this? This is a fun, poetic American fable that feels very familiar.

Plot Summary: Loosely based on Homer's Odyssey, this comedy drama follows three escaped convicts – Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete, and Delmar – as they embark on a journey through Depression-era Mississippi. Their aim is to reach Everett’s home and recover a hidden treasure before the area is flooded to create a new lake. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters, evade a relentless lawman, and inadvertently become folk music sensations.

Dad's Preview: It took me a second viewing to get this film, and it was worth it. The Coen brothers were ambitious here: let's retell The Odyssey, but in mid-Depression America, then we'll pepper the heroes' journey with American folk music, in effect making it an American story. It works, in a quasi-surreal way, thanks to music being in the background of many scenes. It was also a great idea to used three incredible actors in the leads. The journey is fraught with colorful encounters with many folks, each a test for the three travelers. Be sure and check out the film's soundtrack - it's a pretty darn good listen.

Touchstone Pics, Universal Pics, Studio Canal,
Working Title Films, Blind Bard Pictures;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #20 Top

Way Out West (1937), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated Passed

They're WILDWEST OUTLAWS of Trouble and Trigger Men

Starring: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Sharon Lynn, James Finlayson, Rosina Lawrence, Stanley Fields, Vivien Oakland

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I think we've given that deed to the wrong woman. That's the first mistake we've made since that guy sold us the Brooklyn Bridge." - Stan

Why watch this? All their shorts and full-length films are classics. This is one of their best.

Plot Summary: Stan and Ollie venture into the Wild West to deliver a gold mine deed to its rightful owner, Mary Roberts. However, a crooked saloon owner, Mickey Finn, and his wife, Lola, trick the hapless duo into giving them the deed instead. Upon realizing their mistake, the duo embarks on a comedic quest to reclaim the deed and ensure Mary receives her inheritance.

Dad's Preview: By the time "talkies" (motion pictures with sound) began, this hilarious duo were already an experienced and beloved comedy team. The pair starred in numerous short films and features. Here, the two travel to the Wild West town of Bushwood Gulch to deliver a deed to the daughter of their late partner. Of course, they run afoul of a shady saloon owner and his sassy wife who want to steal that deed.

For one of Laurel & Hardy's most entertaining 30-minute shorts, watch the boys take a grand piano up some daunting stairs in The Music Box (1932). You'll enjoy it, too.

Hal Roach Studios; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #19 Top

Wayne's World (1992), Director: Penelope Spheeris, rated PG-13 for crude humor

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl.

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar, speaking of Cassandra

Why watch this? Don't over-think it. Just sit back, and let this movie make you laugh.

Plot Summary: Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar host a popular public-access television show from Wayne's parents' basement. A slick television producer discovers the show and offers them a chance to bring "Wayne's World" to a wider audience. However, their journey from basement to big time is fraught with challenges, testing their friendship and artistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: There's much to love in this frolic through, rock and roll, as seen from the couch of two goofy teens, just trying to set the standard for slackery. Myers' positivism is as infectious as Carvey's sheepish lack of confidence; all traits many guys can relate to. What started as an excellent skit on SNL, WW seamlessly transitioned to the big screen. It's a heck of a fun ride when Bohemian Rhapsody is blasting!

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #18 Top

Men in Black (1997), Director: Barry Sonnenfeld, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub, Carel Struycken, Siobhan Fallon Hogan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This definitely rates about a 9.0 on my weird-shit-o-meter." - Jay

Why watch this? Will Smith - man, can he carry a film when he's hot.

Plot Summary: James Edwards, an NYC cop, joins a secret organization known as Men in Black, which regulates the activity of aliens living disguised among humans. Alongside his new partner, the veteran Agent K, James (now Agent J) must investigate a series of strange incidents and stop a destructive plot by an intergalactic villain. They embark on a mission to recover a powerful energy source before the antagonist can use it to destroy the Earth.

Dad's Preview: I'm a sci-fi guy. I crave well-done science fiction on screen. Here we meet two agents, Jay and Kay (their real identities have been permanently removed), who work for a secret agency that tracks aliens who live on Earth, undetected. Most are benevolent, but not all. This film is packed with slimy aliens of all shapes/sizes, lots of action, a count-down to Earth's destruction, and the sexy Linda Fiorentino. Additionally, Vincent D'Onofrio's performance is amazing as Edgar/The Bug. This sci-fi goldmine is creative with lots of laughs and creatures from outer space.

Columbia Pictures, Amblin Ent., Parkes/MacDonald
Prod.; Sony Pictures Releasing

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #17 Top

Tommy Boy (1995), Director: Peter Segal, rated R for language, crude humor

If at first you don't succeed, lower your standards.

Starring: Chris Farley, David Spade, Bo Derek, Brian Dennehy, Dan Akyroyd, Rob Lowe, Julie Warner, Sean McCann, Zach Grenier

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I can practically hear you getting fatter." – Richard, to Tommy

Why watch this? I learned to never load an injured deer in your car's back seat.

Plot Summary: Tommy Callahan Jr., a somewhat naive and underachieving son of a successful auto parts magnate, returns home to work in the family business. However, after the sudden death of his father, the company faces financial ruin and a potential takeover. To save the factory and the jobs of its employees, Tommy embarks on a cross-country sales trip to secure a large order for a new brake pad division. He is begrudgingly accompanied by his father's tightly-wound assistant, Richard.

Dad's Preview: This lovable film is simply great fun. Farley and Spade are having a helluva good time. It really captures the chemistry between the unpredictable Farley and deadpan Spade. It's like watching Abbott and Costello in their heyday, but funnier. For a low budget flick, there is a lot going on, plot-wise. It is part comedy, part romance, and part road film. Farley's genius was leaning into his faults, and getting folks to laugh at him. It will always sadden me that he followed his idol, John Belushi, too perfectly, and now all we can do is mourn those two amazing comedians.

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #16 Top

The Blues Brothers (1980), Director: John Landis, rated R for language

They'll never get caught. They're on a mission from God.

Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, Aretha Franklin, Henry Gibson, James Brown, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Twiggy, Charles Napier, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Use of unnecessary violence in the apprehension of the Blues Brothers HAS been approved." - Police Dispatcher

Why watch this? Great blues music, edgy humor and the car crashes are off the charts!

Plot Summary: Newly released convict brothers, Jake and Elwood Blues, embark on a "mission from God" to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised from foreclosure. To do this, they must reunite their old band and perform to raise the $5,000 needed to pay the property taxes. Their efforts lead them on a chaotic adventure across Illinois, encountering a series of zany characters and being pursued by various groups, including the police, a vengeful ex-girlfriend, and a neo-Nazi group.

Dad's Preview: How is it possible to take an Saturday Night Live skit and turn it into this spectacle?! On the heels of the raunchy Animal House (1978), John Belushi had more cred with the studio execs, so he brought in John Landis to direct. Beside being a wonderful homage to Chicago blues, it manages to be a road/buddy, car-chase-filled action/comedy. Hell, there are even Nazi's. Not to mention cameo's from Carrie Fisher, James Brown, Twiggy, Ray Charles and the goddess of soul herself, Aretha Franklin.

Robert K. Weiss; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #15 Top

City Slickers (1991), Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for adult language

Yesterday They Were Businessmen. Today They're Cowboys. Tomorrow They'll Be Walking Funny.

Starring: Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby, Jack Palance, Patricia Wettig, Helen Slater, Patricia Wettig, Noble Willingham, Tracey Walter

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Have you ever had that feeling that this is the best I'm ever gonna do, this is the best I'm ever gonna feel... and it ain't that great?" – Mitch Robbins

Why watch this? A comedy about three grown men questioning their lives... so they sign up to drive cattle on a dude ranch.

Plot Summary: In the midst of mid-life crisis', three Manhattan best friends decide to visit to a "Dude ranch" and herd some cattle from Colorado to New Mexico. Lacking any ranch skills, they are joined by more novices, guided by two drunken cowpokes and the grizzled, grumpy trail boss, Curly.

Dad's Preview: Growing up on a cattle ranch, we used to chuckle under our breath at "city folks". In this film, our lovable, flawed men are up for some "male bonding", but they are in store for some serious life lessons. Screen legend Jack Palance finally won his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with his portrayal of Curly. He is a memorable character.

Castle Rock Ent., Face Productions,
Nelson Ent.; Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #14 Top

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Director: John Hughes, rated R for language

Steve Martin had no reason to panic... until John Candy came along.

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon, Dylan Baker, Carol Bruce

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You got a free cab, you got a free room, and someone who'll listen to your boring stories. I mean, didn't you notice on the plane when you started talking, eventually I started reading the vomit bag?" - Neal

Why watch this? Martin's angry rants and Candy's long-winded yarns are precious!

Plot Summary: This comedy follows the misadventures of Neal Page, an uptight advertising executive desperate to return home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. However, bad weather forces his flight to divert, leading him to reluctantly team up with Del Griffith, a well-meaning but irritating salesman, to navigate various modes of transportation. Their chaotic journey involves a series of travel mishaps and comical conflicts.

Dad's Preview: Another great comedy starring two superb comedic actors. It's Thanksgiving and everybody is trying to get home. Our two strangers encounter all kinds of trouble, so they decide to work together. There's one small issue: mixing a short-tempered snob and an overly-friendly oaf is a match made in hell. Martin and Candy, as they constantly feud, are a pleasure to watch. The real genius is Candy... when he gets real, it breaks your heart.

Hughes Entertainment; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #13 Top

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated PG

It's the story of a man, a woman, and a rabbit in a triangle of trouble.

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer (voice), Joanna Cassidy, Kathleen Turner (voice)

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way." – Jessica Rabbit

Why watch this? ... to watch, in awe, the genius it took to intertwine humans and cartoons into the same celluloid space.

Plot Summary: In 1947 Los Angeles, where cartoons and humans coexist, a private detective who loathes toons takes a case involving a rabbit toon star accused of murder. As the detective investigates, he uncovers a complex conspiracy that threatens the existence of Toontown, the animated metropolis where toons reside.

Dad's Preview: I am always a fan of something new and inventive, even if the effort sometimes falls short. This film is an example where expectations were exceeded. Director Zemeckis creates a 1950s-ish world where humans and cartoons co-exist, and it's business-as-usual. This is an easy film to love. It has all our favorite cartoon characters (Mickey, Donald, Daffy, Porky, etc.), zany slapstick bits, devious villains, a wonderful ending... and let's not forget naughtily-drawn bombshell, Jessica Rabbit.

Touchstone Pics, Amblin Ent., Silver Screen
Partners III; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #12 Top

The Sting (1973), Director: George Roy Hill, rated PG

...all it takes is a little Confidence.

Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, John Heffernan, Dana Elcar, Jack Kehoe, Dimitra Arliss, Robert Earl Jones, James Sloyan, Charles Dierkop

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"What was I supposed to do, call him for cheating better than me in front of the others?." - Doyle Lonnegan

Why watch this? This is the quintessential post-Depression con man film.

Plot Summary: A young grifter, Johnny Hooker, seeks the help of an established, older con man, Henry Gondorff, to avenge the murder of their mutual friend by a powerful mob boss, Doyle Lonnegan. They devise an elaborate, complicated con designed to catch the crime lord off guard and ensure a clean, massive payoff. The pair and their crew must execute every detail flawlessly while evading both the target's thugs and the local police who are watching their every move.

Dad's Preview: This caper film, which reunited director George R. Hill, Paul Newman and Robert Redford of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) fame, was the darling of 1973. It is easy to see why. The film has a style of it own, harkening back to the 1930's using perfect sets, period costumes and old ragtime music. The elaborate con job our anti-heroes perform kind of makes me think of Robin Hood - stealing from the rich to line the pockets of the poor. Instead of going for realism, it is a crime comedy where "good guys" and "bad guys" are clearly delineated. This makes the entire movie a ton of fun. There's a lightness, as Redford and Newman are constantly three steps ahead of everyone, even if the film's director hides it. It practically swept the Oscars, winning seven of its ten nominations including: Best Picture and Best Director. This is a classic, with great stars, atmosphere and music. You need to check out The Sting.

The Zanuck/Brown Co.; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #11 Top

Lethal Weapon (1987), Director: Richard Donner, rated R for violence, language

If these two can learn to stand each other... the bad guys don't stand a chance.

Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Mitchell Ryan, Tom Atkins, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Jackie Swanson, Lycia Naff

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You make it through tomorrow without killing anybody, especially me, or yourself, then I'll start trusting you." - Roger Murtaugh

Why watch this? ... it's Mel Gibson when he was People Magazine's Sexiest Man of the Year.

Plot Summary: Roger Murtaugh is a seasoned LAPD detective celebrating his 50th birthday. He's partnered with Martin Riggs, a younger, emotionally unstable detective with a death wish following his wife's recent passing. Their initial investigation into an apparent suicide leads them down a path of drug trafficking and former Special Forces mercenaries.

Dad's Preview: This awesome action film started the cop buddy genre, and is easily the best. It also catapulted Mel Gibson to the top of the A-list. For half the film, we think his character, Riggs, is literally insane. However, when things get dicey due to involvement with some really bad drug smugglers, Riggs and his special skillsets, come in real handy. Danny Glover, as Lt. Murtaugh, a good cop on the verge of retirement, is excellent as Riggs' grumpy police partner.

Silver Pictures; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #10 Top

An American Werewolf in London (1981), Director: John Landis, rated R for language, nudity, sex, violence, gore and scary scenes

BEWARE THE MOON

Starring: David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne, John Woodvine, Brian Glover, David Schofield, Frank Oz

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #32 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of An American Werewolf in London

"On the moors, we were attacked by a lycanthrope, a werewolf. I was murdered, an unnatural death, and now I walk the earth in limbo until the werewolf's curse is lifted.” – Jack

Why watch this? The first transformation scene is worth the price of admission.

Plot Summary: Two American backpackers, David and Jack, are attacked by a creature on the English moors. One is killed, while the survivor, recovering in London, experiences terrifying nightmares and hallucinations. Soon, he discovers the horrifying truth about his attack and faces the potential of his own monstrous transformation.

Dad's Preview: This cinema classic is a different kind of horror movie. It has this almost tongue-in-cheek humor to it. This serves to relax the audience, makes them feel safe... then it literally bites your arm off! However, it is more than that, too. It has great performances and a brilliant soundtrack. The star of the film is Rick Baker's incredible makeup effects (which won an Academy Award). David's first transformation is a horrifying work of cinematic art.

PolyGram Pictures, Lycanthrope Films Limited;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #9 Top

The Full Monty (1997), Director: Peter Catteneo, rated R for some nudity, language

The year's most revealing comedy.

Starring: Robert Carlyle, Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, William Snape, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer, Lesley Sharp, Emily Woof

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #95 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Full Monty

"Anti-wrinkle cream there may be, but anti-fat-bastard cream there is not." - Dave

Why watch this? I have never loved a film more than this one I fully expected to hate.

Plot Summary: When a group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield are inspired by a touring male striptease act, they decide to form their own all-male stripping troupe to make some quick cash. Despite lacking traditional physiques and facing personal insecurities, the men commit to performing a "full monty," meaning completely nude, one time only to solve their financial troubles and regain their self-respect.

Dad's Preview: Some of the greatest comedies are spawned from the most unlikeliest of subjects. By all accounts, unemployed British men should not be funny, yet it is. I mean, we got garden gnomes, folks. This is a huge tribute to some fine direction, and a solid script. There are also great performances through-out, leads to supporting cast. It truly is a dream ensemble. There are laughs throughout, and, trust me, the film's fully-gratifying ending will be one you won't soon forget.

Redwave Films, Channel Four Films;
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #8 Top

Ghostbusters (1984), Director: Ivan Reitman, rated PG-13 for some language

Who ya gonna call?

Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I've only been with the company for a couple of weeks, but I gotta tell you: these things are real. Since I joined these men, I have seen shit that'll turn you white! – Winston Zeddemore

Why watch this? It may be the best SNL-cast film ever. It's delightfully creative and fun!

Plot Summary: Three eccentric parapsychologists are fired from their university jobs and decide to start a unique ghost removal service in New York City. As supernatural occurrences escalate throughout the city, they attract a growing clientele and become famous. They must ultimately confront an ancient entity threatening to unleash destruction upon the world.

Dad's Preview: I remember seeing this in a theater in Dimmitt, Texas. I was completely beside myself. It was way more sophisticated than I expected, especially from a couple of SNL lugnuts like Murray and Aykroyd. I realized that these guys were more than just TV comedians - they were real movie-makers, and the world was about to take notice. Once again, Sigourney Weaver shows that she can portray any role given and, with grace and strength, make it her own.

Columbia-Delphi Productions, Black Rhino;
Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #7 Top

Tremors (1990), Director: Ron Underwood, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, mild gore

The monster movie that breaks new ground.

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Bobby Jacoby, Tony Genaro, Ariana Richards, Richard Marcus

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Run for it? Running is not a plan. Running is what you do when a plan fails!" - Earl

Why watch this? Gigantic, underground, man-eating worms! That's a hard YES for me.

Plot Summary: Set in the remote desert town of Perfection, Nevada, two handymen, Val and Earl, decide to leave their dull lives. Before they can depart, strange tremors and a series of mysterious deaths suggest a dangerous threat lurks beneath the surface. Along with other residents, including a seismologist and a survivalist couple, they must fight to survive against unseen, giant creatures that hunt by sensing vibrations.

Dad's Preview: I cannot say enough about Kevin Bacon. In Animal House (1978) I hated him as a snobby frat boy. He has since earned my respect. He certainly is a hard-working actor. This monster film hits the right blend of horror/gore, action and comedy from start to finish. Scientifically it's preposterous, so don't waste your time trying to make it make sense. Just go with it. Fred Ward also shines as Bacon's hillbilly sidekick, Earl. The two become unlikely protectors as giant worms threaten a small, desert hamlet. Despite the topic, the film is well-done and very fun to watch.

No Frills Prod., Pacific Western Prod.;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #6 Top

Thelma & Louise (1991), Director: Ridley Scott, Rated R for language, sexual situations

Somebody said get a life... so they did.

Starring: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, Brad Pitt

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You said you 'n' me was gonna get out of town and for once just really let our hair down. Well, darlin', look out, 'cause my hair is comin' down!" - Thelma

Why watch this? ... it has Elsie's "Golden Stamp of Approval". Ladies, time to cut loose!

Plot Summary: Two best friends, Thelma and Louise, decide to escape their mundane lives for a weekend getaway. Their plans take an unexpected turn when an act of self-defense leads them on the run from the law. As they flee towards Mexico, the women rediscover their strength and the unbreakable bond of their friendship while navigating a series of perilous encounters.

Dad's Preview: My mom absolutely loved this flick. When I finally watched it, I could see why. It was fiercely female, and very personal to her. It follows two women who are tired of "taking it" from men and the system. They set out on a road adventure determined to live... for possibly the first time in their lives! My Mom was the perfect wife and mother. All that got her was a lousy divorce, and a broken heart. Sarandon and Davis are perfect for the lead roles.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Pathé Ent., Percy Main Prod.,
Star Partners III Ltd.; MGM-Pathé Comm.

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #5 Top

Trading Places (1983), Director: John Landis, rated R for language, crude humor, brief nudity

They're not just getting rich... They're getting even.

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, Paul Gleason

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Yeah. You know, it occurs to me that the best way to hurt rich people is by turning them into poor people." – Billy Ray Valentine

Why watch this? I love the premise. I love the cast. I love the execution.

Plot Summary: Two incredibly wealthy brothers, the Dukes, make a bet about whether a person's surroundings or genetics determines their success. To settle this, they orchestrate a complete life swap between their successful, high-society commodities broker, Louis Winthorpe III, and a street-smart hustler, Billy Ray Valentine. The film then follows the hilarious chaos that ensues as both men navigate their drastically altered lives and eventually discover the Duke brothers' cynical scheme.

Dad's Preview: I was not an Eddie Murphy fan - after this film, I came around. The basic plot is two uber-rich old guys select one poor person and one rich person, then reverse their settings, all to settle a bet. In this well-written, smart, John Landis comedy, we are blessed with ex-SNL'ers Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, plus the stunning force of veteran actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. The scene where Aykroyd disguises himself as Santa is one of my all-time favorites. I'll pass on the smoked salmon...

Aaron Russo; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #4 Top

Toy Story (1995), Director: John Lasseter, rated G

Hang on for the comedy that goes to infinity and beyond!

Starring: (the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"YOU - ARE - A - TOY! You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're... you're, you're an action figure! You are a child's plaything!" - Woody to Buzz on day one

Why watch this? This is the origin story where Woody and Buzz first become friends.

Plot Summary: Andy's longtime favorite toy, Woody the cowboy doll, faces an existential crisis when a new, flashy spaceman toy named Buzz Lightyear becomes Andy's new favorite. Driven by jealousy, Woody attempts to get rid of Buzz, but a series of mishaps strands them both far from home. The two must then overcome their rivalry and work together to escape a toy-destroying neighbor and reunite with Andy before he moves.

Dad's Preview: This was the first great Disney-Pixar film. It combines a superb, original plot, excellent CGI, and an all-star case of voice actors. This film certainly appeals to kids, but therein is interjected lots of "grown up" humor. It's cute, funny and warm. A sequel only seemed natural. (which, of course, was delivered - 3 more times).

Pixar Animation Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #3 Top

Bridesmaids (2011), Director: Paul Feig, rated R for crude humor, language, sexual content

Save the Date

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, Ellie Kemper, Jill Clayburgh, Wendy McLendon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"This is such a stone-cold pack of weirdos, and I am so proud!" - Lillian

Why watch this? ... the bridal shop scene after spicy Mexican food. OMG!

Plot Summary: Annie's BFF is getting married. Though marriage has eluded Annie, she's happy for her friend and eager to meet the bridesmaids. One in particular, Helen, a rich, snobby trophy wife, seems determined to oust Annie as maid-of-honor. As the pre-wedding plans enfold, poor Annie seems to cause more harm than good.

Dad's Preview: Every time I watch this comedy, I realize how damn good it really is. My heart smiles seeing these ladies act opposite one another. Scene after scene plays out all the classic tropes pertaining to wedding disasters - from the female perspective. Wiig is such a comedic force, and McCarthy devours every scene she's in. These two may be the funniest two humans on the planet.

Apatow Productions, Relativity Media;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #2 Top

Midnight Run (1988), Director: Martin Brest, rated R for strong language.

A tough bounty hunter. A sensitive criminal.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Well if you don't shut up, pretty soon you're gonna suffer from fistaphobia." – Jack Walsh to "The Duke"

Why watch this? The exchanges between Grodin and De Niro are priceless.

Plot Summary: Gruff bounty hunter, Jack Walsh, agrees to a seemingly easy job: retrieve a mob accountant from New York and bring him back to Los Angeles. However, the accountant, Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas, turns out to be a demanding and eccentric individual with a fear of flying, forcing the two men on an arduous cross-country journey by various modes of transportation. As they travel, they are pursued relentlessly by the FBI, who want The Duke to testify against his former boss, and by the mob, who want to silence him permanently, all while facing off against a rival bounty hunter.

Dad's Preview: This is a superb buddy and/or road movie. It focuses on two polar opposite characters: one is a tough bail bondsman, Jack; the other, a meek, soft-spoken mob accountant known as "The Duke". Suffice it to say this film is packed with FBI agents, the Mob, car chases, and train rides. That said, I really enjoy the small scenes: scamming cash from Red's Bar, Jack's hurried visit to his estranged wife and daughter, and the film's perfect ending. What really impressed me was the humor, especially from non-comedic actors De Niro and Grodin - they play so well off each other.

City Lights Films; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Buddy Comedy Films #1 Top

Sideways (2004), Director: Alexander Payne, rated R for language, sex, nudity

In Search of Wine. In Search of Women. In Search of Themselves.

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke, Jessica Hecht, MC Gainey

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #42 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Sideways

"Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it. Nothing. I am a thumbprint on the window of a skyscraper. I'm a smudge of excrement on a tissue surging out to sea with a million tons of raw sewage." – Miles

Why watch this? ... comedy, wine, romance, golf, depression, infidelity, more wine...

Plot Summary: Two middle-aged friends, Miles and Jack, are on a week-long road trip through California's Santa Barbara wine country as a celebration of Jack's upcoming wedding. Miles, a wine enthusiast and struggling writer, hopes for a peaceful escape from his recent divorce and stalled career. Jack, a carefree actor, is more focused on having one last fling before getting married.

Dad's Preview: Set in Santa Barbara wine country, this film's heart is wine-tasting, however its soul is the relationship between two best friends, Miles and Jack. One is an intelligent, struggling writer. The other is an over-confident, calloused, has-been actor. They are nothing alike. They fight a lot, as many best friends do, and they are often brutally honest. Yet deep down, the lugs love each other. Giamatti is quickly becoming my go-to actor, and Haden Church never disappoints.

Michael London Productions;
Fox Searchlight Pictures