August’s best releases of comedy films are marked by variety, ranging in format, style, and content. From an out-of-this-world sci-fi film (Paul) to more traditional worldly matters (Madea’s Big Happy Family), you’ll find plenty to keep you amused.
Paul (Widescreen and Blu-ray)
Two nerdy science-fiction enthusiasts take a road trip to visit pop culture sites involving UFO legends. Along the way, they run into a real alien – a four-feet tall, CGI-created visitor from another planet (voiced by Seth Rogen). Federal agents take an interest in the two geeks when they decide to help their new friend return to his mother ship. There’s lots of humor (and guest stars) in this partially animated film that is definitely not family fare.
- Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen (voice), Jeremy Owen, Jeffrey Tambor, Jane Lynch, David Koechner, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig
- Director: Greg Mottola
- Writers: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg
- Genre: Sci-Fi Action Comedy
- Run Time: 104 minutes
- Rating: R (for language including sexual references, and some drug use)
- Release Date: August 9, 2011
Super (Widescreen and Blu-ray)
An unstable short-order cook dons the persona of “The Crimson Bolt” to rescue his drug-addicted wife from a seedy crowd at a local nightclub. His misguided religious convictions and loose grip on reality combine to make him charge after villains (and would-be villains) with hatred in his heart and a large wrench in his fist. Part action film, part comedy, and part morality tale, this quirky little film made the festival circuit earlier this year.
- Starring Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Rooker, Nathan Fillion, Linda Cardellini, Andre Royo, Sean Gunn, Don Mac, Gregg Henry
- Director: James Gunn
- Writer: James Gunn
- Genre: Action Comedy
- Run Time: 96
- Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, sexual content, and drug use)
- Release Date: August 9, 2011
- Read a review of Super.
Win Win (Widescreen and Blu-ray)
In this dark comedy, a struggling attorney moonlights as a wrestling coach for some extra money to pay the bills. When he sees the opportunity to help one family while simultaneously taking advantage of their crisis, he finds more success at work and at his matches. It’s only a matter of time, however, until his deception is discovered, and he’s called upon to make amends with his client, his family, and his own conscience.
- Starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Alex Shaffer, Margo Martindale, David W. Thompson
- Director: Tom McCarthy
- Writers: Tom McCarthy (screenplay and story); Joe Tiboni
- Genre: Comedy
- Run Time: 106 minutes
- Rating: R (for language)
- DVD Release Date: August 23, 2011
- Read a review of Win Win.
Madea’s Big Happy Family (Widescreen and Blu-ray)
A brazen grandmother takes action when her niece announces a health condition, and the rest of the family provides other significant problems. Broken marriages, anger management, jail time, and drug dealing are just a few of the situations that Grandma Madea plans to tackle. But can she maintain her wise-cracking cheerfulness when a family secret is revealed?
- Starring Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry, Natalie Desselle, Shannon Kane, Bow Wow, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, Rodney Perry, Teyana Taylor
- Director: Tyler Perry
- Writers: Tyler Perry
- Genre: Dramedy
- Run Time: 106 minutes
- Rating: PG-13 (for drug content, language, and some mature thematic material)
- DVD Release Date: August 30, 2011
- For additional information, visit the official website.
For more information about any of these movies, visit Internet Movie Database.
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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