Move over Robin Williams! There’s a new wave of comic men paving the way in Hollywood films. From the slapstick joker to the loveable loser, these talented funny guys prove themselves to not only be terrific actors, but also demonstrate the potential to overtake the laughter legends with their own batch of comic genius.
The Slapstick Joker
There are many comedians who make a name for themselves by doing stupid things that usually hurt. However, none stands out in ones mind more than Jim Carrey. Carrey has made a career out of falling down and hurting himself and uttering unforgettable one-liners. From Liar Liar to Dumb and Dumber, from Ace Ventura, to The Mask, Carrey has always played the leading goof ball with the silly face, stupid ideas and of course, perfect comedic timing.
But, as Carrey’s latest rival has proved time and time again, there’s a new master of slapstick and he’s here to stay. Will Ferrell has not only proved himself as one of the funniest men on television with his epic characters on Saturday Night Live, but now he’s moved into movies. Although Ferrell has been acting for many years, his continuous hilarity proves that he is holding on strong to his title as one of the masters of comedy. Through Old School, Kicking and Screaming, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy, Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory we watch Will run through campus drunk and naked, pick a caffeine induced fight with a soccer mom, fall into a bear den, catch himself on fire, and skate with another male to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, all the while providing us with classic one-liners (“Milk was a bad choice”; “Do you think KFC is still open?”; and “Shake and Bake”), and hilarious memorable characters. Coming up we see Ferrell in Semi-Pro which will no doubt demonstrate Ferrell’s undeniable talent at being a complete and utter dumb ass.
The Lovable Loser
Steve Carell has been around for almost as long as Will Ferrell. And, like Ferrell, Carell had mostly stuck to playing the same character. In Carell’s instance, his choice de la funny is the loveable loser, a goofy, harmless guy with not a lot of luck with the ladies and with life. Although they try hard enough, something always goes wrong with the poor loser. Carell plays this point to perfection as unlucky virgin Andy in the 40 year old Virgin, as ill-fated politician Evan in Evan Almighty, as single dad Dan in Dan in Real Life and as suicidal Frank in Little Miss Sunshine. Even his character as the self-proclaimed world’s best boss Michael Scott in the ever hilarious The Office, forms to this typecast.
However, there’s a new lovable loser in town that’s giving Carell a serious run for his funny. And that is goofy newcomer Seth Rogan. Rogan played “ugly” friend Cal alongside Carell in the 40 Yr Old Virgin, before taking off as a leading man. From there he starred as the timid best friend in You, Me and Depree and as a un- expectant Dad in Knocked Up. In both these movies Rogan has proved that you don’t have to be the most attractive, or the smartest, or the most confident guy to be the funniest! Rogan has several projects coming up, including one with Knocked Up writer Judd Apatow and another legendary leader of laughter, Adam Sandler. This won’t be the last the public sees of this loveable loser.
Of course, all of these actors have played several diverse roles in the past and will more than likely reign superior in comedy for many more years to come. However, it is their typical comic characteristics of falling down and cracking one-liners, at losing at life but gaining at the audience's love, that help mould them into what they are today.
