Sometimes when a television show becomes so much bigger than the tiny screen they are held to, you’ll find that some of your favourite beloved series scuttle over to the cinemas. The problem being is that some of them don’t work because they are lost in translation, struggling over their already niche market and the need to fill seats. Other times, they are fantastic, hitting every spot and their rib tickling adventures makes it a riot, much like Serenity. The trend sees more comedy shows head to the big screen and with the release of Mrs Browns Boys D’Movie (I know, I know;) let’s have a look at funny television shows that have successfully made their way to film.
The uncouth and satirical television show by Matt Parker and Trey Stone launched in the 90s, and they inspired a generation of potty-mouthed children who are happily foul today. The release of the movie brought cheers globally with the promise of debauchery and hilarity. Parodying the likes of Disney and Les Miserables, the film revolves around Kyle, Stan, Cartman and Kenny seeing an R-Rated movie. The parents go one step too far and wage war against, not only the creators, but the entire country of Canada. Though many jokes do go too far, it’s an unforgettable collection of jokes for adults to giggle dirtily to one another. It also has the most insanely catchy song “Blame Canada” which is perfect for Canada on Tuesday.
It was either this or Mr Bean’s Holiday, but there is something so special about the 1997 classic that you can’t help but love. The problem is, Mr Bean as a character splits people down the middle: those who get Rowan Atkinson’s goofball antics and those who don’t. Growing up, I loved him and now I don’t. It is ever changing. But there is something so outstanding about this film that it’s a definite guilty pleasure. Bean is sent to Hollywood to unveil the priceless painting Whistler’s Mother. Unfortunately, with Bean in charge, things go a bit pear-shaped and disaster strikes. Funny and charming, a lot of Bean’s greatness relies on the chemistry between Atkinson and suffering Peter MacNicol. Just look for the “Yesterday” scene.
While this year’s sequel may encourage a few moans to slip from your lips, but the original spin off from the successful television series was a riot. Taking the new graduated sixth formers to the island of Crete, Will, Jay, Neil and Simon plan to have a summer vacation to bid farewell to their school years. But as soon as they arrive there, they discover that their bad luck has carried on from England. Fortunately, they seem to have caught the eye of several ladies. Can they survive the trip and find love at the same time? With the same gusto as the previous television adventures, it was still a hoot to watch.
Sacha Baron Cohen is one of those actors that splits people down the middle. After all, his antics have gone a mile too far at times. Nevertheless, he has made some astute observations as well as terrifically putting in hysterical humour that goes from selective word play to sex jokes. Though he may be controversial, each film has it’s golden moments. Ali G Indahouse will always have the monopoly when it comes to picking movies from Cohen’s wheelhouse. Sometimes troubling and bad, it has genuine moments of hysterics, but none as good as Martin Freeman as a gangster.
They’ve not just had one, they’ve not just had two, but the felt friends that we all know and love have had 10 theatrical releases (and roughly four straight-to-DVD films). Kermit and co. have delighted audiences of all ages, translating well to the big screen since 1979 with The Muppet Movie, the most puntastic movie this side of Airplane!. Their efforts even carried on into Disney’s takeover with the wonderful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Everyone has their favourite and the likes of Gonzo, Fozzie and Kermit have made cinema their triumphant medium! It’s time to play the music...
What Do You Think?
What comedy shows have become movies?
Which are your favourites?
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