Never Retallack |  Entertainment Editor

1. “I Love You, Man” (2009)

Directed by John Hamburg, “I Love You, Man” is a knee-slapping funny comedy, starring Paul Rudd, Jason Siegel, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg and other big name actors. The film centers around Rudd’s character, Peter, who gets engaged to his girlfriend and it isn’t until the wedding planning begins when he realizes he doesn’t have many male friends. His journey to find his best man for the wedding includes a couple awkward ooooo man-dates, mistaken sexuality and the meeting of Siegel’s character, Sydney. This movie is full of awkwardness, strangeness and lots of Rush. Available on Amazon Prime.

2. “Spy” (2015)

Paul Feig directed this masterpiece starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham and other notable actors. The story revolves around McCarthy’s character, Susan, who works as a CIA analyst until her big moment comes where she must go undercover. The somewhat outlandish tale showcases German dancing, poison, ridiculous fake identities and most of all, empowerment. The movie is fun to watch as Susan becomes more confident and delivers intense battle scenes. Plot twists and intense action sequences padded by dry and witty humor is a crowd pleaser for all. Available on Youtube and Amazon Prime.

3. “What We Do In The Shadows” (2014)

This masterpiece was created by two directors, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement, who also happen to play two of the vampires in this mockumentary. The concept of the film is that a group of vampires — mostly notorious ones at that — have permitted a film crew to come and observe their lives. Viago, an awkward, quirky and love-sick vampire, acts as a peacemaker in his flat. Vladislav, or better known as, “Vlad the Impaler” is sexual, old-fashioned and hurt by an ex. Petyr, or better known as Nosfaratu, resides in the house as well, he also made Deacon and Nick, the two youngest, into vampires. This mockumentary is clever, weird and timeless in cinema, capturing the bizarre in the most hilarious fashion. Available on Kanopy, a site free for students.

4. “Between Two Ferns: The Movie” (2019)

Scott Aukerman, director of the show “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” is also responsible for the movie adaptation. This mockumentary is painfully awkward with equal part hilarity. What could go wrong with having Galifianakis play himself while roasting different celebrities to please Will Ferrell? Prepare to be shocked, amused and horrified all at the same time; it is the perfect reward after a day’s worth of Zoom meetings and online readings. Word of advice, watch until the very end for hilarious bloopers. Available on Netflix.

5. “Little Evil” (2017)

Eki Craig directed and wrote this modern tale of Antichrist hilarity, casting Adam Scott as Gary, a step dad struggling to connect with his twisted stepson, Lucas. This movie perfectly demonstrates common tropes around the Antichrist and uses references to horror films such as “Poltergeist” (1982) and “The Omen” (1976) to really draw in the audience. The obvious evilness of Lucas, the naiveness of his mother and a group of struggling stepdads who all see their children as the Antichrist make for one brilliant movie. Available on Netflix.

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

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