So apparently May is a depressing month. It is the awareness month of no less than five VERY serious diseases: Brain Tumors, Mental Illness, Skin Cancer and ALS, AKA Lou Gehrig’s disease. I don’t know who’s in charge of the illness awareness calendar, and I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think it’s good for you to be aware of so many ailments at the same time. As a form of escapism, I decided to look to the cinematic and TV archives for the best titles that deal with either mental disorders or terminal illnesses, and try to decide where they were done the most justice. Since there are so many different films about this subject I divided my showdown into five categories:

1. TV Series

Boss (2011) vs. Homeland (2011)

Although both TV series are not strictly about disease, the illnesses their characters suffer from are one of the main reasons for the choices they make and the actions they take. When the boss of Chicago, mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer), discovers he suffers from a terminal illness that has no cure, he is determined to: (a) keep it a secret, (b) try and reconcile with his estranged daughter, and (c) do everything he can to secure his political legacy. In Homeland, CIA officer Carrie Anderson (Claire Danes) suffers from bipolar disorder, which drives her obsession to investigate her suspect no matter what her boss says. While Danes’ character is infinitely more sympathetic than Grammer’s, the complexity of Boss gives it the edge. 1 – 0 for the terminally ill.

2. Documentary

How to Die in Oregon (2011) vs. The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)

In the dead corner we have a film about the first American state to legalize assisted suicides and how different people deal with their death. In the mad corner, we see the rise and fall of an idiosyncratic and mentally ill musician, whose psyche never gave him a chance at success. Both film are Sundance Festival winners. This is a very difficult choice for me. On the one hand, the subject matter of How to Die in Oregon is more important and thought provoking. On the other, the sincere and unflinching portrayal of an unstable human being and his very unique music makes for a very different and refreshing film. I’ll call it a draw.

3. Comedy

50/50 (2011) vs. The Savages (2007)

In 50/50 Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) learns he has a malignant tumor and has a 50/50 chance of survival. Brother and sister Savage (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney) learn that their estranged father has dementia, and they need to take care of him. Laughing at with such serious subjects is no mean feat. And when you have Seth Rogen in the cast, the chance of offending someone can somewhat grow. But the result is a really touching comedy that is not too sappy with a dash of “in your face” Rogen. The great cast of The Savages and a very good script make it complex and three dimensional. I’m still undecided – a draw.

4. Offbeat

Beginners (2010) vs. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Ewan McGregor gets two surprising revelations from his elderly father (Oscar Winner Christopher Plummer): He comes out as gay and has terminal cancer. The film begins after the loveable father’s death, and has a nonlinear style, leaping back and forth from his relationship with his dying but upbeat dad, his dealings with grief, sexuality, commitment, and meeting a new woman (Melanie Laurent). Johnny Depp plays Gilbert Grape, who deals with an extremely obese mom and a mentally ill brother (Leonardo Di Caprio). Both protagonists have a lot on their plate, and both films offer tender moments and good acting. It’s the lead actor that tips the scale, and Depp’s performance is far better than McGregor’s ultimately unsatisfying character. The mental cases get on the board; it’s a 1-1 draw.

5. Contemplative

The Barbarian Invasions (2003) vs. Persona (1966)

Estranged family and old friends try to make the final days of an ill professor as agreeable as they can, while the dying man reflects on his choices, way of life and philosophy. In Ingmar Bergman’s experimental film a young and beautiful nurse (Bibi Andersson) is isolated with a mentally ill actress (Liv Ullman) for her therapy. The inexperienced caregiver is swept into a strange co-dependent relationship that is not recommended for any therapist. While Bergman’s essential film is interesting, and sweeping with amazing acting from the two leads, the human warmth present in Denys Arcand’s drama, with much wit and humor, made it’s way right into my heart. 2-1 to the dying who return to the lead.

6. Rough

Fireworks (1997) vs. The Killer Inside Me (2010)

An ex-cop goes on a killing spree, while dealing with his wife’s terminal illness, in Takeshi Kitano’s crime drama; In Michael Winterbottom’s adaptation of Jim Thompson’s novel, we get into the mind of a psychopathic sheriff who moonlights as a serial killer. Both films are brutally violent, with Kitano’s character abiding by Tuco’s (or, The Ugly) rule of combat (shoot, don’t talk) while kicking major Yakuza butt, and Casey Affleck killing mercilessly with no remorse. It’s those moments of tenderness in Fireworks, where Kitano’s old partner is painting, and the violence quells (for a bit), that make this film more complete than the detached character study of a psychopath Winterbottom sets out to explore. 3-1, death is getting ahead.

7. True Story/Biography

Philadelphia (1993) vs. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Tom Hanks plays a lawyer that deals with AIDS and discrimination in his workplace in this powerful drama, which is relevant also today. The rise and fall of the unstable Mathematician John Nash (Russell Crowe) is the story of A Beautiful Mind. Both movies won Oscars and both are very moving, but for me the acting of Hanks is superior to Rowe’s so Philly gets the nod. Death is leading 4-1, It looks hopeless for the crazies.

8. Scary

The Exorcist (1973) vs. Psycho (1960)

Max von Sydow’s character, the priest, is dealing with his mother’s terminal illness in The Exorcist, while Norman Bates’ split personality lands him in the mental illness category in Alfred Hitchcock’s horror masterpiece. The nod goes, obviously, to Norman, for a flawless performance in a flawless film. Not to take away from one of the more scary and complex supernatural horror flicks ever made. 4-2, is it too late for an insane comeback?

9. What About Jack?

Terms of Endearment (1983) vs. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Jack Nicholson won an Oscar for both pictures. The first contender is about the up and down relationship between a mother and her daughter, who deals with a terminal illness at a certain point. Jack plays a free-wheeling ex-astronaut who has a love affair with the mother while being his usual eccentric self. In the second, Jack is a con man who fakes insanity and winds up in a mental institution. While in prison they only contain your body, he finds the efforts to control his mind unbearable. Both are great movies, but it’s hard to surpass Milos Forman’s masterpiece from 1975. 4-3 and it’s down to the last shootout.

10. Ensemble Cast

Magnolia (1999) vs. Happiness (1998)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama shows a day in the lives of a number of interconnected characters. One of them (played by Philip Baker Hall), plays a former TV producer who is dying from cancer and tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter. Todd Solondz’s many characters in Happiness are all on the scale of a mental illness. It starts with a dysfunctional person and ends with the pedophile. These are both great films, that try to say something interesting about today’s society, but the melodramatic nature of Magnolia as opposed to Solondz’s dark humor, and fearlessness in the face of disturbing themes gives the win to Happiness. And we have a shocking 4-4 tie. Next year we’ll do a rematch, ok?

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Technorati Tags: May, illness awareness month, Brain Tumors, Mental Illness, Skin Cancer, ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, escapism, mental disorders, terminal illnesses, Boss, Homeland, Kelsey Grammer, Tom Kane, Claire Danes, Carrie Anderson, bipolar disorder, TV Series, Documentary, How to Die in Oregon, The Devil and Daniel Johnston, Sundance Festival winners, Comedy, 50/50, The Savages, dementia, Adam Lerner, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney, Seth Rogen, Beginners, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Ewan McGregor, Oscar Winner, Christopher Plummer, coming out, gay, obese, Melanie Laurent, Johnny Depp, Leonardo Di Caprio, The Barbarian Invasions, Persona, Fireworks, The Killer Inside Me, Ingmar Bergman, Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullman, caregiver, therapist, Denys Arcand, Takeshi Kitano, Michael Winterbottom, Jim Thompson, psychopathic, Casey Affleck, Winterbottom, Philadelphia, A Beautiful Mind, Tom Hanks, Aids, discrimination, John Nash, Russell Crowe, Oscar winner, The Exorcist, Psycho, Max von Sydow, Norman Bates, Alfred Hitchcock, Terms of Endearment, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Jack Nicholson, Milos Forman, Magnolia, Happiness, Paul Thomas Anderson, Philip Baker Hall, Todd Solondz

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Emmy awards are coming up. I don’t always agree with the Emmy decision makers and favorites such as Sex and the City (overrated 1), Will and Grace (overrated 2), Everybody Loves Raymond (overrated 3) and Friends (overrated 4). Bad-mouthing Jesus, Muhammad and Moses might be safer than saying that Friends is overrated, but I’m going to take my chances.

So here is my pick of the 10 funniest shows of the 2000s. These 10 actually make people laugh (maybe that’s why most of them don’t use laugh tracks…).

10. The Sarah Silverman Program
In 3 genes: Immature, silly, irreverent humor

No topic is out of range for Sarah Silverman, who made a name for herself with shocking stand-up routines and continued that line of ungodly humor in her show (especially the episode which did include god, who had sex with Sarah and then got dumped by her…). It’s a shame that after the show’s 3rd season, Comedy Central canceled this cutting-edge comedy gem that would’ve been offensive if it weren’t so darn funny.

9. Louie
In 3 genes: Performer’s life, gloomy, politically (in)correct

Filtered through the observational humor of Louis C.K. and his daily life as a stand-up comedian in New York, this new TV series is clever and absolutely hilarious. Some might find C.K’s humor too direct or his political incorrectness offensive, but you can’t please ‘em all… Just like Seinfeld, the show begins and ends with C.K doing stand up, and just like Seinfeld, this is one of the best comedy shows ever made. The reason for putting it at number 9 is that it’s only in its first season. FX already ordered a second.

8. The Flight of the Conchords
In 3 genes: Surreal, culture clash, musician’s life

Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, better known as the music band Flight of the Conchords, have moved from New Zealand to Brooklyn, New York, in an attempt to make it big in the United States. Unfortunately their unique talent doesn’t sit well with an American audience, and their hilariously incompetent band manager, Murray, doesn’t help. This series retired while ahead and unfortunately lasted only 2 seasons. Australia’s talents pale in comparison to these talents from New Zealand.

7. Arrested Development
In 3 genes: Offbeat, eccentric family, voice over

Shot with a shaky camera and a mockumentary style, Arrested Development is reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tennenbaums. Truly unusual in the world of TV sitcoms, it employed a kind of humor that often exhibited a dark side. Good news for fans of the series: A movie based on the series is rumored to come out in 2012.

6. Da Ali G show
In 3 genes: Satire, interview, biting

This is the show that brought the world the Kazakh journalist Borat and the flamboyantly gay Austrian fashion reporter Bruno. The main character, though, was Ali G. who interviewed a variety of guests from the world of crime prevention, drug enforcement, the legal system and beyond to discuss issues of crime and drugs in England and America. The absolute naivete with which he interviewed his guests frequently caught them completely off guard.

5. Family Guy
In 3 genes: Pop culture reference, cynical, irreverent humor

With parents like Peter and Lewis Griffin, a mad baby (who has an English accent and is keen on ruling the world), and two teenage kids, it’s absolutely clear that Brian the family dog is the smartest member of the Griffin clan. This series managed to insult every man, woman, ethnic group, religion and animal in existence. Those who weren’t offended by the show are the ones who really should be.

4. 30 Rock
In 3 genes: Showbiz, witty, boss and employee

A critical hit, 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey have more trophies at home than Michael Phelps and Michael Jordan put together. Alongside Fey and Baldwin, the show has a strong supporting cast that includes a crazy Tracy Jordan/ Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Judah Friedlander. Famous guest stars also add to the appeal of the show (Jerry Seinfeld, Opera Winfrey, Al Gore, Steve Martin and Julianne Moore, just to name a few).

3. Extras
In 3 genes: Unfulfillment, showbiz, clever

One great show might be a fluke, but two great shows (The Office and Extras) must mean Ricky Gervais is a genius. Gervais stars as Andy Millman, a lowly extra who spends most of his life on film and TV sets as he awaits a mercifully brief appearance. Millman’s friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen) is also an extra and finds herself in a similar predicament. Millman usually tries to bond with the biggest celebrity on the set in a desperate attempt to get himself out of the extras business, but his lack of tact and bad luck usually leave him right back where he started.

2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
In 3 genes: Comedy of errors, showbiz, misfit.

Here is another genius who made two great shows: Larry David. In Curb Your Enthusiasm he plays himself: an incomprehensibly successful writer and co-creator of Seinfeld with $400 million in his bank account. But all this is no match for the constant disturbances that wreak havoc on his daily life. Curb Your Enthusiasm is, quite simply, television at its finest, a brilliant and hysterical work of comic genius that absurdly and perfectly blends reality with fiction.

1. The Office
In 3 genes: Obnoxious boss, workplace situations, mockumentary

My number one is shared by two series: the British and the American version of The Office. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are the masterminds behind this brilliant satire of 9-5 office life. In both versions, camera crews follow the boss and his employees around in mockumentary style. The series succeeded in capturing the quiet desperation of the employees working in a socially suffocating environment under the direction of a delusional boss. It’s as hilarious as it is uncomfortable to watch Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and David Brent (Ricky Gervais).

By the way, our favorites for the Emmy awards are: Best Comic Actor: Steve Carell (deserves it before his departure from the series), Best Comic Actress: Amy Poehler (in this I’m more optimistic than Cultural Learnings), Best Dramatic Actor: Hugh Laurie (will you give it to him already??!!), Best Dramatic Actress: Glenn Close (no competition), Best Comedy Series: Curb Your Enthusiasm (fantastic 7th season with the friends from Seinfeld), Best Drama Series: Lost (you just have to honor this series; it was one of the best ever, even if some or all of the questions were left unanswered).

Disagree and think that I should be exiled for dissing Friends? Agree with every word and want to back me up? Please add your comment below

Technorati Tags: comedy, Emmy Awards, TV, television, TV show

Popularity: 22% [?]

Want to submit your own Gene 5 piece? More info at the end of the post.

Living in a different country from my immediate family makes me realize how much I appreciate having them in my life.  If I had to choose one word to describe my childhood and household, it would be laughter. We were always cracking jokes, each in our own way. My father with his dry humor, my mother with her cute Lucille Ball-like situations, my older brother with his hysterical sarcasm, and then me.

I see a huge influence from each of them on my approach to humor today. That is why I am always looking for a great family life comedy. Also, there is no family-based television show or movie that does not explore the embarrassment that parents create for their children, and vice versa, which was a very constant theme in my house… Therefore, my top 5 list consists of the following:

1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Nothing quite captures quality family time like this movie. My family took many a road trip together, and every time I watch this movie it brings back those amazing memories and good times.

2. The Wonder Years

This show was set in one of the best periods of time: hippies and free love. It captured it all so well. This was also the first show I watched that showed me what high school was like.  Not to mention, I always had the biggest crush on Kevin Arnold.

3. Roseanne

When I would complain that my parents were embarrassing me, they would often say “we are nothing compared to the Conner’s.” At the time I disagreed. However, now when I watch the show and see Roseanne and Dan Conner at their worst, I realize how lucky I really was to have such normal parents.  Also, re-watching episodes as an adult, I realize how dirty the show really is, and how cool my parents were for actually letting me watch it.

4. I Love Lucy

This might not be the typical “family comedy,”, but it is the perfect one for me (and if you break it down it is about a family, and it is very much a comedy).  The reason I had to put it on the list is because this is the show that my mother and I would always watch together. I remember my mother would let me stay up so that we could watch last-night episodes together, the same way she used to with her mother when the episodes originally aired.  I watch episodes now when I need to be reminded of simpler times when all was good, and to just laugh out loud.

5. The Princess Bride

BEST MOVIE EVER! Every year, my family would sit down at one point and watch this movie, together (not a common thing AT ALL…). We have countless private jokes from this movie. I often find myself making people watch this movie, and if they do not enjoy it as much as I do, I get offended (I realize I did not make this movie, but that is how strongly I feel connected to it :) ).

What’s your favorite gene (search term) on Jinni? Is there one, or several combined, that especially expresses your tastes – or your life? Email us at bloggers@jinni.com with a piece about your favorite gene and the 5 movies or shows that express it for you (200-500 words; or you can present your ideas in images/video), and we’ll publish our Gene 5 selections on a rolling basis.

Technorati Tags: family tv, family television, family movie, family comedy, funny movie, bloggers, guest bloggers, guest blogging

Popularity: 2% [?]

A new all-star comedy from Adam Sandler and friends is coming out this week. To mark the occasion, we’ve picked ten of the funniest scenes from all-star comedies. Most all-star comedies manage to be blockbusters, but there are a few exceptions to suggest that an all-star cast telling a few jokes doesn’t always spell success. Will Grown Ups be a box office success? I think so. Will it be a critical success? I’d bet my right leg it won’t be…

10. Grown Ups (2010)

The Stars: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Kevin James, Maria Bello, Steve Buscemi.
Gross: N/A

From the clips released so far we recognize Sandler’s signature humor: Silly, infantile and gross. With two other big names from the comedy world (Rock and James) and the surprising casting of two beautiful and talented supporting actresses (Bello and Hayek), it might be a return to form for Adam Sandler. (As far as I’m concerned Zohan was Sandler at top form. So relax, I’m not exactly expecting Citizen Kane.)

9. Anger Management (2003)

The Stars: Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler, Marisa Tomei, John Turturro, Woody Harrelson, Luis Guzman.
Gross: $195,745,823

We all knew Sandler and Nicholson go to basketball games together, but still, it was a big surprise when they were in the same movie together. The result was – of course – hilarious. Another reason for the movie’s success was Woody Harrelson’s brief appearance as a transvestite and John Turturro’s turn in the usual John Turturro role – a crazy person.

8. Date Night (2010)

The Stars: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Ray Liotta.
Gross: $149,368,943

4 of the 6 stars made a name for themselves on the smaller screen: Carell in The Office, Fey in 30 Rock, Franco in Freaks and Geeks and Kunis in Family Guy and That 70s Show. A TV series based on the movie might work: That 70s Date Night (time travel-related, and without Ashton Kutcher), Date Night in The Office (the premise: who knew a cubical could be so romantic?), etc.

7. Wedding Crashers (2005)

The Stars: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Christopher Walken, Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Bradley Cooper.
Gross: $285,176,741

This movie made a whole lot of money. I think it wasn’t just the all-star cast, but the wedding-related title and plot. The following movies are all blockbusters: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, American Wedding, The Wedding Singer, Four Weddings and a Funeral, My Best Friend’s Wedding. If you are a filmmaker and you want to make a blockbuster, put the word “wedding” in your title and hire an all-star cast. It’s that simple.

6. The Invention of Lying (2009)

The Stars: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Edward Norton.
Gross: $32,114,161

This movie didn’t make a lot of money, but I think it was great. If I lived in the universe of the movie and lacked the ability to lie, I would say that: Ricky Gervais isn’t as good at making movies as he is at making TV series, Jennifer Garner is rather muscular, Rob Lowe is annoying, Tina Fey is overrated, 3 Michael Cera’s can live in Jonah Hill and Edward Norton should hit himself Fight Club style for doing Pride and Glory.

5. The Life Aquatic (2004)

The Stars: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum.
Gross: $34,808,403

Nobody really expected a super offbeat Wes Anderson movie to be a blockbuster, but this movie really failed financially. The 50 million dollar budget didn’t even cover itself. Viewers just didn’t find the idea of depressed and eccentric seamen walking around in blue suits and silly red hats that alluring.

4. Dogma (1999)

The Stars: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, George Carlin, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, Jason Lee.
Gross: $30,652,890

As the clip suggests (George Carlin presents a statue called buddy Christ), this was a very controversial movie. Director Kevin Smith received no less than 300,000 hate mails following this movie and at least 250,000 of them complained about Alanis Morissette being depicted as god…! Even if the biggest ever all star-cast appeared in a Kevin Smith movie (Branjelina, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp for example), the movie would probably not be a blockbuster because it would be too controversial.

3. Talladega Nights (2006)

The Stars: Will Ferrell, Sacha Baron Cohen, John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan, Amy Adams, Jane Lynch.
Gross: $162,966,177

The names Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen guaranteed that all fans of anarchy and comedy would turn out at movie theaters to watch their shenanigans. Therefore it made more than $160 million at the box office. If those two continue to collaborate, a movie that features Ron Burgundy interviewing Borat sounds like a good idea to me. Actually, they will continue to collaborate: in 2011 they will make a Sherlock Holmes movie, more humorous than Guy Ritchie’s one. It is still unclear who will be Watson and who will be Holmes.

2. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

The Stars: Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, Anjelica Huston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Bill Murray.

Gross: $71,441,240

I think that the world would be a better place if everyone would treat their stabbers like Gene Hackman’s character treats his: “That’s the last time you put a knife in me.” No retaliation, no lawsuit, just an assertive demand that I’m sure will be fulfilled. Gene Hackman, a serious actor, might have not agreed to be in the same movie with Ben Stiller, but Robert De Niro paved the way for “serious actors”-Stiller partnerships with the groundbreaking (only in that aspect) 2000 movie Meet the Parents.

1. Tropic Thunder (2008)

The Stars: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, Nick Nolte.
Gross: $188,072,649

The great success of this movie (both financially and critically) can be explained by the fact that half the stars of this movie were way out of character: Tom Cruise was funny, Downey Jr. was black, Matthew McConaughey wasn’t in a romantic comedy. As for the other three, they can only play one character - Stiller is always Ben Stiller, Nolte is always hoarse and Black is always fat and silly. At least they’re good at it.

Technorati Tags: comedy, comedian, comedy scenes, comedy clips

Popularity: 8% [?]

This week Get Him to the Greek is releasing, starring 26-year-old Jonah Hill. On June 7^th, Michael Cera (who still looks 14) is celebrating his 23^rd birthday. Besides those two, there are many more young actors who are fast becoming big comedy stars. Interestingly, most of them started their careers on TV and went on to star in big-budget Hollywood comedies. Here is my pick of the ten best comic actors under the age of 30:

10. Clark Duke (25)

Discovered in: Greek

Clark Duke just might be the next Seth Rogen: He wears glasses, he’s a bit overweight, he’s funny and he started his road to stardom in a TV series (Greek). Duke made Sex Drive in 2008, and in 2010 was in two very successful movies – Kick-Ass and Hot Tub Time Machine. His next movie will be with Eddie Murphy (A Thousand Words). My tip to you Clark: Don’t bond with Eddie Murphy, but with someone whose career is going in a bit of a more positive direction - Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow for example.

9. Danny Pudi (29)

Discovered in: Community

Danny Pudi is the funniest crew member in the TV series Community, and that’s a big compliment. Abed is probably the funniest character on TV today. Community is the first time we noticed 29-year-old Pudi, a late bloomer perhaps, but well worth the wait. One thing you probably couldn’t guess in a million years: He can speak Polish! (He’s half-Indian and half-Polish.)

8. Christopher Mintz-Plasse (20)

Discovered in: Superbad

The youngest actor in this list, and already a big star. Christopher first appeared in Superbad, in an unforgettable role as McLovin’. Then came a role in Role Models as the cape-wearing Augie, a small part in Year One, and of course the part of Red Mist in Kick-Ass. This supergeek from Superbad also contributed his voice to How To Train Your Dragon and is destined to star in Kick-Ass 2.

7. Aubrey Plaza (25)

Discovered in: Parks and Recreation

I am in love with Aubrey Plaza. I fell in love with her in Parks and Recreation. It wasn’t love at first sight, but a thing that developed as I got to know her. I think it was somewhere in the second season that I was already head-over-heels in love with her. If you are reading this, Aubrey (who was also great in Funny People) please contact me: I am healthy with a complete set of teeth, average height and weight, speak no less than two languages (!) and have a great job (at Jinni, where I can write love letters to famous actresses).

6. Aziz Ansari (27)

Discovered in: Human Giant

Aubrey’s friend from Parks and Recreation (stay away from her, Aziz!) is just hilarious, and it’s not like he needs to make a special effort in order to be so. I first saw Ansari in the crazy MTV sketch show Human Giant. From there he went on to do small parts in I Love You, Man, Observe and Report, Funny People and now in Get Him to the Greek. Human Giant was supposed to go on for one more season, but Aziz preferred moving on to Parks and Recreation. Although I really enjoyed Human Giant, I think he made the right choice.

5. Mila Kunis (26)

Discovered in: That 70’s Show

Mila has been on TV since forever: She was Jackie in That 70’s Show, Girl in Robot Chicken, and, if you didn’t know by now, she is also Meg from Family Guy. Kunis was also in many funny movies - Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Extract, Date Night and the two unintentional comedies: The Book of Eli and Max Paine (maybe I’m exaggerating, but you have to admit they were pretty bad).

4. Jason Schwartzman (29)

Discovered in: Rushmore

His breakthrough performance already took place in 1998 (In Wes Anderson’s Rushmore) at the tender age of 17. In 2004 he was in the bizarre I Heart Huckabees, in 2007 he collaborated with Wes Anderson again in the dramedy The Darjeeling Limited. 2009 was a great year for him: 1. He was in the Judd Apatow/Adam Sandler vehicle Funny People 2. He got his own show at HBO: Bored To Death. The show got positive reviews and ratings and was renewed for a second season.

3. Jonah Hill (26)

Discovered in: Superbad

Jonah Hill was in so many successful comedies that it’s almost impossible to believe he’s only 26. He was a supporting actor in Grandma’s Boy, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Funny People and The Invention of Lying and the lead in Superbad and Get Him to the Greek. I’m actually a bit jealous of him, I mean the guy has tons of money and he’s already worked with all the greats – Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, Ricky Gervais, Seth Rogen … At least he’s ugly.

2. Michael Cera (22)

Discovered in: Arrested Development

Cera keeps getting cast as a teenage boy. He seems much younger than his age, and that’s difficult considering he’s only 22! Cera first came into our collective knowledge in 2003 when he portrayed an innocent-looking teenager in the TV series Arrested Development. In 2007 he was Evan, an innocent-looking teenager in Superbad. In the same year he was also surprisingly cast as… an innocent-looking teenager in Juno. 2008 was a turning point for him – he was an innocent-looking teenager in Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist. In 2009 he made the awful Year One where he was an innocent-looking teenager from prehistory. Youth in Revolt was a stretch for his acting abilities: he portrayed an innocent-looking teenager who develops a split personality. Will Cera ever get to play an adult? Or at least a non-innocent teenager? Only time will tell…

1. Seth Rogen (28)

Discovered in: Freaks and Geeks

One of the biggest names in Hollywood today, Seth started out in Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks, the hit TV series from 1999. From there, his road was paved with success: Small parts in Anchorman and The 40-Year-Old Virgin established his good relations in the comedy industry. He went on to work with Apatow some more (Knocked Up, Superbad, Pineapple Express, Funny People) and also with Kevin Smith (Zack and Miri Make a Porno) and Adam Sandler (Funny People). Future projects include a movie called Paul with Simon Pegg, where he will give his voice to an alien and of course his superhero movie The Green Hornet.

It’s interesting to see that Judd Apatow, the biggest name in the comedy industry, had no less than five of these young talents in his latest movie Funny People: Seth Rogen, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza. I don’t think it’s only a coincidence, since both Apatow and I think that these are the names that will lead the next great comedies.

Technorati Tags: best comic actors, top comic actors, comedy, get him to the greek

Popularity: 16% [?]