Friday, April 9, 2021

Movies reflect human needs: Humor

Blogging from A to Z Challenge

ThemeMovies reflect human needs...

Humor


Images from storyblocks.com

Laughter is universal. Sure, what's funny to some might not be funny to others, but we all need a sense of humor. I can't count how many times humor has diffused tension or arguments in our home, or how many times humor pulled me out of a deep-blue funk. 
A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road. (Henry Ward Beecher)

I think the scariest person in the world is the person with no sense of humor. (Michael J. Fox)
And this one tickles me:
God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. (Garrison Kellor)
Some of my fondest times of prayer have been when He's helped me see something amusing about a situation, and I sensed Him laughing with me. 

Last year after surgery, when friends asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?" I responded, "Share funny stories."

There are abundant comedy films available, but I wanted to showcase movie characters who put their sense of humor to good use, or find value in laughter.

  • In a fun scene, the scout troop wants to surprise their scoutmaster (Fred MacMurray) with a clubhouse they built out of junk and scrap lumber, but before he enters, it completely collapses. There's an awkward moment... and then... he starts to laugh, the embarrassed boys relax and join in the laughter, too. (A clip of the scene found here.)
  • Based on a true story of a doctor who uses humor to treat patients. 
  • Comedian Mike Birbiglia finds the humor in the way his body reacts to stress (sleepwalking), and incorporates it into his standup routine.
The Stooge (1951)
  • Bill Miller's (Dean Martin) musical vaudeville act falls flat until he discovers a comic foil, Theodore "Ted" Rogers (Jerry Lewis). He needs that humor to add life to his performances.
  • Tired of directing comedy films, John Sullivan (Joel McCrea) wants to direct a serious movie about the poor. Problem is, he doesn't know what it's like to be penniless, so he tries to live like a hobo to gain experience. He definitely gains empathy for the poor, but along the way he gains a better understanding of the importance of humor.


What tickles your funny bone? Do you use humor to diffuse tension? Has something funny happened to you lately?


(Note: The movies listed might not be completely family-friendly. See my "Movie Content" information on the blog's sidebar.)


16 comments:

  1. I have been having a bought of sadness and anxiety when I stumbled upon the movie Despicable Me. I laughed out loud at many scenes and my husband commented that it was so good to hear me laughing.

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    1. I loooove Despicable Me! I'm so glad it helped lift your sadness during that time. Thank you for sharing that!

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  2. Laughing is good for health! We should laugh at least 10 minutes a day...

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    1. That would be wonderful to laugh at least 10 minutes a day.

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  3. Have you seen Game Night with Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams? It is so funny. I've watched it many times. Anytime someone comes over who hasn't seen it, I make them watch it. There is one scene where she's trying to remove a bullet (long story) that is beyond hysterical. Laughter is probably my primary requirement for any show or movie that I watch. No matter what genre, I want to have a little humor on the side. Weekends In Maine

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    1. I haven't seen Game Night. That scene sounds funny! I agree, no matter the genre, I need some humor--comic relief--too.

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  4. Humor is the best reason to watch a movie, for me anyway.

    I have only seen Patch Adams on your list but I didn't find the movie funny. There were amusing moments but I find the movie a bit cheesy but I suppose what's funny to one person may not be to another.

    Have a lovely day.

    My A-Z posts are here.

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    1. Definitely, everyone doesn't share the same sense of humor.

      It's been awhile since I watched Patch Adams and I don't recall it being comedic, but he's a good example of someone utilizing his sense of humor in everyday life.

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  5. I'm sorry I didn't come across your a to Z last year -- a whole month of humor would have been perfect!
    Black and White: I for Isles

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    1. Last year's theme about what makes me laugh sure helped me through some rough spots!

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  6. I haven't seen Patch Adams. It is cathartic to laugh.

    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. That's for sure. When I get down and in a low mood, laughter is usually the only thing that breaks its grip on me.

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  7. I love the first two "Home Alone" movies because they consistently make me laugh every single time I watch them! Harry and Marv stumbling into Kevin's booby traps is just priceless!

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    1. Now I'm laughing just thinking about some of those scenes!

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  8. Trudy,

    I love comedies and laughing always makes me feel better when I'm tired or stressed or not well. I haven't seen any new movies that are funny enough worth recommending but just comedies from the 80s and early 90s were top notch! We loved the National Lampoon Vacation series, especially Christmas Vacation and Vacation. I'm sure you've seen those. Any of Chevy Chase or Bill Murray movies will leave you holding your sides. Billy Crystal is great, too. I loved him in the City Slicker films. His dead pan humor breaks me up!

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    1. Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, and Billy Crystal... funny guys! They can make me laugh, for sure!

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